The AKS-74U - seen here being wielded by a Ukrainian soldier - has been a staple with former Warsaw Pact nations for decades, but will slowly be phased out by Russia (Picture: Alamy)

Weapons and Kit

Russian SF troops and vehicle crews move one step closer to getting new Kalashnikov

Russian personnel requiring a compact assault rifle look closer to receiving their new AM-17, with Kalashnikov Concern having produced the first batch of production weapons.

The likes of Russian vehicle crews, military police and special forces operatives have been using the AKS-74U since its introduction in 1979.

But the weapon is being phased out in favour of the AM-17.

The AM-17 was unveiled in prototype form by Kalashnikov Concern, formerly known as Izhmash, back in 2017, but the arms manufacturer has now released images of the first production variant on its Telegram channel, the weapon having undergone some changes.

It takes the standard Russian 5.54x39mm intermediate calibre cartridge and has a 30-round magazine.

The AM-17 has two roles, the first being a personal defence weapon for vehicle and aircraft crews.

But it also provides an offensive capability for special operations soldiers who need a concealed carry option or for close quarters battle use.

The weapon has been in development for years, with the first production batch being complete — The weapon has been in development for years, with the first production batch now being complete (Picture: Kalashnikov Concern)

The basic rifle is light, weighing just 2.5kg without a magazine, sling or other accessories.

This compares with 2.7kg for the AKS-74U it's replacing, which is of metal construction with wooden furniture.

It's short too, measuring 490mm with the folding telescoping butt stock closed, and 750mm in the extended position.

Having the option to extend the butt stock means the operator can get the correct length of pull for their body type and the thickness of clothing that they're wearing, enhancing comfort, efficiency and accuracy.

Extensive use has been made of polymer components to keep the weight down.

Iron sights are fitted as standard, but the body of the weapon has been equipped with a Picatinny rail to allow a selection of optics to be fitted, such as a reflex sight.

Note the clear viewing windows on the polymer magazine to judge how many rounds are remaining and the change lever at the rear — Note the clear viewing windows on the polymer magazine to judge how many rounds are remaining, and the change lever at the rear (Picture: Kalashnikov Concern)

The AM-17's change lever is located at the rear, with the fire selector lever mid-way along the body of the weapon found on most AKs having been deleted.

Another major difference to regular AKs is the way the type of fire is selected.

Instead of going from safe to full auto to semi-auto - the rationale for which has caused much debate among firearms enthusiasts - the AM-17 has a more conventional layout of safe to semi-auto to full auto.

Out with the old

The AKS-74U, a shortened version of the standard AK-74 assault rifle, was well received on its introduction and was a firm favourite with Soviet airborne troops.

While that weapon has a rate of fire of around 700 rounds per minute, the AM-17 is believed to up the rate to around 850.

With lighter weight and increased firepower, the AM-17 could prove to be Russia's new standard for close quarters combat and personal defence.