Russia's new AK-12+ assault rifle has been developed specifically for special forces units, state defense conglomerate Rostec disclosed in a statement published on Telegram.
A physical mockup of the updated 5.45x39 mm weapon was presented during the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok. In its announcement, Rostec noted that serial manufacturing of the new product is currently being mastered.
Rostec explained that the AK-12+ delivers higher accuracy and improved shot grouping compared to baseline models. Weapons designers provided the increased firing precision by installing a heavy-walled barrel featuring an altered internal and external structure, paired with an extended handguard.
To support round-the-clock tactical engagements, the assault rifle comes equipped with optical and thermal imaging sights for hitting targets at any time of day or night. Weapon engineers also modified the rifle's mechanical sights to complement the upgraded optics package.
Upgrading Modern Small Arms
The AK-12 series serves as the primary modern assault rifle platform for the Russian armed forces, developed as part of efforts to modernize individual infantry weaponry. State corporation Rostec is Russia's government-owned defense technology holding company, which oversees hundreds of industrial manufacturing enterprises and arms developers across the country.
The 5.45x39 mm caliber has served as the standard small-caliber intermediate rifle round for Russian infantry since the Soviet era, designed to offer high velocity with manageable recoil. Vladivostok, a major port city on the Pacific coast in Russia's Far East, hosts the annual Eastern Economic Forum to showcase regional economic projects and technological innovations.
Recent Small Arms Revisions
The disclosure regarding the AK-12+ follows previous discussions concerning sight modifications across the rifle line. In August, small arms expert Konstantin Lazarev called the diopter sight on the AK-12 a controversial technical decision. The modified diopter sighting system had been introduced on updated 2023-model assault rifles.
Special operations units require precision small arms capable of mounting specialized gear for diverse operational environments. Integrating thermal imaging sights allows operators to identify thermal signatures through darkness, smoke, and camouflage, while modified mechanical iron sights provide essential backup aiming capabilities in the field.
