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Izhmash designs new AK-12 machine gun

Russia’s Izhmash Company is designing a new machine gun, which has a working name of AK-12

Photo www.picvario.com

Photo www.picvario.com

MOSCOW, November 29 (Itar-Tass) — Russia’s Izhmash Company is designing a new machine gun, which has a working name of AK-12, the company’s spokesman Mikhail Valov said on Tuesday commenting on several publications on the topic in Russia’s media.

He said that AK-12 is Izhmash’ own initiative.

“Russia’s Defence Ministry has not ordered design of this machine gun,” he said.

Valov disclaimed the information published in some media that the military authority had refused to buy the new weapon.

“The defense ministry has refused to buy AK-74 machine guns, which the plant has not been producing since 1991 already,” he said. “We have not discussed orders for the new machine gun.”

“As our product is ready we shall offer it to Russia’s military,” Valov said and did not rule out a possibility that “the weapon will be exported.”

A mock of AK-12 is expected by the end of this year. The main feature of the novelty is the opportunity to take any action with the gun’s mechanics by right or left hand. The gun will be ergonomic, it will have modern sights, better quality barrel, softer automation, it will be able to use automatic cartridges of various types, and installation of perspective grenade launchers.

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