Infantry Weapons

AK-12

The AK-12 is a Russian 5.45x39 mm assault rifle developed by Kalashnikov Concern as a modernized service weapon with improved ergonomics, accessory rails, optical-sight compatibility, and an adjustable folding stock. In the Russia-Ukraine War it appears as a Russian frontline small arm, while captured examples became visible in Ukrainian hands during the opening phase of the 2022 invasion.

Russia-Ukraine WarRussia / Ukraine

Conflict side: RussiaUkraine
Built by: Kalashnikov Concern
Built in: Russia

AK-12, 5.45 mm assault rifle, Infantry Weapons

Profile

Type: 5.45 mm assault rifle
Conflict side: RussiaUkraine
Origin: Russia
Service note: Entered Russian service in 2018; updated variants appeared during the Russia-Ukraine War.

portable small armsassault riflerussian service

Service History

In service: 2018-present
Used by: Russian Armed Forces, Ukrainian forces (captured examples)
Wars: Russia-Ukraine War

Production History

Designer: Kalashnikov Concern
Designed: 2010s
Built by: Kalashnikov Concern
Built in: Russia
Produced: 2018-present
Variants: AK-12, AK-12 edition 2023, AK-15, AK-19

Specifications

Caliber: 5.45 mm
Ammunition: 5.45x39 mm
Operating system: Gas operated, long-stroke piston with rotating bolt
Barrel length: 415 mm
Weight: 3.6 kg without magazine
Overall length: 875-935 mm with adjustable stock
Magazine capacity: 30 rounds
Fire modes: Automatic and single-shot fire

Conflict Usage

Russia-Ukraine War: Side: RussiaUkraine
Fielded by Russian forces during the full-scale invasion, with captured AK-12 rifles also documented in Ukrainian official and troop hands early in 2022.

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Sources

AK-12, AK-15, AK-19 Assault RiflesPublisher: Rostec | Note: Supports manufacturer attribution and published technical specifications; also supports Russia-Ukraine War direct conflict use by describing AK-12 design changes after use in Russia's special military operation zone. | Accessed: 2026-06-20 Kalashnikov AK-12 and AK-15 Assault RiflePublisher: Modern Firearms | Note: Supports general AK-12 background, operating system, caliber, barrel length, weight, fire rate, and magazine capacity. | Accessed: 2026-06-20 Captured Russian AK-12 Rifles Appear To Be The Trophy Guns Of Choice For UkrainiansPublisher: The War Zone | Note: Supports Russia-Ukraine War context for captured Russian AK-12 rifles appearing in Ukrainian official and troop hands in March 2022. | Accessed: 2026-06-20 AK-12.jpgPublisher: Wikimedia Commons | Note: Image provenance and licensing page for an AK-12 photographed at Milex-2021; listed as own work by Homoatrox under CC BY-SA 3.0. | Accessed: 2026-06-20