Diplomats fire off rounds during Russian Ministry tech tour

Guests tested the Russian future infantry combat line of Kalashnikov automatic rifles including 5.45mm AK-12, 7.62 mm AK-15, 5.56 mm AK-19 rifles, and 9mm Lebedev pistols.

A Kalashnikov Concern spokesperson said the military officials appreciated the line of military clothing and equipment for special units.

“In particular, (guests appreciated) the modular tactical system from Triada-TKO LLC, outboard reactive armour complexes for light armoured vehicles and onboard tank projections, equipment to reduce the visibility of armoured vehicles in the radar and infrared ranges from the Research Institute of Steel JSC,” the spokesperson said.

The new outboard reactive armour complex does not detonate adjacent elements; providing protection from one-piece grenades and ATGMs fired from any direction and penetrating up to 500mm of steel armour, according to a public statement made by Kalashnikov Concern.

During the tour, guests were also given access to the newly publicised 9mm Kalashnikov PPK-20 submachine gun and 7.62mm Chukavin SVCH sniper rifle, which featured prominently at the IDEX 2023 expo held in the United Arab Emirates in February.

The PPK-20 Kalashnikov submachine gun is reportedly designed primarily for special detachments using Russian or international 9x19mm rounds, with the ability to be outfitted with a quick-detachable silencer and modern sights.

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The Chukavin sniper rifle is already being fielded by the Russian Army, it reportedly features modern ergonomics, design and sight system to replace the prolific Dragunov SVD platform.

Robert Dougherty

Robert is a senior journalist who has previously worked for Seven West Media in Western Australia, as well as Fairfax Media and Australian Community Media in New South Wales. He has produced national headlines, photography and videography of emergency services, business, community, defence and government news across Australia. Robert graduated with a Bachelor of Arts, Majoring in Public Relations and Journalism at Curtin University, attended student exchange program with Fudan University and holds Tier 1 General Advice certification for Kaplan Professional. Reach out via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or via LinkedIn.