Infantry Weapons

AK-12

Also known as
  • 6P70
  • 6P70M
  • AK-12M1
  • AK-12K
  • AK-12C
  • AK-12SP
  • Avtomat Kalashnikova AK-12

The AK-12 is a Russian 5.45x39 mm assault rifle from Kalashnikov Concern, adopted from the Ratnik small-arms program as the 6P70-family successor to older 5.45 mm Kalashnikov rifles. It combines a long-stroke gas action with a more stable optics rail, accessory mounting, adjustable folding stock, and revised controls; combat feedback from the 2014 Russia-Ukraine War drove the 2023-pattern update and later short AK-12K production.

AK-12, 5.45 mm assault rifle, Infantry Weapons
Image source: AK-12.jpg

Role in Conflicts

Design And Variant Notes

The AK-12 page is most useful when the 5.45 mm service rifle is separated from the surrounding Kalashnikov family. The sources distinguish the adopted Ratnik-era rifle from earlier prototypes, then show later updates driven by combat feedback.

TopicDocumented detailSource
Adopted patternThe public 2016 configuration became the AK-12/AK-15 production family after earlier AK-12 prototypes were dropped.Kalashnikov AK-12 and AK-15 Assault Rifle; AK-12 and AK-15 5th Generation Kalashnikov
Accessory and optics layoutThe rifle uses a redesigned top cover and forearm to provide a more stable platform for optics and accessories than older AK patterns.Kalashnikov AK-12 and AK-15 Assault Rifle
2023 revisionRostec links the 2023-pattern rifle to combat feedback, including changed sighting and control details.AK-12, AK-15, AK-19 Assault Rifles
Special-purpose configurationModern Firearms describes the AK-12SP as a 2020 special-operations configuration with changed selector controls, optics support, and no two-round burst mode.Kalashnikov AK-12 and AK-15 Assault Rifle
Compact branchThe AK-12K/AK-12C short variant entered visible contract deliveries in 2025, with Kalashnikov announcing higher production in 2026.Kalashnikov Ships First Batch of AK-12K in Multicam Camo to Customer; Kalashnikov Boosts Production of SMO-Tested AK-12K Rifles by 15%
Profile / Specs

Profile

Origin
Russia
Type
5.45 mm assault rifle
Service note
Russian service from 2018, with updated AK-12 patterns appearing during the 2014 Russia-Ukraine War.
Designer
Kalashnikov Concern
Designed
2011-2016 development and Ratnik trials
Produced
2018-present

Specifications

GRAU index
6P70; updated 6P70M pattern reported for the improved rifle
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; earlier production rifles also had a two-round burst mode
Accessory interface
Integrated top Picatinny rail and accessory mounting points on the forearm
Grenade launcher provision
Compatible with a 40 mm underbarrel grenade launcher
Variants

The AK-12 entry covers the 5.45x39 mm service rifle and its close same-family derivatives; AK-15 and AK-19 change cartridge, while AK-12K/AK-12C adapts the same family for a compact role.

VariantConfigurationDesignation notes
AK-12 edition 2023Updated 5.45 mm service rifle

Rostec says the 2023 edition differs from the 2018 rifle after combat-use feedback, including revised sights, fire controls, and forearm details.

Sources: AK-12, AK-15, AK-19 Assault Rifles

AK-12K / AK-12CShortened 5.45 mm carbine

Kalashnikov describes the compact AK-12K as a short configuration ordered under state contracts, with first MultiCam batches shipped in 2025 and increased production announced in 2026.

Sources: Kalashnikov Ships First Batch of AK-12K in Multicam Camo to Customer, Kalashnikov Boosts Production of SMO-Tested AK-12K Rifles by 15%

AK-157.62x39 mm sister rifle

Developed alongside the AK-12 for the Ratnik trials, the AK-15 adapts the same rifle family to 7.62x39 mm ammunition.

Sources: AK-12 and AK-15 5th Generation Kalashnikov, Kalashnikov AK-12 and AK-15 Assault Rifle

AK-195.56x45 mm NATO export rifle

Rostec identifies the AK-19 as a 5.56 mm rifle designed on the basis of the 5.45 mm AK-12.

Sources: AK-12, AK-15, AK-19 Assault Rifles

Ammunition Fired

Kalashnikov's official product pages identify the AK-12 as a 5.45x39 mm rifle.

AmmunitionAmmunition typeFiring evidence
5.45×39 mm cartridge, Soviet intermediate rifle cartridge, Munitions5.45×39 mm cartridgeRifle cartridge

The AK-12 product page lists 5.45x39 mm as the cartridge used by the rifle, linking the weapon directly to this cartridge entry.

Sources: AK-12 - Kalashnikov Group, AK-12 capabilities - Kalashnikov Group

Timeline

AK-12 Key Events

  1. AK-12 project begins

    Modern Firearms and Small Arms Defense Journal trace the AK-12 project to IZHMASH/Kalashnikov work for the Russian Ratnik small-arms trials.

    Sources: Kalashnikov AK-12 and AK-15 Assault Rifle, AK-12 and AK-15 5th Generation Kalashnikov

  2. Production-pattern family shown publicly

    The revised AK-12 and AK-15 configuration was publicly displayed at the Army-2016 expo after Kalashnikov moved away from the earlier prototype approach.

    Sources: Kalashnikov AK-12 and AK-15 Assault Rifle

  3. Russian adoption announced

    Specialist sources report the AK-12 and AK-15 were recommended or accepted for Russian military service after Ratnik trials, with first production deliveries following in 2018.

    Sources: Kalashnikov AK-12 and AK-15 Assault Rifle, AK-12 and AK-15 5th Generation Kalashnikov

  4. Captured rifles documented in Ukraine

    The War Zone documented captured AK-12 rifles appearing with Ukrainian officials and troops in the opening weeks of Russia's full-scale invasion.

    Sources: Captured Russian AK-12 Rifles Appear To Be The Trophy Guns Of Choice For Ukrainians

  5. Combat-feedback update appears

    Rostec describes the AK-12 edition 2023 as a design revision made after use in Russia's special military operation zone.

    Sources: AK-12, AK-15, AK-19 Assault Rifles

  6. North Korean deployment equipment reported

    The Kyiv Independent, citing Ukrainian military intelligence, reported AK-12 rifles among weapons issued to North Korean troops sent toward the Ukrainian border.

    Sources: North Korean soldiers sent to Ukrainian border equipped with standard infantry weapons

  7. AK-12K production increase announced

    Kalashnikov announced a production increase for the SMO-tested short AK-12K and said the first 2026 batch had been dispatched.

    Sources: Kalashnikov Boosts Production of SMO-Tested AK-12K Rifles by 15%

Media

AK-12 Videos

Related Weapon Systems
AKM, 7.62x39mm assault rifle, Infantry WeaponsInfantry WeaponsAKM7.62x39mm assault rifleThe AKM is the stamped-receiver modernization of the Soviet Kalashnikov assault rifle, chambered for 7.62x39mm and built around a long-stroke gas piston and rotating bolt. Adopted in 1959, it reduced production burden compared with earlier milled-receiver AK rifles and became a widely licensed baseline for later 7.62mm Kalashnikov-pattern weapons. CAR and ARES field documentation continues to place AKM and AKM-pattern rifles in modern conflict stocks, from Islamic State recoveries in Iraq and Syria to Taliban captures in Afghanistan.
AKMS, Folding-stock 7.62x39mm assault rifle, Infantry WeaponsInfantry WeaponsAKMSFolding-stock 7.62x39mm assault rifleThe AKMS is the under-folding-stock member of the Soviet AKM assault-rifle family, retaining the stamped receiver, long-stroke gas system, select-fire controls, and 7.62x39mm chambering while shortening the rifle for airborne troops, vehicle crews, and compact carry. Conflict Armament Research and ARES documentation places AKMS-family rifles in Islamic State stocks around Kobane and in a 2022 Ukrainian police seizure from an alleged Russian saboteur, showing how older Kalashnikov-pattern rifles remain visible in modern war.
Type 56 assault rifle, 7.62x39mm Kalashnikov-pattern assault rifle, Infantry WeaponsInfantry WeaponsType 56 assault rifle7.62x39mm Kalashnikov-pattern assault rifleThe Type 56 is China's 7.62x39mm Kalashnikov-pattern assault rifle family, adopted in 1956, built in very large numbers, and exported widely through state, surplus, and illicit channels. Its early rifles followed the Soviet AK-47 with milled receivers, later production used AKM-style stamped receivers under the same designation, and many examples are recognizable by a permanently attached folding spike bayonet. In the 2009 Boko Haram Insurgency, Small Arms Survey and Stimson reporting link Chinese Type 56 rifles to weapons seized from Boko Haram members and to materiel captured during the 2016 Bosso camp attack in Niger.
AK-103-2 assault rifle, 7.62x39mm assault rifle variant, Infantry WeaponsInfantry WeaponsAK-103-2 assault rifle7.62x39mm assault rifle variantThe AK-103-2 is the three-round-burst export variant of the Russian AK-103, a 7.62x39mm AK-100-series rifle derived from the AK-74M layout but chambered for the older AKM cartridge. In the 2009 Boko Haram Insurgency context, available open-source evidence is limited: the specific AK-103-2 identification comes from visual reporting of Boko Haram militants around Lake Chad, while separate Nigerian court reporting documents alleged AK-103 rifle trafficking from Diffa toward a Boko Haram recipient.

Sources

AK-12, AK-15, AK-19 Assault RiflesPublisher: Rostec | Note: Supports manufacturer attribution, AK-12/AK-15/AK-19 family distinctions, 2023-pattern AK-12 design changes, published technical specifications, and 2014 Russia-Ukraine War direct conflict use by describing AK-12 design changes after use in Russia's special military operation zone. | Accessed: 2026-06-29AK-12 - Kalashnikov GroupPublisher: Kalashnikov Group | Note: Supports the AK-12 listing 5.45x39 mm as its used cartridge and its official product background. | Accessed: 2026-06-29AK-12 capabilities - Kalashnikov GroupPublisher: Kalashnikov Group | Note: Capabilities sheet for the AK-12 that lists 5.45x39 mm as the used cartridge. | Accessed: 2026-06-29Kalashnikov AK-12 and AK-15 Assault RiflePublisher: Modern Firearms | Note: Supports AK-12 background, Ratnik development, adoption timeline, AK-12SP context, operating system, caliber, barrel length, weight, rate of fire, magazine capacity, and accessory layout. | Accessed: 2026-06-29AK-12 and AK-15 5th Generation KalashnikovPublisher: Small Arms Defense Journal | Note: Supports Ratnik trials context, 2018 adoption and delivery expectations, AK-12/AK-15 family distinctions, GRAU designations, and technical background. | Accessed: 2026-06-29Captured Russian AK-12 Rifles Appear To Be The Trophy Guns Of Choice For UkrainiansPublisher: The War Zone | Note: Supports 2014 Russia-Ukraine War direct conflict use by documenting captured Russian AK-12 rifles appearing in Ukrainian official, territorial-defense, and special-operations hands in March 2022. | Accessed: 2026-06-29North Korean soldiers sent to Ukrainian border equipped with standard infantry weaponsPublisher: The Kyiv Independent | Note: Supports 2014 Russia-Ukraine War direct conflict-use context by reporting Ukrainian military intelligence said Russia equipped North Korean troops sent toward the Ukrainian border with AK-12 rifles and other weapons. | Accessed: 2026-06-29Kalashnikov Ships First Batch of AK-12K in Multicam Camo to CustomerPublisher: Kalashnikov Group | Note: Supports AK-12K/AK-12C variant production and 2025 shipment context. | Accessed: 2026-06-29Kalashnikov Boosts Production of SMO-Tested AK-12K Rifles by 15%Publisher: Kalashnikov Group | Note: Supports AK-12K/AK-12C production increase, 2026 dispatch context, and manufacturer framing of the short variant as tested in the 2014 Russia-Ukraine War environment. | Accessed: 2026-06-29AK-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: 2026-06-29