The RPK light machine gun gets a new and 21st Century look as Kalashnikov Concern show the new 5.45mm RPK-16 Light Machine Gun. According to Alexey Krivoruchko, Director of Kalashnikov Concern, apart from the RPK now having a new look, even its design is totally different as it is configurable to the type of mission it is needed.

In an interview with the Russian news agency, TASS, Krivoruchko explains that the barrels are interchangeable with the longer barrel allowing it to be used as a light machine gun and as an assault rifle when using the shorter barrel.

“Yes, such work is carried out on the basis of studying the experience of today's armed conflicts, we have developed a lightweight 5.45-mm machine gun Kalashnikov RPK-16 by weight, size, accuracy and versatility, this machine gun is unique.” He said.

The RPK-16 has some of its design features derived from the AK-12 program and while it is still in development, is being designed to replace the RPK-74 LMG/Squad Automatic Weapon that is in use in the Russian Armed Forces. In May 2016, the Russian Interior Ministry announced a tender for a contract for a new Light Machine Gun of the same caliber as the RPK-74 with interchangeable barrels, can be versatile to use in urban operations, and fires at 800 rounds per minute.

When used as an LMG, it will be able to utilize the new 96-round drum magazine and with the heavy and longer barrel, the heat build up from firing the gun as a support weapon takes longer. When used as an assault rifle, it can use the 30-round magazine from the AK-74 or the 45-round RPK Magazine.

Apart from being a configurable weapon for either LMG/SAW or Assault Rifle roles, the RPK-16 comes with rail systems, making it easier to mount optics and other weapons accessories such as laser, tactical lights, vertical foregrip, bipod. Event the stock does away with familiar wood and you can use a different stock which reminds you of the interchangeability of stock in M249 SAW variants.

According to TASS, Kalashnikov Concern will be putting the RPK-16 on display at the Patriot Military Theme Park during the “Army 2016” military technology forum which take place from tomorrow, the 6th of September up to the 11th of September 2016.