Kalashnikov MA
Kalashnikov Concern · Assault Rifle · In Production · 2017
Also known as: AM-17, Malogabaritnyj Avtomat, Compact Automatic
Overview
The Kalashnikov MA (Malogabaritnyj Avtomat, meaning 'compact automatic') is a micro assault rifle and personal defense weapon developed by Kalashnikov Concern, intended as a successor to the AKS-74U compact carbine. First shown as a prototype in 2016-2017, the design traces its lineage to an experimental compact assault rifle concept by legendary Soviet firearms designer Yevgeny Dragunov. The MA is chambered in 5.45x39mm and features an extremely short 230mm barrel, a folding and telescoping polymer stock, full Picatinny rail coverage for accessories, ambidextrous fire controls, and a reversible charging handle. With a folded length of just 490mm and an empty weight of 2.5kg, it is significantly more compact and lighter than the AKS-74U it is designed to replace. The production version, designated AM-17, entered serial manufacturing in 2025 and is intended for vehicle crews, helicopter pilots, special forces, and other personnel who require a compact yet effective firearm firing a standard military intermediate cartridge.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 2500 g (88.2 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 2900 g (102.3 oz) |
| Overall Length | 750 mm (29.53") |
| Folded Length | 490 mm (19.29") |
| Barrel Length | 230 mm (9.06") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 30 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 680 m/s (2231 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 793 J (585 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 400 m (437 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 600 m (656 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 800 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 196 mm (7.72") |
| Number of Grooves | 4 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
| Finish | Phosphate |
Calibers
- 5.45x39mm · primary — also known as 5.45 Soviet, 5.45x39
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic, Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Ambidextrous Safety Selector, Hammer Notch
- Features: Chrome Lined Barrel, Chrome Lined Chamber, Rotating Bolt, Select Fire, Folding Stock, Telescoping Stock, Picatinny Rail Top, Picatinny Rail Sides, Picatinny Rail Bottom, Ambidextrous Controls, Reversible Charging Handle, Suppressor Compatible, Compact Pdw Design
Variants
Service history
Operators
- Russian Armed Forces · as AM-17
- Russian Special Forces · as AM-17
Conflicts
- Russo-Ukrainian War (2022-present)
Production
Production years: 2025-present
Pilot batch production began in 2025. Serial production planned to ramp up. The AMB-17 suppressed variant has reportedly seen limited combat use in Ukraine.
Origin
Country of origin: Russia
Designer: Kalashnikov Concern (based on Yevgeny Dragunov MA concept)
Notes
The AM-17 production model differs from the original MA prototype in several details but retains the core compact design philosophy. A suppressed variant designated AMB-17 has also been developed for special operations use, chambered in subsonic 9x39mm. The short 230mm barrel significantly reduces muzzle velocity compared to full-length AK rifles (estimated 680 m/s vs 900 m/s from a 415mm barrel), which impacts effective range and terminal performance. However, the 5.45x39mm cartridge retains considerably more energy than pistol-caliber PDWs at typical engagement distances. Kalashnikov Concern began pilot batch production of the AM-17 in 2025, with reports of limited use by Russian forces in Ukraine.
Background
The Kalashnikov MA revives a decades-old concept by Yevgeny Dragunov, better known for his SVD sniper rifle. Dragunov's original MA prototype from the Soviet era was ahead of its time as a PDW concept, but was shelved. Kalashnikov Concern resurrected and modernized the design for the 21st century, creating what is essentially an AK that can fit in a laptop bag.