Soldier of Fortune Magazine The Journal of Professional Adventurers
by Austin Lee
In the hallowed workshops of Kalashnikov Concern, Russia’s premier firearms manufacturer, the legacy of Mikhail Kalashnikov’s designs, from the AK-47 to its later derivatives, continues to evolve as combat reports stream in from the battlefield. The latest offering, the AK-12K, a short-barreled variant of the AK-12 assault rifle, was unveiled at the IDEX 2025 exhibition in Abu Dhabi. Engineered for the demands of close-quarters combat, the AK-12K blends the AK’s legendary reliability with modern requirements for modularity.
The AK-12K: A Compact Evolution
The AK-12K (Russian: АК-12К, with “K” for korotkij, meaning “short”) is a streamlined derivative of the AK-12, the Russian Armed Forces’ standard-issue rifle since 2018. Chambered in 5.45×39mm, with a 7.62×39mm variant (AK-15K), the AK-12K features a 290 mm (11.4-inch) barrel, significantly shorter than the AK-12’s 415 mm (16.3-inch) barrel. This reduction trims the rifle’s overall length to 850 mm in combat position (600 mm with the stock folded) and its weight to approximately 3.3 kg loaded. Retaining the standard AK-12’s 30-round magazine, rate of fire 700 rounds a minute, it’s compatible with a wide range of 5.45 mm rounds, including the high-penetration 7N10 and tracer 7T3M, ensuring reliability across diverse combat scenarios.
Developed in response to feedback from the Russo-Ukrainian War, where urban and trench warfare exposed the need for more maneuverable firearms, the AK-12K is tailored for close-quarters battle (CQB). Its compact design suits operations in tight spaces—city streets, trenches, or inside vehicles—making it ideal for Russian airborne units, special forces, and vehicle crews. Drawing from the AK-400 prototype, the AK-12K incorporates a free-floating barrel and modular attachment features to enhance accuracy and accessory integration while preserving the AK’s core long-stroke gas piston system.
Manufacturing Innovations: Precision Meets Tradition
The AK-12K is produced at Kalashnikov Concern’s Izhevsk facility, where modern manufacturing meets the AK’s storied heritage. The gas block and gas tube have been redesigned for improved accuracy. The gas tube, now permanently attached to the receiver with a removable front plug, simplifies cleaning and isolates the barrel from external stresses, allowing it to flex freely for better precision—a leap forward from older AK designs where handguard pressure could, in some cases, disrupt optic zero.
(Photos courtesy of TheGreyPatriot)
The 11.4-inch (290 mm) barrel is made using cold hammer forging and chrome lining, techniques that ensure exceptional durability and consistency. It features a simplified slotted flash suppressor, optimized for low-light operations and compatibility with low-noise shooting devices (LSDs) weighing up to 0.8 kg. This design choice, informed by combat feedback, prioritizes simplicity and reliability over the removable muzzle brakes of earlier models.
The AK-12K’s handguard is a standout upgrade. The aluminum upper handguard/gas tube cover features M-LOK slots and Picatinny rails for direct optic attachment, addressing issues with earlier plastic handguards that shifted under pressure and heat, affecting laser aiming devices critical for night operations. The robust handguard and machined top cover system supports a variety of optics, foregrips, and lights without compromising zero, aligning the AK-12K with more modular Western platforms. The lower handguard maintains the AK-12’s pattern for grenade launcher compatibility and user familiarity.
Furniture Ergonomics have been upgraded with a new polymer L-shaped, side-folding, six-position telescoping stock, adjustable for length of pull, and an optional cheek riser for optics use. The new polymer pistol grip, trigger guard, and magazine catch are housed in a one-piece unit to prioritize comfort and ergonomics, while reverting to a two-way safety selector (single-shot and fully automatic) streamlines operation, eliminating the finicky burst mechanism based on combat feedback. The rotary diopter rear sight, adjustable for improved visibility, excels in low-light settings. The redesigned front sight gas block combo leans toward a traditional 90-degree design while maintaining a decent length sight picture on a compact rifle.
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Kalashnikov Concern’s production process emphasizes rigorous quality control, with each AK-12K undergoing mandatory testing. Feedback from the “Special Military Operation” (SVO) zone in Ukraine has driven iterative improvements, with the company maintaining close ties with military personnel to ensure real-world performance. This collaboration enabled Kalashnikov to double AK-12 production in 2023, with the AK-12K now entering serial production following its 2025 debut.
Demand for Shorter Barrels on the Modern Battlefield
The AK-12K reflects a global trend toward compact rifles, driven by the realities of modern warfare. Urban combat, as seen in the Russo-Ukrainian War, demands weapons that excel in confined spaces—trenches, city streets, and armored vehicles. The AK-12K’s 290 mm barrel balances maneuverability with ballistic performance, maintaining an effective range (up to 625 meters) while excelling at CQB distances, where the 5.45×39mm round’s tumbling effect maximizes lethality.
Recent X posts show the AK-12K in use by the Novorossiysk Airborne Division and during testing in the SVO zone, where it’s praised for its handling and balance in urban and trench training environments. Equipped with suppressors, foregrips, and tactical camouflage (often Multicam), it’s like a finely tailored suit, hemmed just right for fast-paced assaults and special operations units. The Russian Ministry of Defence’s large-scale order for AK-12Ks in early 2025, with deliveries starting in spring, underscores its strategic role in the Kalashnikov legacy.
Globally, the demand for short-barreled rifles mirrors Western preferences for platforms like 10.5-inch AR-15 derivatives, favored by special forces for versatility in close-quarters scenarios. The AK-12K competes directly with its Western AR rivals, offering Kalashnikov reliability with modern modularity via M-LOK slots and Picatinny rails, making it a strong contender for international arms markets. Countries like Qatar, Syria, and Kazakhstan, already using AK-12 variants, are likely targets for the AK-12K, with the 5.56×45mm NATO AK-19K variant broadening its appeal further west.
The AK-12K is set to dominate Russian military operations, particularly among airborne and specialist units. Its compact design makes it a natural fit for special forces in the SVO zone, where suppressor compatibility, shorter overall length, and enhanced ergonomics support stealth and precision in urban settings. The rifle also suits law enforcement and internal security forces, such as the Russian National Guard, which adopted the AK-12 in 2024. Its long-term love from Russia remains to be seen.
Internationally, the AK-12K’s export potential is significant. Kalashnikov Concern’s IDEX 2025 showcase targeted global markets, positioning the rifle for nations seeking a reliable, modernized AK for urban counterterrorism or special operations. Its modularity and combat-proven design make it a compelling choice for militaries and security forces worldwide.
Conclusion: A New Standard for Compact Firepower
The AK-12K is the latest evolution of the ever-evolving Kalashnikov legacy, merging advanced manufacturing with combat-driven design to meet the demands of 21st-century warfare. Its rugged reliability and compact design make it a fast favorite for soldiers navigating the chaos of urban and trench combat. As Kalashnikov Concern continues to innovate, the AK-12K stands as proof that even a 75-year-old platform can remain a leader in the modern small arms world.
Austin Lee is the proprietor of Galilhub, and is a gunsmith and a competitive shooter. He writes frequently for Soldier of Fortune.
