[7] Kalashnikov Concern also offers a variant of the AK-12 chambered in 7.62×39mm, designated as the AK-15 (GRAU index 6P71) due to the request of the Russian military.

The AK-12 project began in 2011 by the IZHMASH factory, which became part of the Kalashnikov Concern as a private venture, in an attempt to participate in the "Ratnik" trials which were held by the Russian army.

The first prototype was presented to the Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin during his official visit to inspect the products of the Izhmash arms manufacturing plant in Izhevsk.

[14][15] However, on 23 December 2014, the Russian Army announced that the AK-12, as well as the KORD 6P67, had passed state trials and would be accepted into service with operational units for evaluation.

[26] In 2014, Kalashnikov Concern planned to sell 200,000 Russian manufactured weapons in the United States market through its sole US distributor, the RWC Group.

It features a telescoping buttstock that is in-line with the barrel for better recoil control and a stock latch, allowing for it to be folded to either side of the rifle.

[29][30] The final production model of the AK-12 is based on the well-proven AK-400 prototype, which is said to be more reliable, more accurate and better suited to the latest Russian military requirements.

In the AK-400 prototype, the handguard is attached to the receiver and to a revised more rigid and non-removable gas tube, allowing the barrel to remain relatively isolated and flex and vibrate unrestricted for increased accuracy.

The AK-12 is chambered in 5.45×39mm and due to the Russian military requirements, Kalashnikov Concern also offers the rifle in 7.62×39mm cartridge, designated as the AK-15.

Additionally, the selector switch could be easily be set too far down far beyond the original intent, partially obstructing the pistol grip and trigger.

[citation needed] The distinctive quick detachable muzzle brake features a large expansion chamber, two symmetrical vertical cuts at the forward end of the brake and three non-symmetrical positioned vent holes to counteract muzzle rise and climb as well as lateral shift to the right and features a crown-shaped glass breaker at the end.

A flat plate near the end of the brake produces a forward thrust when emerging exhaust gases strike its surface, greatly reducing recoil.

[35] The AK-12 features an ergonomic pistol grip with an internal maintenance kit storage room, a retractable side-folding telescoping 4 position shoulder stock which is adjustable for length of pull and height adjustable buttpad and has storage room for a 3-piece cleaning rod and a free floating handguard with ventilation holes.

It also features witness windows at the 10-, 15-, 20-, 25- and 30-rounds positions to indicate the current loaded number of rounds, similar to Magpul PMAGs.

The follower has glow in the dark paint applied to both sides that can be viewed through the witness windows during low light conditions.

It features a barrel length of 415 mm (16.3 in), a maximum firing range of 800 m (870 yd), and a standard magazine capacity of 30 rounds.

The updates are no major redesign, but centred around ergonomic improvements such as a lightweight polymer L-shaped side-folding telescoping 6 position shoulder stock which is adjustable for length of pull, ergonomic polymer pistol grip and trigger guard unit, and updated rotary dioptre rear sight.

[36][37][8] During the ARMY-2021 exhibition, an optional cheek riser (a to ergonomic preferences and sight axis height adjustable comb piece) was shown on the shoulder stock.

[38][39][40] Improvements included, among smaller things: Based on “experience of the gun’s use in the special operation” in Ukraine, the 2-round burst firing mode has been omitted in 2023, as it did not significantly contribute to the weapon’s efficiency.

[45] During the ARMY-2021 exhibition, Kalashnikov Concern displayed a standard length barrelled AK-12SP and short-barrelled AK-12SPK variants developed for Russian special forces use.

The basic Kalashnikov assault rifle design which is intended for intermediate calibres has been stretched and strengthened to handle the extra bolt thrust produced by a full-power ammunition.

The AK-308 has a cyclic rate of fire of 700 rounds per minute, features a 415 mm (16.3 in) long barrel, weighs 4.3 kg (9.48 lb) when empty, and uses a proprietary 20-round magazine.

[6][48] The RPK-16 light machine gun (the number 16 indicates the year 2016, when the development first started) is Kalashnikov's response to the "Tokar-2" program, where it competed against Degtyaryov's submission.

It has a combat weight of 6 kg (13.23 lb), a full-length of 1,076 mm (42.4 in), a cyclic rate of fire of 700 rounds per minute, and an accuracy range of 800 m (870 yd).

[51][52] After receiving feedback on the performance of the weapon, the Kalashnikov Concern began development on the RPL-20 (20 indicating 2020) belt-fed light machine gun.

As of 2018, 200-series Kalashnikov assault rifles, which include a complete family, are offered for export sales and for domestic law enforcement users.

They can be chambered in 5.45×39mm, 5.56×45mm NATO and 7.62×39mm, and use a barrel and gas system assembly and iron sights line similar to that of the AK-74M/AK-100 rifle family.

AK-12 alike improvements added include Picatinny rails, a new pistol grip, a new adjustable buttstock and a new flash hider.

[56] The models are designated, as follows: AK-200 series assault rifles are supplied to government customers in Russia and are also ready to be exported.

[58] While the AKV-521 is likely to attract interest from various Russian and foreign military and law enforcement units, it is currently marketed as a civilian rifle.