Russia to start production of new AK-308 automatic rifle in NATO caliber to improve accuracy.

[BTX]

https://www.armyrecognition.com/news/army-news/2025

On June 18, 2025, the Russian Kalashnikov Concern announced the upcoming start of serial production for the modernized AK-308 automatic rifle, chambered in 7.62×51 mm NATO caliber.

The production will begin once the weapon completes its qualification trials.

The updated AK-308 is based on the original 2018 version, itself developed from the AK-12 platform for export to countries whose armed forces use the 7.62×51 mm NATO (.308 Winchester) cartridge as standard for infantry rifles.
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The AK-308M, or AK-308 2025 model, integrates structural changes derived from the AK-12M1 introduced in 2023, such as a lengthened free-floating handguard that does not contact the barrel and allows improved barrel cooling and more stable accessory mounting. (Picture source: Kalashnikov)

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Despite the common Russian designation "автомат," the AK-308 is more accurately classified as a battle rifle due to its use of a full-size rifle cartridge and 415 mm barrel. The modernization was undertaken proactively by the Design and Technology Center (KTC) of Kalashnikov Concern and involved transferring several technical solutions tested during the operational deployment of the AK-12, particularly in the context of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

The AK-308M, or AK-308 2025 model, integrates structural changes derived from the AK-12M1 introduced in 2023. These include a lengthened free-floating handguard that does not contact the barrel and allows improved barrel cooling and more stable accessory mounting. The handguard also includes lower and lateral Picatinny rails for installing foregrips, laser aiming devices, or tactical lights. The gas tube is now fixed with a non-removable front cap and is no longer detachable, simplifying maintenance. The upper receiver cover has been redesigned with a rigid mounting method involving grooves at the rear and a cross pin at the front, supporting an uninterrupted Picatinny rail extending the full length of the top. The front sight has been moved to the gas block, and the aperture-type rear sight is now mounted close to the stock, featuring interchangeable apertures for use under different lighting conditions. This is consistent with the flip-up diopter design from the AK-12M1.

The updated folding stock is polymer, adjustable in length with four positions, and now includes a machine gun-style buttplate to compensate for the higher recoil of the 7.62×51 mm round. It also features unique QD sling sockets, but has been reported to suffer from looseness when folded. The pistol grip has been redesigned for improved ergonomics and includes internal storage space for batteries or medical supplies. The new safety-selector mechanism (6Ч63.Сб11) now functions differently than in previous AK designs: the safety lever no longer locks into notches but instead blocks the bolt carrier and acts as a dust cover. It includes a curved finger shelf with added texture to reduce slippage and improve usability. The rifle lacks a bolt hold-open device and does not support underbarrel grenade launcher installation. Its detachable magazine is a proprietary polymer design with side windows for visual monitoring of remaining ammunition. A slotted flash suppressor, which doubles as a muzzle brake and compensator, is mounted via a bayonet interface and can be quickly replaced with a suppressor.

The AK-308's technical specifications include a caliber of 7.62 mm and cartridge type 7.62×51 mm NATO. The weapon weighs 4.3 kg without ammunition and has an overall length between 885 mm and 945 mm, depending on stock position, extending to 1050–1110 mm with a bayonet. When the stock is folded, the length is reduced to 705 mm. The barrel is 415 mm long, the height of the weapon is 244 mm, and its width is 72 mm. The rate of fire is approximately 700 rounds per minute. It uses a long-stroke gas piston and rotating bolt mechanism. The standard sighting system includes a diopter iron sight with adjustments for distances marked “P” and “8.” The aiming range is specified at 800 meters, and the muzzle velocity is rated at 760 meters per second. Picatinny rails are located on the top cover and handguard, allowing the mounting of various optical and night sights. The rifle includes a collapsible cleaning rod stored in the stock and a cleaning kit stored in the pistol grip and buttstock. There is no standard bipod, no grenade launcher interface, and no cheek rest on the stock. Magazine capacity is 20 rounds, and the magazine itself weighs 0.25 kg.

The AK-308 was developed for export and is not intended for service within Russia. No procurement plans have been announced by the Ministry of Defense, the Federal Security Service (FSB), the Russian National Guard, the Federal Protective Service (FSO), the Interior Ministry, or the Federal Penitentiary Service (FSIN). The rifle was originally designed as part of Kalashnikov’s strategy to offer NATO-caliber rifles to countries such as Pakistan, India, and Brazil, which continue to use 7.62×51 mm ammunition in their armed forces. During the 2018 Army forum, Pakistani representatives expressed the most interest in the original AK-308. The AK-308’s classification remains a subject of debate in Russian military-technical language, as it does not fall under the traditional definition of an “автомат” firing intermediate cartridges like 7.62×39 mm. However, Kalashnikov officials stress that for international buyers, the naming convention is secondary to the weapon’s capabilities.

In addition to the AK-308, Kalashnikov Concern recently presented the PPK-20 submachine gun to Russian journalists. The PPK-20, a successor to the Vityaz-SN, is chambered in 9 mm and incorporates a collapsible, adjustable stock, ambidextrous controls, and integrated suppressor compatibility. Designed with input from operational feedback, it passed Russian state trials and is marketed for use by air crews, vehicle operators, police forces, and special operations units. Both the AK-308 and PPK-20 are positioned for export rather than domestic adoption. The AK-308 is described in export literature as a development platform integrating AK-12/AK-15 features with a 7.62×51 mm NATO configuration and uses technical principles consistent with the Ratnik soldier system rifles. The current model incorporates a combination of legacy AK-12 structural solutions and newly introduced components from more recent variants.

https://youtu.be/CwflDzUGiGg

Kalashnikov Concern stated that the AK-308 modernization process serves to eliminate outdated and redundant elements rather than simply enhancing the design. The use of common components across platforms, such as stocks and dust covers, is intended to reduce production costs through standardization. The company highlighted that the AK-308, with its improved design, maintains high interest from international customers. While the previous export attempt with the AK-101 in 5.56×45 mm NATO had limited results in the 1990s, the AK-308 is considered a more comprehensive offering due to its configuration based on recent combat feedback and compatibility with Western ammunition. The initial production batch is expected to be available for delivery later in 2025, pending completion of all testing protocols.

[Levy Pierre]

Notre armée réagira sous peu !

[piranha]

54 minutes ago, Levy Pierre said:

Notre armée réagira sous peu !

Pourquoi devraient-ils réagir ? Nous n’avons aucune raison de le faire : tout est en ordre de notre côté.
Nous disposons déjà du SCAR-H chambré en 7,62×51 mm, avec une optique tout à fait correcte. Quoi qu’il en soit, cet AK-308 ne semble pas destiné aux forces armées russes ni au marché intérieur. Il s'agit très probablement d’un développement à visée export, à l’instar des AK-101, AK-102, AK-108, AK-201, AK-202 ou encore de l’AK-19 – tous en calibre OTAN 5,56×45 mm, conçus pour les marchés étrangers, voire pour le marché civil sous forme de carabines semi-automatiques.

Des pays comme le Pakistan ou l’Inde ne se sont pas montrés intéressés. En somme, sans client potentiel, il n’y a rien à discuter.

Quant au PPK-20, il s’agit d’une tentative de proposer un équivalent national du MP5 pour les forces de police. À l’époque soviétique, les seules armes disponibles pour la milice étaient les AKSU – ce qui, vous en conviendrez, est quelque peu excessif pour des missions de police.

Cela dit, nous parlons de Russes : dans les prises d’otages, s’ils n’interviennent pas avec un char (Beslan), ils emploient du gaz neurotoxique (Nord-Ost).