Russian Kalashnikov concern to produce NATO-standardized AK-12
The chief designer of the Kalashnikov concern, Sergey Urzhumtsev, told RIA Novosti in an interview that the new generation of Kalashnikov assault rifle, AK-12, can get a 5, 56x45mm caliber version which is standardized by NATO.
According to him, most of the rifles are of 5.45 and 7.62 calibers. But now Kalashnikov has an export order for the AK-12 of caliber 7.62x51mm. "Also, we plan to develop a 5.56x45mm AK-12 according to NATO standard," said Urzhumtsev.
The Russian army adopted the AK-12 in January 2018. The automatic rifles are recommended for use by the ground, airborne troops and marine corps. The first batch of 2,5 thousand rifles was delivered to the Russian army in December 2018 as part of the Kalashnikov state defense order.
The civilian version of the new AK TR3 gun became available in stores in August 2019.