Russia Unveiled the New AK-12+ Assault Rifle for Special Forces
The Russian Kalashnikov Concern unveiled a prototype of the new 5.45-mm AK-12+ assault rifle. The prototype was showcased during the 11th Eastern Economic Forum. The new assault rifle was developed based on the well-known AK-12, which is currently in service with the Russian military.
The Russians are positioning the AK-12+ as the “latest assault rifle,” but this seems more like wishful thinking, since it is in fact a new version of the AK-12, the first prototype of which was developed by Kalashnikov back in 2011. At the same time, the AK-12 itself is essentially a major modernization of the AK-74M assault rifle developed in the USSR.
At the same time, the AK-12+ differs significantly from the base model. According to the Russian side, the changes have improved the AK-12’s accuracy. The system has also been equipped with modern optoelectronic sights for more precise shooting both during the day and at night.
The Russians made the following improvements to the AK-12+ design:
they modified the barrel design by increasing the wall thickness;
removed the barrel fittings for attaching the sling swivel, grenade launcher, and bayonet;
they enlarged the gas chamber;
installed an extended forend;
they cut threads into the muzzle section of the barrel to accommodate a replaceable slotted flash suppressor and a muzzle brake-compensator;
the sights were modified.
According to reports from industry sources, the AK-12+ was not intended as a mass-production variant. The upgraded assault rifle is primarily intended for special forces. Russia is currently establishing mass production of this advanced small-arms system.
This was reported by a Russian conglomerate.
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The Iranian military command has threatened the U.S. with new strikes.
Iran announced the launch of a military operation against American forces following new U.S. strikes on its territory. According to the Iranian news agency Tasnim, the targets were U.S. military bases and other U.S. facilities in the region. At the same time, as of the time of these reports, no country in the Middle East had officially stated that it had been attacked by Iran.
