IPI Malyuk
IPI Interproinvest · Assault Rifle · In Production · 2015
Also known as: Vulcan, Vulkan, Малюк, IPI Vulcan
Overview
The IPI Malyuk is a select-fire assault rifle chambered in 5.45x39mm, produced by IPI Interproinvest since 2015. Safety features include manual safety selector, hammer notch, reflecting modern design standards that prioritize safe handling and operation. As a recognized participant in the global firearms industry, IPI Interproinvest applies modern manufacturing technology and quality control processes to deliver products that compete effectively in a market where reliability and performance are non-negotiable requirements for both civilian and professional end users.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3200 g (112.9 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 3600 g (127.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 710 mm (27.95") |
| Barrel Length | 415 mm (16.34") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated Long Stroke |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 30 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 900 m/s (2953 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 1391 J (1026 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 500 m (547 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 1000 m (1094 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 650 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 196 mm (7.72") |
| Number of Grooves | 4 |
| Frame Material | Polymer Reinforced |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer Reinforced |
| Finish | Matte Black |
Calibers
- 5.45x39mm · primary — also known as 5.45x39mm Soviet, 5.45mm Kalashnikov, 7N6
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic, Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety Selector, Hammer Notch
- Features: Bullpup Configuration, Rotating Bolt, Select Fire, Picatinny Rail Top, Picatinny Rail Sides, Picatinny Rail Bottom, Chrome Lined Barrel, Air Convection Cooling, Ak Pattern Internals, Suppressor Compatible
Variants
- Malyuk 5.56 — Different Caliber
- Malyuk 7.62 — Different Caliber
Base model
Service history
Operators
- Ukrainian Armed Forces · adopted 2017 · as Malyuk
- National Guard of Ukraine · as Malyuk
- Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) · as Malyuk
- Ukrainian Special Operations Forces · as Vulcan
Conflicts
- War in Donbas (2014-2022)
- Russo-Ukrainian War (2022-present)
Production
Production years: 2015-present
Manufactured by UkrOboronProm factories in Ukraine. Exact production numbers not publicly disclosed. Production scaled up significantly following the 2022 Russian invasion. Each rifle requires a donor AK-74 or AKM receiver.
Origin
Country of origin: Ukraine
Notes
The Malyuk uses an air convection cooling system that extends barrel life by improving heat dissipation. Some sources list the weight as 3.8 kg, which likely includes the grenade sight or other accessories; the bare rifle weight is 3.2 kg per Modern Firearms. The Malyuk is essentially a kit that converts existing AK-74 or AKM rifles - the core receiver, barrel, bolt group, and trigger mechanism are retained from the donor rifle, set into the new polymer bullpup stock. This means the rifle inherits both the reliability and the limitations of the original AK platform, including right-side-only ejection that makes left-shoulder firing uncomfortable. An IPI-made suppressor is available as an accessory. The rifle became particularly visible during the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, frequently seen in photographs of Ukrainian special operations and territorial defense forces. The 5.56 NATO variant uses modified magazines; the 7.62x39mm variant accepts standard AKM magazines.
Background
The Malyuk emerged from over a decade of Ukrainian experiments with bullpup AK conversions, beginning with the earlier Vepr design. Its name, meaning 'baby' in Ukrainian, is an ironic reference to its compact size compared to the full-length AK-74 it is based on. The rifle became a symbol of Ukrainian domestic defense innovation during the Russo-Ukrainian War, frequently appearing in combat footage from Ukrainian special operations forces defending Kyiv, Kharkiv, and other front-line cities.