The AEK-971 (Russian: Автомат единый Кокшарова 971, "Automatic (rifle), Universal, (of) Koksharov, 971) is a selective fire 5.45×39mm assault rifle that was developed at the Kovrov Mechanical Plant (KMZ) by chief designer Stanislav Ivanovich Koksharov (Cyrilic: Станислав Иванович Кокшаров), also known as Sergey Koksharov, in the late 1970s and 1980s (currently manufactured by Degtyarev Plant ).
141-686: The AEK-971 is also available in 5.56×45mm NATO , designated as the AEK-972 and in 7.62×39mm , designated as the AEK-973 . The KORD 6P67 and KORD 6P68 is a successor variant of the AEK-971 and AEK-973 respectively, that was announced on 23 December 2014, which features numerous internal and external improvements over its predecessor and was adopted by the Russian Armed Forces ' Spetsnaz type special operations units. The AEK-971
282-490: A military academy or the ROTC . Students of Russian civilian institutions of higher education wishing to join the reserve officer training program cannot choose a military occupational specialty, because each civilian specialty taught by civilian university is attached to a particular military occupational specialty taught by the military training center of the same university by the rector 's order. It also differs from
423-482: A "running"-type silhouette target was reduced from 625 m (684 yd) to 360 m (394 yd)). The AKS-74U cannot mount a bayonet or standard under-barrel grenade launcher. However, a suppressed 30 mm BS-1 grenade launcher was developed specifically for that platform that fires a high-explosive dual purpose (HEDP) grenade. The grenades for the BS-1 are launched by special blank cartridges that are inserted into
564-504: A 30-round AK-74 box magazine is 230 g (8.1 oz). The 45-round plastic box magazine of the RPK-74 light machine gun is also interchangeable with that of the AK-74. The empty weight of a 45-round RPK-74 box magazine is 300 g (11 oz). Further 60-round and later 50-round quad-stack 5.45×39mm casket magazines were developed. The transition to mainly plastic magazines and
705-436: A 350 m (383 yd) "point-blank range" battle zero setting and "4-5" (used for firing at distances between 400–500 m (437–547 yd)). The rear sight is housed in a semi-shrouded protective enclosure that is riveted to the receiver's spring-loaded top cover. This top cover hinges from a barrel trunnion (hinging where the rear sight on a normal AK74 is located), pivoting forward when opened, which also works to unlock
846-431: A Russian passport. Under a 2010 Defence Ministry plan, foreigners without dual citizenship would be able to sign up for five-year contracts and will be eligible for Russian citizenship after serving three years. The change could open the way for CIS citizens to get fast-track Russian citizenship, and counter the effects of Russia's demographic crisis on its army recruitment. Each soldier in duty receives an Identity Card of
987-480: A contract [with the armed forces] in 2007, and now there are only slightly more than 11,000 of them, including 4,300 officers of various rank." Lt. Col. Yelena Stepanova, the chief of the social processes monitoring department at the Russian armed forces' sociological research center, said. This trend [was] "not ..special" but correspond[ed] with the general .. reduction of the Russian armed forces." On 28 May 2022, on
1128-447: A crisis in the conscript service where there simply were not sufficient able-bodied men to draft and was forced to halve its conscription. In March 2013, Defence Minister Sergey Shoygu promised that all army quarters would have showers by the end of the year. In 2013, it was reported that: "Compared to 2007, the number of female officers and warrant-officers has dropped by nearly two thirds. There were over 30,000 women serving under
1269-539: A decree of President Medvedev on 14 July 2010. In July 2011, an Operational-Strategic Command of Missile-Space Defence has also been established on the basis of the former Special Purpose Command of the Russian Air Force . A Presidential decree of January 2011 named commanders for several of the new organisational structures. Russian security bodies not under the control of the Ministry of Defence include
1410-507: A delay between the initial recoil impulse of the piston and the bolt unlocking sequence, allowing gas pressures to drop to a safe level before the seal between the chamber and the bolt is broken. Like previous Kalashnikov-pattern rifles, the AK-74 does not have a gas valve; excess gases are ventilated through a series of radial ports in the gas cylinder. Since the Kalashnikov operating system offers no primary extraction upon bolt rotation,
1551-708: A few small batches of this assault rifle have been produced so far and adopted for service with units of the Ministry of Justice of the Russian Federation. Though losing an initial contract for production against the AN-94 as a result of the Project Abakan assault rifle selection trials held from 1980 to 1994 in Russia, the Russian Army began field trials of this weapon. The AN-94 assault rifle, which
SECTION 10
#17327972684111692-419: A fully automatic carbine . Soviet planners drew from the unsolicited design AO-46 built in 1969 by Peter Andreevich Tkachev , which weighed only 1.9 kg. The TTT specifications required a weight no greater than 2.2 kg (4.9 lb), a length of 75 cm (29.5 in)/45 cm (17.7 in) with the stock unfolded/folded, and an effective firing range of 500 m (547 yd). The competition
1833-481: A gas channel that is installed at a 90° angle in relation to the bore axis to reduce bullet shear at the port hole. A pair of support brackets are cast into the gas block assembly and are used to attach a BG-15c or GP-25 underslung 40 mm grenade launcher . Like the AK-47 and AKM, the muzzle is threaded for the installation of various muzzle devices such as the standard muzzle brake or a blank-firing adaptor , while
1974-450: A main 400 m "chevron" (^), a 500 m (547 yd) holdover dot and smaller additional holdover chevrons for 600 m (656 yd) and 700 m (766 yd) and is tritium -illuminated for low-light condition aiming. The AK-74 was equipped with a new buttstock, handguard (which retained the AKM -type finger swells) and gas cylinder. The stock has a shoulder pad different from that on
2115-479: A military position in particular military units and are involved in all operational, mobilization, and combat activities of these military units. As a rule, in peacetime time reservists perform their duties 2–3 days per month and during an annual military camp training of 20 to 30 days. The exact number of reservists is unknown because a relevant paragraph of the Presidential Decree which determines
2256-569: A more effective fighting knife. It also has saw-teeth on the false edge and the usual hole for use as a wire-cutter. Relatively small sized, light weight, high velocity military service cartridges like the 5.45×39mm allow a soldier to carry more ammunition for the same weight compared with their larger and heavier predecessor cartridges, have favourable maximum point-blank range or "battle zero" characteristics and produce relatively low bolt thrust and free recoil impulse, favouring light weight arms design and automatic fire accuracy. Tests measured
2397-571: A new decree was signed in March 2007, which cut the conscription service term from 24 to 18 months. The term was cut further to one year on 1 January 2008. Thirty percent of Russian Armed Forces' personnel were contract servicemen at the end of 2005. For the foreseeable future, the Armed Forces will be a mixed contract/conscript force. The Russian Armed Forces need to maintain a mobilization reserve to have manning resources capable of reinforcing
2538-530: A number of other important cities and regions. In Moscow alone 15,000 personnel expressed their desire to service in the new Russian Army, mostly former Soviet Armed Forces servicemen. In the end, President Yeltsin tabled a decree "On the temporary position of the Russian Guard", but it was not put into practice. After signing the Belavezha Accords on 21 December 1991, the countries of
2679-479: A rotary rear drum aperture and a hooded front post creating a significantly longer sight line, an ambidextrous fire mode selectors/safety levers, a 2-round burst feature, retractable and adjustable shoulder stock. Also the Warsaw Pact side-rail bracket is omitted and replaced by a Picatinny Rail on a redesigned receiver top for mounting auxiliary equipment, such as optical red dot sights . The first orders for
2820-605: A similar design to the KORD 6P67 but chambered in 7.62×39mm . Russian Armed Forces The Armed Forces of the Russian Federation , commonly referred to as the Russian Armed Forces , are the military of Russia . They are organized into three service branches—the Ground Forces , Navy , and Aerospace Forces —two independent combat arms (the Strategic Rocket Forces and Airborne Forces ), and
2961-498: A spring-loaded detent pin held in the front sight post prevents them from unscrewing while firing. However the muzzle threads have been relocated to the front sight base for both easier and more economic replacement in case of thread damage. The distinctive standard-issue muzzle brake features a large expansion chamber, two symmetrical vertical cuts at the forward end of the brake and three non symmetrical positioned vent holes to counteract muzzle rise and climb as well as lateral shift to
SECTION 20
#17327972684113102-527: A version featuring modernized synthetic furniture made from a black, glass-filled polyamide . The AKS-74U was also used as the basis for several other unique weapons, including the bullpup OTs-14 Groza specialist carbine which is now in limited service in the Russian military, and the Gepard series of multi-caliber submachine guns (none of which evolved past prototype stage). In the United States,
3243-562: Is a paramilitary organization of the Federal Security Service , the country's main internal intelligence agency. Both organizations have significant wartime tasks in addition to their main peacetime activities and operate their own land, air and maritime units. The number of personnel is specified by decree of the President of Russia . On 1 January 2008, a number of 2,019,629 units, including military of 1,134,800 units,
3384-595: Is a significant change to the Kalashnikov operating system of the 1940s. The operating system of these new rifles was derived from the AL-7 experimental rifle of the early 1970s. Since their development, these rifles met little commercial success. The AK-100M/AK-200 rifle family was initially conceived around 2009 as an improved variant of the basic AK-100 series. Most improvements centered on ergonomic improvements and mounting systems for accessories. The development of
3525-562: Is an assault rifle designed by small arms designer Mikhail Kalashnikov in 1974 as a successor to the AKM . While primarily associated with the Soviet Union , it has been used by many countries since the 1970s. It is chambered for the 5.45×39mm cartridge, which replaced the 7.62×39mm cartridge of Kalashnikov's earlier automatic weapons for the Soviet Armed Forces . The rifle first saw service with Soviet forces in
3666-401: Is carried out by taking into account the age category under the article 53 of Federal Law of 28 March 1998, No.53-FZ "About military duty and military service": in order from first category to third category. AK-74 The AK-74 ( Russian : Автомат Калашникова образца 1974 года , tr. Avtomat Kalashnikova obraztsa 1974 goda , lit. 'Kalashnikov assault rifle model 1974')
3807-422: Is intended for quickly engaging point and area targets at various ranges and is zeroed for both windage and elevation at 400 m (437 yd). On the right side of the field of view a stadiametric rangefinder is incorporated that can be used to determine the distance from a 1.5 meters (4 ft 11.1 in) tall object from 400 to 1,200 m (437 to 1,312 yd). The reticle is an inverted aiming post in
3948-524: Is similar to the second generation, but is darker colored and has a matte nonreflective surface finish. With the introduction of the AK-74M the fourth generation of steel-reinforced matte true black nonreflective surface finished 30-round AK-74 magazines was introduced. All AK-74 magazines have a raised horizontal rib on each side of the rear lug to prevent their use in a 7.62×39mm AK. The magazines can be quickly recharged from stripper clips . The empty weight of
4089-563: Is the maximum amount of ammo that the average soldier can comfortably carry. It also allows for best comparison of the three most common 7.62×39mm AK platform magazines and the 5.45×39mm AK-74 magazine. The AK-74 series is also available in several "night-fighting" configurations, equipped with a side dovetail rail for mounting optical sights. These variants, the AK-74N , AKS-74N and AKS-74UN can be used in conjunction with NSPU and NSPU-3 ( 1PN51 ) night sights, as well as optical sights such as
4230-521: Is used in Russia; the term of service is 12 months; and the eligible age is between 18 and 27 years old. Deferments are provided to undergraduate and graduate students, men supporting disabled relatives, parents of at least two children and—upon Presidential proclamation—to some employees of military-oriented enterprises. Men holding a Ph.D., as well as sons and brothers of servicemen killed or disabled during their military service, are released from conscription. There were widespread problems with hazing in
4371-598: The AK-100 rifle family , the AK-101 , AK-102 carbine, and AK-108 . The AEK-973 is chambered in 7.62×39mm . It uses all of the standard 7.62×39mm AK-47 , AKM and RPK magazines. An improved variant of the AEK-973 with a new trigger mechanism with the location of the thumb safety-selector lever on the right side, receiving additionally a three-shot burst fire mode, and an extended padded retractable lightweight stock. When
AEK-971 - Misplaced Pages Continue
4512-646: The AK-12 series of proposed prototype models were unveiled. They differed in weight, introduced a new recoil compensation technology and improved ergonomics. The rear iron sight element was rail-mounted and moved to the back of the upper receiver to lengthen the sight line, and the full length of the weapon featured a Picatinny rail for mounting accessories such as aiming optics on top. The hand guard features Picatinny rails on both sides and its underside for mounting accessories like tactical lights, laser sights and grenade launchers. Throughout its development and evaluation stage
4653-600: The American military education system in which students can choose between available types of ROTC . The Russian military education system includes: Russian Armed Forces have reserves ( Russian : запас; transliteration : zapas) which includes 2 components: By default, at the end of active duty each military personnel is enrolled as a mobilization human resource . This applies equally to conscripts and volunteers regardless of ranks . Furthermore, graduates of civilian institutions of higher education, who have graduated
4794-892: The Border Guard of the Federal Security Service , the National Guard , the Ministry of Internal Affairs , the Federal Protective Service , the Foreign Intelligence Service , and the Ministry of Emergency Situations . Armed forces under the Ministry of Defence are divided into: There are additionally two further separate troop branches , the National Guard and the Border Service . These retain
4935-690: The Internal Troops of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (now the National Guard of Russia 's National Guard Forces Command ), the Border Guard Service of Russia (part of the Federal Security Service ), the Kremlin Regiment and the rest of the Federal Protective Service , and the Ministry of Emergency Situations , the country's civil defence service since 1995 and successor to earlier civil defence units. The Navy consists of four fleets and one flotilla : Conscription
5076-572: The MP 40 submachine gun stock), the AKS-74 stock is fabricated from stamped sheet metal struts, machine pressed into a "U" shape and assembled by punch fit and welding. The stock has a triangular shape; it lacks the folding shoulder pad found on the AKMS stock and is folded to the left side of the receiver. The hinged stock is securely locked in its extended position by a spring-loaded button catch located at
5217-873: The Main Military-Political Directorate of the Russian Armed Forces was created, restoring a responsibility for ideological training that had been done away with in the Soviet Armed Forces . The Russian military is divided into three services: the Russian Ground Forces , the Russian Navy , and the Russian Aerospace Forces . In addition there are two independent arms of service : the Strategic Missile Troops and
5358-924: The Russian Airborne Troops . The Armed Forces as a whole are traditionally referred to as the Army ( armiya ), except in some cases, the Navy is specifically singled out. Since late 2010, the Ground Forces as well as the Aerospace Forces and Navy are distributed among four military districts : Western Military District , Southern Military District , Central Military District , and the Eastern Military District which also constitute four Joint Strategic Commands—West, South, Central, and East. Previously from 1992 to 2010,
5499-747: The Soviet–Afghan War from 1979. The head of the Afghan bureau of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), the intelligence agency of Pakistan , claimed that America's Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) paid $ 5,000 for the first AK-74 captured by the Afghan mujahideen during the war. As of 2021 , most countries of the former Soviet Union use the rifle. Licensed copies were produced in Bulgaria (AK-74, AKS-74 and AKS-74U), and in
5640-620: The Special Operations Forces Command . The Russian Armed Forces are the world's fifth largest military force , with 1.15 million active-duty personnel and close to two million reservists . They maintain the world's largest stockpile of nuclear weapons , possess the world's second-largest fleet of ballistic missile submarines , and are the only armed forces outside the United States and China that operate strategic bombers . As of 2024, Russia has
5781-544: The USP-1 (1P29). The variants designated AK-74N2 and AKS-74N2 can use the multi-model night vision sight NSPUM ( 1PN58 ). The AKS-74 ("S"— Russian : складной ; Skladnoy , or "foldable"), is a variant of the AK-74 equipped with a side-folding metal shoulder stock, designed primarily for use with air assault infantry and developed alongside the basic AK-74. Unlike the AKMS 's somewhat fragile underfolding stock (modeled after
AEK-971 - Misplaced Pages Continue
5922-476: The apparent "bullet rise" within approximately −5 to +38 cm (−2.0 to 15.0 in) under the line of sight. At the corresponding 440 m (481 yd) maximum point-blank range the bullet will have dropped to approximately −21 cm (−8.3 in) relative to the line of sight. Soldiers are instructed to fire at any target within this range by simply placing the sights on the center of mass (the belt buckle, according to Russian and former Soviet doctrine) of
6063-418: The military training centers of their almae matres, trained under reserve officer program , are enrolled as mobilization Human Resources after their promotion to officer's rank (unlike graduates of such centers, trained under active duty officer program, who are due to be enrolled for active duty after their promotion to officer's rank). Mobilization human resource are replenished with males who reach
6204-524: The world's third-highest military expenditure , at approximately US$ 130 billion, or over six percent of GDP, compared to approximately to US$ 86.5–$ 109 billion the year before. Its military budget is set to expand by 30 percent, to US$ 145 billion, in 2025. The Russian military is a hybrid system that combines conscripts with contracted volunteers ; with certain exceptions, Russian law mandates one year of military service for all male citizens aged 18–27. Despite efforts to professionalize its ranks since
6345-460: The 1970s. The AK-74 uses an adjustable notched rear tangent iron sight calibrated in 100 m (109 yd) increments from 100 to 1,000 m (109 to 1,094 yd). The front sight is a post adjustable for elevation in the field. Horizontal adjustment requires a special drift tool and is done by the armoury before issue or if the need arises by an armourer after issue. The sight line elements are approximately 48.5 mm (1.9 in ) over
6486-411: The 5.45×39mm AK-74 bolt has a larger extractor claw than the 7.62×39mm AKM for increased extraction reliability. Other minor modifications were made to the bolt and carrier assembly. The rifle received a new barrel with a chrome-lined bore and 4 right-hand grooves at a 200 mm (1:7.87 in) or 37 calibers rifling twist rate . The front sight base and gas block were redesigned. The gas block contains
6627-584: The 5.45×39mm AK-74, the East German Zeiss ZFK 4×25 , USP-1 (1P29) , Belorussian BelOMO PO 3.5×21P , PO 4×24P and the 1P78 Kashtan dedicated side rail mounted optical sights were developed. These optical sights are primarily designed for rapid target acquisition and first round hits out to 400 m, but by various means these optical sights also offer bullet drop compensation (BDC) (sometimes referred to as ballistic elevation ) for aiming at more distant targets. The BDC feature compensates for
6768-510: The AEK assault rifles: the AEK-971 , AEK-972 and AEK-973 . The different variants are most easily recognized by their respective magazine curvatures. The AEK-971S and AEK-973S are improved variants of the AEK-971 and AEK-973 which features a three-round burst fire mode and numerous improvements. A heavily improved variant of the AEK-971 and AEK-973 lines' designated as KORD 6P67 and KORD 6P68
6909-478: The AEK series being oriented towards Special Operations Forces (Spetsnaz) and AK-12 towards infantry and other units. It was expected that both rifles would be tested operationally with the Russian military by March 2015. In March 2017, it was revealed that the KORD 6P67 would be accepted into Russian service after testing was completed along with the AK-12, although serving border patrol regiments, special forces, and
7050-414: The AEK-971 automatic firing accuracy is improved by 15-20% in comparison with the AK-74M. The AEK-971's iron sights features an adjustable notched rear tangent rear sight calibrated in 100 m (109 yd) increments from 100 to 1,000 m (109 to 1,094 yd) and a hooded front post. Each AEK assault rifle is fitted with a Warsaw Pact side-rail bracket for mounting optics. The travel distance of
7191-481: The AEK-971 line, designated as the KORD 6P67 (official GRAU designation 6P67 ), along with their main rival the AK-12 , had passed state Ratnik trials and would be accepted into service with operational units for evaluation. Both systems were recommended for initial batch production and issue for trials in the field. It is possible that in the end both rifles will be adopted by Russian military and other agencies, with
SECTION 50
#17327972684117332-506: The AK-12 include Picatinny rails , a new pistol grip, a new adjustable buttstock and a new flash hider. They feed from 30-round magazines, and are compatible with drum magazines from the RPK and RPK-74. After 2017 these arms were assigned AK-200 series designations. As of 2018, the AK-200 series rifles are offered for export sales and for domestic law enforcement users in Russia. In 2010,
7473-515: The AK-200 family was stopped around 2011, but resumed around 2016. In 2017, Kalashnikov unveiled the modernised versions of the AK-100 family of rifles. The AK-200 series are based on the AK-100 series and the AK-12 . They can be chambered in 5.45×39mm , 5.56×45mm NATO and 7.62×39mm , and use a barrel and gas system assembly similar to that of the AK-74M /AK-100 rifle family. Improvements added from
7614-413: The AK-74 (1P78-1), RPK-74 (1P78-2), AKM (1P78) and RPK (1P78-3). The 1P78 is intended for quickly engaging point and area targets at various ranges and is zeroed for both windage and elevation at 400 m (437 yd). A stadiametric rangefinder is incorporated that can be used to determine the distance for a soldier sized target from 400 to 700 m (437 to 766 yd). The reticle consist of
7755-501: The AK-74M features an improved muzzle device with extended collar and threads to reduce play and a machine cut beneath to allow easier cleaning rod removal, a reinforced smooth dust cover and a redesigned guide rod return spring retainer that allows firing the GP-25, GP-30 and GP-34 underslung grenade launchers without having to use the previously necessary additional receiver cover fastener. To reduce production costs, barrel hardware, such as
7896-500: The AKM, which is rubber and serrated for improved seating against the shooter. In addition, there are lightening cuts on each side of the buttstock. The buttstock, lower handguard and upper heatguard were first manufactured from laminated wood , this later changed to a synthetic fiberglass -reinforced polyamide 6 colored with "kaprozol brown 4K" disperse dye, the color of which is usually referred to as "Russian Plum ". The introduction of
8037-643: The AKS-74U is sometimes called a "Krinkov". The origin of this term is uncertain. A hypothesis was circulating that the name came from the Mujahideen who supposedly had captured a high-ranking Soviet officer armed with an AKS-74U, and that they had named it after him. However, investigation by Patrick Sweeney could not confirm this hypothesis, for no Soviet officer with a resembling name was captured in Afghanistan. US journalist C. J. Chivers reported that
8178-532: The Army, known as dedovshchina , where first-year draftees are abused by second-year draftees, a practice that appeared in its current form after the change to a two-year service term in 1967. According to Anna Politkovskaya , in 2002, "a complete battalion, more than five hundred men, had been killed not by enemy fire but by beatings". Over a period of 9 months in 2003, 2,500 personnel were accused of dedovshchina, of which half were sentenced. To combat this problem,
8319-436: The Ground Forces were divided into six military districts : Moscow , Leningrad , North Caucausian , Privolzhsk-Ural , Siberian and Far Eastern , with the seventh military district: Kaliningrad formed in 1997; in service until 2010. Russia's four naval fleets and one flotilla were organizations on par with the Ground Forces' Military Districts. These seven MDs were merged into the four new MDs, which now also incorporate
8460-404: The KORD 6P67 rifle were announced in mid-2020, after being adopted in 2018. It is believed these orders total about 500 assault rifles that were destined for Spetsnaz units and some Airborne personnel . A variant equipped with a suppressor is designated as the KORD 6P67-1. A successor variant of the AEK-973 line is designated as the KORD 6P68 (official GRAU designation 6P68 ), evidently
8601-516: The RPK-16 light machine gun and the AM-17 compact assault rifle (both chambered in 5.45×39mm). The AK-12, AK-15 and RPK-16 technically strongly resembles the AK-74M, AK-100 series and RPK-74M than the earlier prototypes and the arms manufacturer Kalashnikov concern hopes they will replace these Russian service guns. In late 2016 it was reported the AK-12 production model was undergoing troop trials with
SECTION 60
#17327972684118742-829: The Russian Armed Forces , Railway Troops , Signal Troops and Construction Troops . The Ministry of Defence incorporated the Main Directorate of the Military Police Since 1 December 2012. The Main Directorate of the Military Police oversees subordinated military districts regional directorates of military police . The Chief of the General Staff is currently General of the Army Valery Gerasimov . In July 2018,
8883-463: The Russian Armed Forces . On 20 September 2022 the State Duma passed a bill which would make Russian citizenship available to foreign soldiers upon 12 months service in the AFRF; previously the service requirement had been set at three years. Awards and decorations of the Armed Forces are covered at the Awards and Emblems of the Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation . On 17 November 2011, General Nikolai Makarov said that Russia had reached
9024-433: The Russian Army, where it competes against the Degtyarov A-545 balanced action assault rifle in Ratnik program trials. The AK-12 completed its operational testing and passed military field tests in June 2017, paving the way to Russian Army adoption, potentially under the Ratnik program . Both AK-12 and AK-15 completed testing in December 2017. In January 2018 it was announced that the AK-12 and AK-15 have been adopted by
9165-490: The Supreme Commander of NATO Allied Forces Europe Christopher Cavoli : "The Russians are very cleverly adapting technologically and procedurally to many of the challenges that they run into in Ukraine". Cavoli also said in April 2024 that the Russian military has replaced its troop and equipment losses and is larger than it was before the start of the conflict. On June 26, 2024, the UK -based Royal United Services Institute think tank reported that Russia continues to increase
9306-424: The U.S. and China). The Soviet Union officially dissolved on 25 December 1991. For the next year various attempts to keep its unity and to transform it into the military of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) failed. Over time, some units stationed in the newly independent republics swore loyalty to their new national governments, while a series of treaties between the newly independent states divided up
9447-492: The UN-brokered deal to resume Ukraine's Black Sea grain exports, Russia bombed the Port of Odesa . According to Forbes Moscow had committed, as of the end of July 2022, 10 of its Combined Arms Armies to the invasion. The Wagner Group has made a name for itself as Putin's "private army." In June 2023, Putin backed the Ministry of Defense's plan to make mercenary groups sign contracts, which Wagner leader Yevgeny Prigozhin pushed against: these contracts would have placed
9588-416: The Wagner Group under the Ministry's command structure as subordinates and limited Prigozhin's own influence. Later in June, the Wagner Group turned against the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the Ministry of Defense until a peace deal was reached. According to Prigozhin, part of the reason for his march against Russia was to stop the government from "[dismantling] PMC Wagner." By July 2024, according to
9729-402: The administrative body of the Armed Forces. Since Soviet times, the General Staff has acted as the main commanding and supervising body of the Russian armed forces. "[T]he Soviet General Staff without the MoD is conceivable, but the MoD without the General Staff is not." Other departments include the Main Intelligence Directorate , the personnel directorate as well as the Logistical Support of
9870-405: The aerospace forces and naval forces. There is one remaining Russian military base, the 102nd Military Base , in Armenia left of the former Transcaucasus Group of Forces and is incorporated into the Southern Military District. In mid-2010 a reorganisation was announced which consolidated military districts and the navy's fleets into four Joint Strategic Commands (OSC). In 2014 the Northern Fleet
10011-458: The age of 27 years old and were not in military service for any reason. Enrolling in the mobilization human reserve is voluntary and implies the special contract. This possibility is available for each persons, who is in the mobilization human resource already. The initial contract is concluded for 3 years period. Military personnel of mobilization human reserve (reservists) perform part-time duties in military units. Reservists are appointed to
10152-576: The armed forces (with, for comparison, the total defence budget for 2001 being 214 billion rubles). Areas of particular concern identified by a researcher at the Norwegian Defence Research Establishment in 2007 included the State Defence Order (perhaps 10-15% realised in 2004); " ghost soldiers ," as "it is generally acknowledged that the number of actually serving personnel differs substantially from
10293-502: The authorized number of personnel," and officers at various levels can pocket excess money for themselves; and "the domestic purchases of goods and services, where corrupt officers overpay civilian providers in return for bribes." On 24 February 2022, Russian president Vladimir Putin gave the execute order to for the Armed Forces to begin the Russian invasion of Ukraine . On 10 April 2022 General Aleksandr Dvornikov assumed command of
10434-426: The background of the ongoing invasion of Ukraine , Vladimir Putin signed the law which removed the upper age limit for signing first contract for the performance of voluntary military service (earlier this limit was 40 years old). In November 2024, following heavy personnel losses, Russia reduced payments to troops injured in the invasion of Ukraine amidst the Russian government facing increasing war costs due to
10575-502: The barrel. The front sight was integrated into the gas block/forward sling loop. The sight height above the bore axis is also approximately 3 mm (0.1 in) higher than the AK-74, due to the combined front sight/gas block, rear sight configuration. The AKS-74U has a different rear sight composed of a U-shaped flip sight on the top cover instead of the standard sliding notch tangent rear sight. This rear sight has two settings: " П " standing for постоянная (constant) corresponding to
10716-511: The bolt guide becoming a simple bump held in place on the left side of the receiver with an additional rivet (often called a "bump rivet" because of this) making it easier to replace in case of wear. Each AK-74M is fitted with a side-rail bracket for mounting optics that is a simplified version of the 74N mount with less machining cuts. The AK-74M would have been adopted by the Soviet Union as the standard service rifle, and has been accepted as
10857-406: The bore axis. The " point-blank range " battle zero setting " П " standing for постоянная (constant/consistent/permanent) the 5.45×39mm AK-74 rear tangent sight element corresponds to a 400 m (437 yd) zero, compared with the 300 m (328 yd) zero for 7.62×39mm AKs. For the AK-74 combined with the 7N6 or 7N10 service cartridges the 400 m battle zero setting point-blank range limits
10998-460: The differences in the above table all of these firearms are made to similar specifications. These original AK-100 series firearms were introduced in 1994 and are categorized by all having black polymer handguards , folding polymer stocks , and use of AK-74M internal systems. Parts are highly interchangeable. The AK-101, AK-102, AK-103 and AK-104 are destined primarily for export, while the AK-105
11139-783: The early 2000s, it remains heavily reliant on conscripts, with contract soldiers being concentrated in cadre and elite units . Russia plans to expand its active personnel to 1.5 million by the end of 2024, which will make it the second largest active military force after China. Despite its perceived military strength, deficiencies have been noted in Russia's overall combat performance and its ability to effectively project hard power . The ongoing invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 has exposed weaknesses such as endemic corruption , rigid command and control structure , inadequate training, and poor morale; Russian Armed Forces have experienced successive losses of occupied/annexed territory ,
11280-472: The effect of gravity on the bullet at given distances (referred to as " bullet drop ") in flat fire scenarios. The feature must be tuned for the particular ballistic trajectory of a particular combination of gun and cartridge at a predefined muzzle velocity and air density . Since the usage of standardized ammunition is an important prerequisite to match the BDC feature to the external ballistic behaviour of
11421-486: The employed projectiles, these military optical sights are intended to assist with field shooting at varying medium to longer ranges rather than precise long range shots. The standard Russian side rail mounted optical sight was the 4×26 1P29 Universal sight for small arms. It was copied from and hence similar to the British SUIT (Sight Unit Infantry, Trilux). When mounted the 1P29 sight is positioned centered above
11562-400: The enemy target. Any errors in range estimation are tactically irrelevant, as a well-aimed shot will hit the torso of the enemy soldier. While most Russian and CIS armed forces use the AK-74 in its basic configuration with iron sights, many magnified and non-magnified optical sights are available for designated marksmen and other special purpose troops in their respective militaries. For
11703-495: The entire period of being in mobilization human resource can not exceed 12 months, and a person may be enlisted in such training no more than once every three years. As of 2009, the number of citizens who can be used for mobilization deployment on an involuntary basis in the case of wartime mobilization was estimated at 31 million. Reservists are subject to mobilization in wartime first of all. Non-reservists are subject to mobilization secondarily. The mobilization of non-reservists
11844-406: The extremely short barrel and conical end of the booster, the muzzle blast is nevertheless extremely large and visible. The muzzle device locks into the gas block with a spring-loaded detent pin and features two parallel notches cut into the edge of the flash hider cone, used for unscrewing it using the cleaning rod. Unlike most Kalashnikov variants there is no provision to store the cleaning rod under
11985-532: The former East Germany (MPi-AK-74N, MPi-AKS-74N, MPi-AKS-74NK). The AK-74 was designed by А. D. Kryakushin's group under the design supervision of Mikhail Kalashnikov. It is an adaptation of the 7.62×39mm AKM assault rifle and features several important design improvements. These improvements were primarily the result of converting the rifle to the intermediate-calibre high velocity 5.45×39mm cartridge. In fact, some early models are reported to have been converted AKMs, re-barreled to 5.45×39mm. Compared with
12126-691: The former Soviet Republics. In late 2000 Gazeta.ru reported that of 600,000 personnel planned to be dismissed from the various "power ministries," the Armed Forces would be reduced by 365,000. Both in Soviet and Russian times, corruption has been a significant impediment to the Armed Forces. "The change from Yeltsin to Putin ..had minimal effect on Russian military corruption. Putin, despite his desire to rebuild Russian strength, has not shown himself willing or able to seriously deal with" corruption. From 1991 to 2001, Russian authorities uncovered at least 350 billion rubles' (US$ 11.5 billion) worth of corruption in
12267-408: The free recoil energy delivered by the 5.45×39mm AK-74 rifle at 3.39 J (2.50 ft⋅lb), compared with 7.19 J (5.30 ft⋅lb) delivered by the 7.62×39mm in the AKM. Early 5.45×39mm ballistics tests demonstrated a pronounced tumbling effect with high speed cameras. Some Western authorities believed this bullet was designed to tumble in flesh to increase wounding potential. At the time, it
12408-407: The front sight base and gas block, are dimple pressed on to the barrel instead of pinned on (commercial semi-auto variants are still pinned on to maintain user serviceability). Other economic changes include omission of lightening cuts on the front sight block and gas piston as well as a stamped gas tube release lever, replacing the milled one. The bullet guide and bolt guide were also separated, with
12549-482: The gas cylinder above the barrel through a vent near the muzzle. The build-up of gases inside the gas cylinder drives the long-stroke piston and bolt carrier rearward and a cam guide machined into the underside of the bolt carrier along with an ejector spur on the bolt carrier rail guide, rotates the bolt approximately 35° and unlocks it from the barrel extension via a camming pin on the bolt. The moving assembly has about 5.5 mm (0.2 in) of free travel which creates
12690-503: The gas tube cover. Both the gas tube and handguard are also of a new type and are wider and shorter than the analogous parts in the AKS-74. For the AKS-74s combined with the 7N6 or 7N10 service cartridges the 350 m battle zero setting limits the apparent "bullet rise" within approximately −5 to +42 cm (−2.0 to 16.5 in) relative to the line of sight. Soldiers are instructed to fire at any target within this range by simply placing
12831-515: The grenade launcher via a detachable magazine. The majority of AKS-74U carbines were manufactured at the Tula Arms Factory rather than Izhmash . There were some accessories produced for the AKS-74U including a plastic thigh holster and (shorter than standard) 20-round AK-74 type magazines. The rifle utilizes a proprietary 25 mm wide sling that differs from the standard 35 mm AK sling also in construction. The AKS-74U also exists in
12972-637: The gun was nicknamed "the Osama" in jihadist circles, after Osama bin Laden was photographed next to an AKS-74U. Research by The Firearm Blog published in 2016 suggests that the name "Krinkov" is a Pashtun invention that came to the United States with accounts of the Mujahideen. The AKS-74U is approximately 3 oz (85 g) lighter than the NATO equivalent XM177 , and 10.2 in (260 mm) shorter with
13113-416: The handle down on the bayonet lug under the front sight base. The 6H5 AK-74 bayonet introduced in 1983 represents a further refinement of the 6H4 AKM bayonet. It introduced a radical blade cross-section, that has a flat milled on one side near the edge and a corresponding flat milled on the opposite side near the false edge. The blade has a new spear point and an improved one-piece molded plastic grip making it
13254-409: The impulse of the gas piston and bolt carrier during firing, the rifle features a new glass-filled polyamide stock that retains the shape of the original AK-74 fixed laminated wood stock, but side-folds to the left like the skeletonised AKS-74 buttstock. As a result, pistol grip reinforcement plates that were once exclusively used on the folding stock variants are standard on all AK-74Ms. Additionally
13395-406: The large amount of injuries. The Russian military education system, inherited from the Soviet Union , trains officer-specialists in narrowly-defined military occupational specialties. In this it differs greatly from the American military education system in which newly qualified second lieutenants receive particular specialties in the framework of their "career branch" only after graduation from
13536-548: The large-scale destruction and squandering of their equipment, and a notably high casualty rate. Researchers from the U.S.-funded RAND Corporation have observed that Russia continues struggling with military professionalization, but remains capable of rapidly reconstituting its capabilities. Directly controlled by the Security Council of Russia , the Russian Armed Forces form part of the country's defence services under Russian law, fulfilling this capacity alongside
13677-524: The legal status of "Armed Forces", while falling outside of the jurisdiction of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation . The National Guard is formed on the basis of the former Internal Troops of Russia . The new structure has been detached from the Ministry of Internal Affairs into a separate agency, directly subordinated to the President of Russia . The Border Service
13818-400: The less compact AK-105 carbine in Russian military service. It is commonly used by law enforcement; for example, each urban police foot patrol is issued at least one. The AKS-74U's compact dimensions were achieved by using a short 206.5 mm (8.1 in) barrel (this forced designers to simultaneously reduce the gas piston operating rod to an appropriate length). Due to the shortening of
13959-399: The magazine well. All external metal surfaces are coated with a glossy black enamel paint. Accessories supplied with the military version of the rifle include a 6H4 or 6H5 type bayonet , a quick-loading device, three spare magazines, four 15-round stripper clips , maintenance kit, cleaning rod and sling. The bayonet is installed by slipping the muzzle ring around the flash hider and latching
14100-661: The military's assets. Apart from assuming control of the bulk of the former Soviet Internal Troops and the KGB Border Troops , seemingly the only independent defence move the new Russian government made before March 1992 involved announcing the establishment of a National Guard . Until 1995, it was planned to form at least 11 brigades numbering 3,000 to 5,000 each, with a total of no more than 100,000. National Guard military units were to be deployed in 10 regions, including in Moscow (three brigades), (two brigades), and
14241-544: The modernization of 5.45×39mm and 7.62×39mm chambered AK-pattern assault rifles for normal military units, reconnaissance units, and special forces units. In 2015, the Kalashnikov Concern announced a contract with the Russian Ministry of Defence to deliver upgrade kits for their AK-74M assault rifles. In 1973, a design competition (codenamed "Modern"—Модерн) was started for the adoption of
14382-433: The multiple modifications were applied to meet Russian military standards, as well as to improve upon the "range of defects" that were discovered on prototype models and to address concerns regarding the cost of earlier prototypes. In September 2016 the prototype models were replaced by the final production models of the AK-12 (chambered in 5.45×39mm) and AK-15 (chambered in 7.62×39mm) assault rifles. Parallel developments are
14523-479: The national guard due to its more complicated and expensive design while the AK-12 would arm regular infantry forces. In January 2018 it was announced that the rifle has been adopted in 5.45×39mm and 7.62×39mm chamberings by the Russian military. The AEK-971 is based on previous AK rifles in internal design and layout, but features a Balanced Automatics Recoil System (BARS) that enhances the traditional Kalashnikov long stroke gas piston operating system by reducing
14664-517: The negative effects of recoil . Balanced recoil systems were previously applied in the AO-38 and AL-7 experimental assault rifles and in the AK-107 and AK-108 . BARS works by shifting mass toward the muzzle of the rifle as the bolt and bolt carrier recoil rearward by way of a counter-weight that negates the impulse of the gas piston and bolt carrier, resulting in more controllable automatic fire. For
14805-574: The new service rifle of the Russian Federation . An AK-74M universal upgrade kit consisting of a new safety, dust cover and furniture featuring improved ergonomics and rails to attach accessories like aiming optics, optoelectronic sights, laser sights, weapon lights and vertical fore grips and a new muzzle device had its official debut on 9 May 2015 in Moscow as part of the 2015 Moscow Victory Day Parade . The Kalashnikov Concern has further developed three sets of additional equipment for
14946-407: The new material was slow and impeded by very stringent hardness requirements of the military which no Western polymer furniture was able to satisfy as of 1980. The AK-74 gas tube has a spring washer attached to its rear end designed to retain the gas tube more securely. The lower handguard is fitted with a leaf spring that reduces play in the rifle's lateral axis by keeping the wood tensioned between
15087-484: The newly formed CIS signed a protocol on the temporary appointment of Marshal of Aviation Yevgeny Shaposhnikov as Minister of Defence and commander of the armed forces in their territory, including strategic nuclear forces. On 14 February 1992 Shaposhnikov formally became Supreme Commander of the CIS Armed Forces. On 16 March 1992 a decree by Boris Yeltsin created the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation,
15228-694: The next few years, Russian forces withdrew from central and eastern Europe, as well as from some newly independent post-Soviet republics. While in most places the withdrawal took place without any problems, the Russian Armed Forces remained in some disputed areas such as the Sevastopol naval base in the Crimea as well as in Abkhazia , South Ossetia and in Transnistria . The Armed Forces have several bases in foreign countries, especially on territory of
15369-436: The number of reserve troops is classified. The military units manned by reservists are determined by General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation , and this information is classified too. The persons who are in mobilization human resource (non-reservists) may be enlisted to military camp trainings in peacetime. The duration of each training can not exceed 2 months, herewith the total duration of such trainings for
15510-407: The operating mechanism, the cyclic rate rose slightly to around 700 rounds per minute. In order to effectively stabilize projectiles, the barrel's twist rate was increased from 200 mm (1:7.87 in) or 37 calibers rifling twist rate to 160 mm (1:6.3 in) or 29.6 calibers rifling twist rate to adapt the AKS-74U for muzzle velocities of 720 m/s (2,362 ft/s) and higher. A new gas block
15651-406: The operation. In July 2022, at the same time as the Armed Forces began suffering severe casualties , the Ground Forces began to site ammunition in or near structures which are frequented by civilians due to the human shield benefit, ostensibly because Ukrainian HIMARS had tilted the odds of his strategy of attrition by artillery. Within hours after Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu 's signature on
15792-647: The operational control of Allied High Command and the Ministry of Defence, which was headed by President . Finally, on 7 May 1992, Yeltsin signed a decree establishing the armed forces and Yeltsin assumed the duties of the Supreme Commander. In May 1992, General Colonel Pavel Grachev became the Minister of Defence, and was made Russia's first Army General on assuming the post. By August or December 1993 CIS military structures had become CIS military cooperation structures with all real influence lost. In
15933-635: The permanent readiness forces if the permanent readiness forces cannot deter or suppress an armed conflict on their own. Recruitment into the Russian military are also open to non-Russian citizens of the Commonwealth of Independent States , of which Russia is the largest member. By December 2003, the Russian parliament had approved a law in principle to permit the Armed Forces to employ foreign nationals on contract by offering them Russian citizenship after several years service yet, up to 2010, foreigners could only serve in Russia's armed forces after getting
16074-408: The preceding AKM, the AK-74 has better effective firing range, accuracy (a main development goal), and reliability. About 50% of the parts in the AK-74 and AKM are the same (including pins, springs and screws). The rifle's operation during firing and reloading is identical to that of the AKM. After ignition of the cartridge primer and propellant, rapidly expanding propellant gases are diverted into
16215-401: The production and sophistication of its main weapons and its defense industry remained highly dependent on foreign imports of critical components. The Ukrainian Commander-in-Chief Colonel General Oleksandr Syrskyi said on 24 July 2024 that Russians were much better resourced now but also suffer three times higher losses than Ukraine. The Defence Ministry of the Russian Federation serves as
16356-406: The rear of the receiver. When folded, the stock is held closed by a spring-loaded capture hook situated on the left side at the front of the receiver housing. A rear-mounted sling swivel is also provided on the right side at the beginning of the stock frame. It retains the pistol grip reinforcement plate the AKMS used, though due to the less complex rear trunnion, only has one riveting hole in place of
16497-423: The receiver and the handguard retainer. The receiver remains nearly identical to that of the AKM; it is a U-shaped 1 mm (0.04 in) thick sheet steel pressing supported extensively by pins and rivets. The internal guide rails on which the bolt carrier travels are stamped and spot welded to the inside of the receiver housing. Minor changes were made to the front barrel and rear stock trunnions as well as
16638-464: The receiver at a height that allows the use of the iron sights. It weighs 0.8 kg, offers 4× magnification with a field of view of 8° and 35 mm eye relief. The 1P29 is issued with a canvas pouch, a lens cleaning cloth, combination tool, two rubber eyecups, two eyecup clamps and three different bullet drop compensation (BDC) cams for the AK-74/ AN-94 , RPK-74 and PK machine gun . The 1P29
16779-461: The reciprocating parts of the AEK-971 is less than compared to the non-balanced recoil AK-pattern designs, thus increasing its cyclic rate of fire significantly. The original cyclic rate of fire of the early prototype model was 1,500 rounds per minute and was later decreased to 900 rounds per minute for the production model. The AEK-971 is fed through AK-74 , RPK-74 pattern 5.45×39mm 30-round or larger box magazines. There are three main variants of
16920-423: The relatively small sized, light weight, high velocity 5.45×39mm cartridge yielded a significant weight reduction and allows a soldier to carry considerably more rounds for the same weight compared with the previous Soviet AK-47 and AKM and later 7.62×39mm chambered AK platform assault rifles. Note: All, 7.62×39mm AK magazines are backwards compatible with older AK variants. Note *: 10.12 kg (22.3 lb)
17061-441: The rifle's camouflage and lacked the small horizontal reinforcing ribs running down both sides of the magazine body near the front that were added on all later AK-74 magazine generations. A second generation steel-reinforced dark-brown (color shades vary from maroon to plum to near black) 30-round magazine was introduced in the early 1980s, fabricated from ABS plastic. The third generation steel-reinforced 30-round AK-74 magazine
17202-430: The right much like the AKM's offset muzzle brake. A flat plate near the end of the brake produces a forward thrust when emerging exhaust gases strike its surface, greatly reducing recoil. The muzzle brake prevents backblast from reaching the firer, although it is reported to be harsh on bystanders as the muzzle gases are dispersed to the sides. The standard-issue AK-74 muzzle brake has been subtly revised several times since
17343-497: The sights on the center of mass (the belt buckle) of the enemy target. Any errors in range estimation are tactically irrelevant, as a well-aimed shot will hit the torso of the enemy soldier. The AKS-74U is significantly more maneuverable in tight quarters than the AKS-74; however, the significant decline in muzzle velocity to 735 m/s (2,411 ft/s) resulted in a 100 m (109 yd) reduction in effective range to 400 m (437 yd) (the effective hitting distance for
17484-461: The stock folded. The AKS-74UB ("B"— Russian : бесшумный ; Besshumniy or "silent") is a sound-suppressed variant of the AKS-74U adapted for use with the PBS-4 suppressor (used in combination with subsonic 5.45×39mm Russian ammunition). The modernised variant of the AK-74 — the AK-74M — was used as the technical basis for the new Russian AK-100 family of Kalashnikov firearms: Even with
17625-574: The stock is retracted, the shoulder rest connects with the pistol grip forming a streamlined structure which allows the weapon to be used without hampering fire capabilities. Burst fire accuracy of the 7.62×39mm AEK-973S is two times higher than that of the 7.62×39mm AKM assault rifle. A successor variant of the AEK-971 line is designated as the KORD 6P67 (official GRAU designation 6P67 ), and chambered in 5.45×39mm . The KORD 6P67 has numerous internal and external improvements over earlier AEK-971 models. The changes includes iron sights that consist of
17766-404: The stock is retracted, the shoulder rest connects with the pistol grip forming a streamlined structure which allows the weapon to be used without hampering fire capabilities. The burst fire accuracy of the 5.45×39mm AEK-971S is two times higher than that of the 5.45×39mm AK-74M assault rifle. The AEK-972 is chambered in 5.56×45mm NATO . It uses the magazines of the 5.56×45mm NATO chambered arms of
17907-412: The temporary cavity effect caused by yaw and cavitation of a projectile. With the 5.45 mm bullet, tumbling produced a temporary cavity twice, at depths of 100 mm (3.9 in) and 350 mm (13.8 in). This is similar to (but more rapid than) modern 7.62×39mm ammunition and to (non-fragmenting) 5.56×45mm NATO ammunition. The original steel-reinforced 30-round AK-74 detachable box magazine
18048-545: The three on the AKMS. In 1991, the Izhmash factory in the city of Izhevsk began full-scale production of a modernised variant of the AK-74—the AK-74M ("М"—Russian: Модернизи́рованный , romanized : Modernizírovanny , lit. 'modernised') assault rifle that offers more versatility compared with its predecessor. Apart from several minor improvements, such as a lightened bolt and carrier assembly to reduce
18189-531: The top half of the field of view and is tritium -illuminated for low-light condition aiming. The current Russian standard side rail mounted optical sight for the AK-74M is the 2.8×17 1P78 Kashtan , an aiming optic similar to the American ACOG . When mounted the 1P78 sight is positioned centered above the receiver. It weighs 0.5 kg, offers 2.8× magnification with a field of view of 13° and 32 mm eye relief. The 1P78 comes in several versions for
18330-525: Was believed that yawing and cavitation of projectiles were primarily responsible for tissue damage. Martin Fackler conducted a study with an AK-74 assault rifle using live pigs and ballistic gelatin ; "The result of our preset test indicate that the AK-74 bullet acts in the manner expected of a full-metal-cased military ammunition – it does not deform or fragment when striking soft tissues". Most organs and tissue were too flexible to be severely damaged by
18471-437: Was developed for replacing the shorter barreled AKS-74U. The AK-105 is used by the Russian Army and Ministry of Internal Affairs. Additionally, the 5.45×39mm AK-107 , 5.56×45mm NATO AK-108 and 7.62×39mm AK-109 assault rifles were developed. These have a technically differing balanced recoil system to reduce felt recoil and muzzle rise. This balanced recoil system designed by Yuriy K. Alexandrov for Kalashnikov-pattern rifles
18612-761: Was developed to participate in a competition announced by the Ministry of Defense of the USSR, during which preference was given to the AN-94 . The initial AEK version differs from modern samples, as many innovations were perceived as unnecessary by the Ministry of Defence, which led to a simplification of the early model. The AEK-971 is approximately 0.5 kg (1.1 lb) lighter than the AN-94, simpler in design and cheaper to manufacture. The AEK-971 assault rifle has been combat proven in Chechnya tested by naval infantry and interior forces , and prepared for mass production. Only
18753-445: Was installed at the muzzle end of the barrel with a muzzle booster , which features an internal expansion chamber inside the cylindrical section of the booster while the conical end acts as a nozzle to increase net pressure inside the gas chamber by supplying an increased amount of propellant gases from the barrel. The chrome-lined muzzle booster also burns any remaining propellant, which would normally reduce muzzle blast. However, due to
18894-455: Was joined by designs of Mikhail Kalashnikov (PP1), Igor Stechkin ( TKB-0116 ), S. G. Simonov ( AG-043 ), A. S. Konstantinov ( AEK-958 ), and Yevgeny Dragunov (who called his model "MA"). Kalashnikov also presented an additional design (A1-75) which differed from PP1 by having a modified muzzle for flash and noise suppression. In 1977, the GRAU decided to adopt Kalashnikov's model, which
19035-509: Was largely a shortened AKS-74, because its performance was no worse than the competition, and promised significant production cost savings by utilizing existing equipment for the AK-74 line. A final round of large scale testing with Kalashnikov's model was performed by airborne divisions in the Transcaucasian Military District in March 1977. The AKS-74U ("U"— Russian : укороченный ; Ukorochenniy , or "shortened")
19176-548: Was later released and is set to be used in the Russian Special Operations Forces ( Spetsnaz ). The AEK-971 is chambered in 5.45×39mm . It uses all of the standard 5.45×39mm AK-74 and RPK-74 magazines. An improved variant of the AEK-971 with a new trigger mechanism with the location of the thumb safety-selector lever on the right side, receiving additionally a three-shot burst fire mode, and an extended padded retractable lightweight stock. When
19317-420: Was officially adopted by Russian army , has a slight accuracy edge over the AEK-971 in 2-round-burst mode. In full automatic mode or during longer bursts (3–10 rounds per burst) the AEK-971 is more accurate. In late 2014, an updated variant of the rifle passed state trials and will be tested operationally with Russian forces in early 2015. On 23 December 2014, the Russian Army announced that a successor variant of
19458-433: Was officially adopted in 1979, and given the official, but seldom used GRAU designation 6P26. Production stopped in 1993. The AKS-74U bridges the tactical deployment gap between a submachine gun and an assault rifle . It was intended for use mainly with special forces , airborne infantry, rear-echelon support units, helicopter and armored vehicle crews. It has been augmented and replaced by various submachine guns, and
19599-531: Was reorganized in separate Joint Strategic Command. Since 1 January 2021, this Command has the status of military district. Geographically divided, the five commands/districts are: The plan was put in place on 1 December 2010 and mirrors a proposed reorganisation by former Chief of the General Staff Army General Yuri Baluyevsky for a Regional Command East which was not implemented. The four commands were set up by
19740-949: Was set. In 2010 the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) estimated that the Russian Armed Forces numbered about 1,027,000 active troops and in the region of 2,035,000 reserves (largely ex-conscripts). As opposed to personnel specified by decree, actual personnel numbers on the payroll was reported by the Audit Chamber of Russia as 766,000 in October 2013. According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute , between 2005–2009 and 2010–2014, Russian exports of major weapons increased by 37 percent; Russia spent $ 66.4 billion on arms in 2015, then $ 69.2 billion in 2016, having taken 3rd place (after
19881-526: Was similar to that of the AKM, except for minor dimensional changes required by the 5.45×39mm cartridge. These magazines discolour over time from yellowish to rust-coloured shades, and are often mistakenly identified as being made of Bakelite (a phenolic resin ), but were actually fabricated from two-parts of AG-4S molding compound (a glass-reinforced phenol-formaldehyde binder impregnated composite), assembled using an epoxy resin adhesive. Noted for their durability, these magazines did however compromise
#410589