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Kalashnikov Concern CEO Alan Lusknikov announced improvements to the AK-12 assault rifle based on combat feedback from Ukraine. The third-generation model was tested in 2023 and is a modernization of previous versions from 2018 and 2021.

The company aims to increase production of the AK-12, having delivered a batch of AK-12Ks in October 2025. Kalashnikov produces around 95% of Russia's small arms and has a contract for over 40,000 AK-12s to be delivered by early 2023. Concurrently, Azerbaijani and Russian defense officials discussed military cooperation and mutual visits scheduled for 2026.