A new rifle was shown by the maker of the Kalashnikov rifle series at the Army-2018 International Military Technical Forum that is taking place right now in Moscow. Kalashnikov Concern unveiled the AK-308 that is more of an evolution of the 7.62mm rifle rather than a totally new and radical rifle.

In a press release by Kalashnikov Media, the company says that, “The weapon is based on the AK103 submachine gun for the cartridge 7.62×51 mm with elements and components of the AK-12 automatic machine.”

It has a magazine capacity of 20 rounds with a total length of 880-940mm and weighs 4.3kg when empty. The barrel length is 415mm and a bayonet can be attached to the rifle. It comes with a folding stock, giving it the shortest length of 690mm when folded. The stock is adjustable to 4 positions. For aiming it has a dioptric sight.

As the Russian Army announced early this year that they will be adopting the 5.45×39mm AK-12 and the 7.62×39mm AK-15 to replace the AK74M rifle, it is unclear for what purpose the AK-308 if it will be aimed for use by the Russian Army or any group under the security apparatus of the Russian State. It is understood that the AK-308 is still a prototype. Both the AK-12 and AK-15 have higher capacity magazines at 30 rounds as compared to the 20 rounds.

Kalashinkov media also added in their press release that the AK-308 will be undergoing testing, ““At the moment, preparations are underway for preliminary testing of weapons.”

The Army-2018 Imternational Military-Technical Forum is scheduled from the 21st to the 26th of August 2018 and the venue is at the Patriot Expo Center in Moscow.  Launched three years ago, it has become of the world’s leading defence expo showcasing arms and military equipment from 1,400 exhibitors. Around half a million visitors are expected to attend the 6-day expo.