Russian army receives modern infantry weapons

Kalashnikov Concern delivers first batch of RPL-20 light machine guns and AK-12K carbine version in multicam color to Russian Army.

The Russian Defense Ministry said on June 10 that assault units of the Russian Airborne Forces (RFAF) are switching to using the short-barreled (carbine) version of the Kalashnikov AK-12K assault rifle; improved at the request of Russian paratroopers, fighting on the Ukrainian battlefield.

The first batches of the new AK-12K carbine assault rifles are being issued to assault units of the RFAF airborne forces fighting in the Ukrainian theater and army reconnaissance units.

According to the records of Russian paratroopers, the AK-12K carbine version, improved from the AK-12, is based on combat experience in the Russian-Ukrainian battlefield. The AK-12K carbine is much more convenient to use than the standard version, especially when fighting in narrow areas such as trenches, urban areas and in close combat.

Currently, the Novorossiysk Guards airborne assault unit of the RFAF Airborne Forces is fully equipped with the AK-12K carbine. It should be noted that the AK-12K carbine will only be delivered to units in the Ukrainian battlefield for testing in 2024. According to the RFAF's "procedure" for testing infantry weapons, the AK-12K carbine is still in the testing phase, but has already been equipped in large series.

From the AK-12 assault rifle model 2023, it is evident that the compact dimensions of the weapon are a key requirement for airborne assault units. In this regard, the latest shortened AK-12K model 2024 was created at the request of paratroopers; information on the Kalashnikov company website says.

The Kalashnikov Concern has now delivered the first batch of AK-12K carbines painted in multicam to the airborne forces fighting in Ukraine. Previously, the batch of AK-12K carbines delivered was painted in standard black.

In addition to the AK-12K carbine assault rifles, the first batch of RPL-20 light machine guns painted in multicam paint was also mass-equipped with RFAF combat units in the Ukrainian battlefield. However, the number of deliveries was not disclosed; but it was carried out under a state contract in 2025.

The RPL-20 infantry machine gun is painted in multicam, stemming from the need for maximum camouflage for soldiers and their weapons, in various combat conditions. The uniforms and equipment of soldiers in multicam, with the machine gun in the same color, help improve camouflage on various types of terrain.

Military Review previously reported that the RPL-20 machine gun was developed under the order of the Russian Ministry of Defense with a caliber of 5.45 mm, used as a fire support weapon at the infantry squad level. The RPL-20 version is designed to fire long bursts, using a belt of 100 or 200 rounds of 5.45×39 mm ammunition.

The development of the RPL-20 machine gun, intended to replace the RPK-74M machine gun, the main light machine gun for infantry squads of the Russian army, was put into use in the early 1970s. After a long period of use, the RPK-74M revealed limitations such as feeding with a 45-round long magazine or a 100-round round magazine; the gun barrel was fixed and could not be quickly replaced on the battlefield.

The above limitations make it impossible for the RPK-74M machine gun to maintain continuous firepower in prolonged combat situations. This is especially disadvantageous when it is necessary to maintain continuous firepower, or create a dense firepower density to suppress the enemy, when the gun barrel is easily "red-hot" due to firing beyond the regulations.

The RPL-20 machine gun is considered a symbol of innovation in Russian infantry weapons, with the biggest improvement being the use of the belt-feed principle, which was reintroduced into the Russian army's squad-level weapon for the first time since the RPD machine gun was retired in the 1960s.

The RPL-20's ammunition belt is a disposable ammunition belt that can hold 100-200 rounds, allowing the gunner to maintain continuous fire for a long time without having to stop to change the ammunition box. The ammunition belt is placed in a magazine attached to the gun, applying a simple loading mechanism, helping to increase the speed of operation in fierce and urgent combat conditions.

However, the RPL-20 machine gun also had a “thorny” development process, when it did not meet the RFAF’s requirements for a light machine gun, used for infantry squads and teams. After the RPK-16 version failed, the RPL-20 was developed instead, based on combat experience from the Ukrainian battlefield. The RPL-20 machine gun weighs 5.5 kg, equivalent to the RPK-74M machine gun, helping the gunner to easily move with the attacking units. (Photo of the RPK-16 machine gun).

The RPL-20 machine gun can use two types of barrels, a 590 mm long barrel for conventional fire support missions and a 415 mm short barrel, suitable for rapid attack units or operations in narrow spaces such as urban areas. In particular, the RPL-20 gunner can quickly change the barrel, using accessories that come with the gun.

With an effective range of up to 800 meters and a rate of fire of 800 rounds per minute, the RPL-20 machine gun is considered a suitable weapon for both fire support and frontal assault missions. The adjustable and foldable stock, along with the cheek pad and shoulder rest, increase comfort and flexibility when used from both the left and right shoulder.

The RPL-20 machine gun is equipped with a long Picatinny rail with 46 slots, allowing for mounting a variety of accessories such as night sights, flashlights, and rangefinders. The design opens downward when loading, helping to ensure the stability of the aiming devices when loading or changing the barrel; this is a remarkable improvement compared to previous Russian and world machine gun models.

According to Kalashnikov Concern, in real combat situations, the RPL-20 has proven its ability to effectively destroy enemy forces, firing points and light equipment. The belt-fed ammunition allows the gunner to maintain continuous suppressive fire, especially in prolonged engagements or against well-equipped enemy groups.

The short-barreled 415 mm RPL version proved to be particularly useful in urban combat, where mobility and quick response are crucial. The success of the RPL-20 machine gun has brought the Russian army closer to the Western armies in terms of light machine guns; significantly enhancing the firepower of the Russian army's infantry squad. (photo source Topwar, TASS, RIA Novosti).

Source: https://khoahocdoisong.vn/quan-doi-nga-tiep-nhan-sung-bo-binh-hien-dai-post1547260.html