AK-15
Kalashnikov Concern (formerly Izhmash) · Assault Rifle · In Production · 2018
Also known as: 6P71, Kalashnikov AK-15
Overview
The AK-15 (GRAU index 6P71) is a fifth-generation Russian assault rifle developed by Kalashnikov Concern as part of the Ratnik future soldier program. It is the 7.62x39mm variant of the AK-12, sharing the same receiver, fire control group, and modernized features but chambered for the heavier intermediate cartridge to provide greater terminal effect at closer engagement ranges. The AK-15 retains all the improvements of the AK-12 platform including a full-length Picatinny top rail, additional side and bottom rail sections on the handguard, an adjustable and foldable polymer stock, ambidextrous fire controls, and a four-position selector offering safe, semi-automatic, two-round burst, and fully automatic fire modes. Officially adopted by the Russian Ministry of Defence in January 2018 alongside the AK-12, it was included in the initial 150,000-unit contract for delivery between 2019 and 2021. The AK-15 offers Russian forces a modern platform for the 7.62x39mm cartridge where its greater stopping power is preferred over the 5.45x39mm.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3500 g (123.5 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 3980 g (140.4 oz) |
| Overall Length | 940 mm (37.01") |
| Folded Length | 690 mm (27.17") |
| Barrel Length | 415 mm (16.34") |
| Height | 190 mm (7.48") |
| Width | 45 mm (1.77") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated Long Stroke |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 30 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 715 m/s (2346 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 2010 J (1482 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 600 m (656 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 800 m (875 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 700 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 240 mm (9.45") |
| Number of Grooves | 4 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
| Finish | Phosphate |
Calibers
- 7.62x39mm · primary — also known as 7.62x39mm Soviet, M43, 7.62mm Kalashnikov
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic, Burst 2, Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine, Detachable Drum Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Ambidextrous Safety Selector, Hammer Notch
- Features: Chrome Lined Barrel, Chrome Lined Chamber, Muzzle Brake Compensator, Rotating Bolt, Select Fire, Two Round Burst, Picatinny Rail Top, Picatinny Rail Sides, Picatinny Rail Bottom, Adjustable Stock, Folding Stock, Free Floating Barrel, Optics Rail Compatible, Grenade Launcher Compatible, Suppressor Compatible, Ambidextrous Controls
Variants
Base model
Service history
Operators
- Russian Armed Forces · adopted 2018 · as 6P71
- Russian Airborne Troops (VDV) · adopted 2018
- Russian Naval Infantry · adopted 2018
- Armenian Armed Forces · adopted 2018
- Egyptian Armed Forces (Special Forces)
Conflicts
- Russo-Ukrainian War (2022-present)
Production
Production years: 2018-present
Produced alongside the AK-12 under the initial 150,000-unit Ratnik contract. Exact AK-15 allocation within the contract not disclosed.
Origin
Country of origin: Russia
Designer: Vladimir Zlobin
Notes
The AK-15 is functionally identical to the AK-12 except for the barrel, bolt, magazine well, and gas system components necessary to accommodate the 7.62x39mm cartridge. It accepts standard AK-47/AKM-pattern 30-round magazines as well as compatible 40-round box and 75-round drum magazines. The AK-15K is a compact variant with a shortened barrel displayed at the ARMY-2017 exhibition. Armenia secured rights to manufacture both the AK-12 and AK-15 in 2018. Like the AK-12, the AK-15 has undergone revisions resulting in a 'Model 2023' update based on combat feedback from the Russo-Ukrainian War.
Background
The AK-15 represents the Russian military's renewed interest in the 7.62x39mm cartridge after decades of favoring the lighter 5.45x39mm, reflecting lessons from asymmetric warfare where greater stopping power at shorter ranges proved more valuable than flat trajectory at distance.