The RPK and RPK-74 are Kalashnikov-pattern squad automatic weapons that extend the AK family with a longer, heavier barrel, bipod, and higher-capacity magazines for infantry fire support. The 7.62 x 39 mm RPK paralleled the AKM, while the 5.45 x 39 mm RPK-74 followed the AK-74; Conflict Armament Research later documented both RPK and RPK-74 examples in Ukraine, and Amnesty International listed both types among Islamic State machine guns in Iraq and Syria.
Conflict Armament Research documented one 7.62 mm RPK and three Molot-built 5.45 mm RPK-74 light machine guns in Ukraine during 2018-2019; Ukrainian authorities reported that the traced RPK-74s had not been in Armed Forces of Ukraine service.
Role detailsAmnesty International's 2015 survey of Islamic State arms documented RPK and RPK-74 type machine guns in the group's arsenal in Iraq and Syria, alongside other small arms observed in IS possession.
The RPK/RPK-74 family spans two Soviet intermediate cartridge lines, which is the main technical split between the original RPK branch and the RPK-74 branch.
| Ammunition | Ammunition type | Firing evidence |
|---|---|---|
 | 7.62 x 39 mm intermediate cartridge | The original RPK branch is the 7.62 x 39 mm member of the family. Sources: Kalashnikov RPK, Weapons of the War in Ukraine |
 | 5.45 x 39 mm intermediate cartridge | RPK-74, RPKS-74, and RPK-74M models use the 5.45 x 39 mm ammunition line and are documented with 45-round detachable box magazines. Sources: RPK-74M, Kalashnikov RPK-74, Weapons of the War in Ukraine |
The RPK/RPK-74 family has two closely related Kalashnikov squad automatic weapon branches. The practical split is ammunition first, then stock and modernization configuration.
| Branch | Ammunition | Configuration note |
|---|---|---|
| RPK / RPKS | 7.62 x 39 mm | Original AKM-era light machine gun branch; RPKS adds a folding-stock configuration. |
| RPK-74 / RPKS-74 | 5.45 x 39 mm | AK-74-era branch using the smaller Soviet intermediate cartridge; RPKS-74 is the folding-stock configuration. |
| RPK-74M | 5.45 x 39 mm | Modernized branch associated with the 6P39 index, polymer furniture context, and standard 45-round detachable box magazines. |
The original RPK family formed the AKM-era 7.62 x 39 mm branch before early-1960s introduction.
Sources: Kalashnikov RPK
The RPK-74 branch moved the squad automatic role to 5.45 x 39 mm ammunition and 45-round detachable magazines.
Sources: RPK-74M, Kalashnikov RPK-74
The RPK-74M became the modernized 5.45 mm branch, with WeaponSystems.net listing the 6P39 index for the model.
Sources: Kalashnikov RPK-74
CAR documented three Molot-built RPK-74 light machine guns in Ukraine during 2018-2019 and a 7.62 mm RPK in 2019.
Sources: Weapons of the War in Ukraine
