The AK-74M is the modernized Russian production model of the AK-74 family, chambered for 5.45x39 mm ammunition with black polymer furniture and a left-folding stock. It is documented as a baseline rifle for Russian regular units in Ukraine, while Amnesty International and Conflict Armament Research also recorded AK-74M examples in Islamic State weapons holdings in Iraq and Syria.
Documented in the conflict by Conflict Armament Research through a recovered AK-74M from armed formations in the Donetsk/Luhansk theater and by UK reporting that Russian regular combat units in Ukraine were mostly armed with 5.45 mm AK-74M or AK-12 rifles.
Role detailsAmnesty International and Conflict Armament Research documented the AK-74M among Islamic State weapons in Iraq and Syria and assessed that the modern Russian rifles were probably looted from Syrian army stocks.
Role detailsAmnesty International and Conflict Armament Research documented AK-74M rifles in evidence among Islamic State small arms during their Iraq/Syria arms survey, with the source grouping the Iraq and Syria theaters together.
This entry covers the AK-74M baseline rifle and common field configurations rather than the wider AK-100 export family.
| Variant | Configuration | Designation notes |
|---|---|---|
| AK-74M with GP-25 | Under-barrel grenade launcher configuration | A documented AK-74M image shows the rifle fitted with a GP-25 launcher. Sources: AK-74M with GP-25.jpg |
| AK-74M with GP-30 | Under-barrel grenade launcher configuration | Weaponsystems.net describes AK-74M compatibility with GP-30 under-barrel grenade launchers. |
The AK-74M is documented as firing 5.45×39 mm ammunition.
| Ammunition | Ammunition type | Firing evidence |
|---|---|---|
 | Intermediate rifle cartridge | Kalashnikov Group lists the AK-74M as a 5.45 mm rifle and identifies 5.45×39 mm as its cartridge. Sources: AK74M capabilities |
The AK-74M can be fitted with GP-series under-barrel grenade launchers.
| Compatible item | Item type | Compatibility evidence |
|---|---|---|
 | 40 mm under-barrel grenade launcher | A Commons photo shows an AK-74M fitted with a GP-25, and reference material describes GP-series mounting on Kalashnikov-pattern rifles. Sources: AK-74M with GP-25.jpg |
 | 40 mm under-barrel grenade launcher | Weaponsystems.net says AK-74M variants can mount GP-30 grenade launchers. Sources: AK74M capabilities |
The AK-74M is best represented as a baseline rifle with documented field accessories, not as a separate designation for every attachment combination.
| Feature | Documented detail | Primary support |
|---|---|---|
| Cartridge | Official Kalashnikov data identifies the rifle as a 5.45 mm weapon using 5.45×39 mm ammunition and a 30-round magazine. | AK74M capabilities |
| Modernized furniture | Reference material distinguishes the AK-74M from earlier AK-74 rifles by its black polymer furniture and side-folding buttstock. | Kalashnikov AK-74, AKS-74, AK-74M assault rifle |
| Grenade launcher fit | Catalog relationships link the rifle to GP-series under-barrel launchers where sources document AK-74M or Kalashnikov-pattern compatibility. | AK-74M with GP-25.jpg; Kalashnikov AK-74M - Weaponsystems.net |
Modern Firearms describes the AK-74M as the 1991 modernized production model of the AK-74 line, with polymer furniture and a folding buttstock.
Sources: Kalashnikov AK-74, AKS-74, AK-74M assault rifle
Amnesty International and Conflict Armament Research recorded modern Russian AK-74M rifles among Islamic State arms in Iraq and Syria, assessing that they were probably looted from Syrian army stocks.
Sources: Iraq: Taking stock: The arming of Islamic State
Sky News reported a UK Ministry of Defence assessment that Russian regular combat units in Ukraine were mostly armed with 5.45 mm AK-74M or AK-12 rifles.
Sources: Ukraine war: Thousands of newly mobilised Russian soldiers armed with 'barely usable weapons'
