The start of 2018 is looking good for Kalashnikov Concern. Last month, the Russian Ministry of Defense finally approved the use of the AK-12 and AK-15 rifles for use in the Russian Army. Then last Tuesday, the approved and signed the contract for an undisclosed number of RPK-16s.

Pravda.ru cites a report from Russian news agency, TASS, on the latest firearms acquisition. When Kalashnikov Concern CEO Alexey Krivoruchko was asked if a contract has been signed, he answered in the affirmative.

The RPK-16 is upgrade of the RPK-74 and is chambered in the 5.45×39mm cartridge and it uses the traditional Kalashnikov gas-operated long-stroke piston system Just like the AK-12 and AK-15 it also uses Picatinny rails to mount weapons accessories such as aiming devices, polymer hanguard and a detachable suppressor. Up front is a bipod for a more stable shooting.

The main draw of the RPK-16 is that it has an interchangeable barrel system—a 550m long barrel to perform the role as a light machine gun and a 370mm shorte barrel for use as an assault rifle.  The system has been designed that it is easy to do a barrel swap without the need for tools. Whilst it is designed to use a 96-round drum magazine, it is able to use the magazines made for AK-74 and RPK-74.

If used with as an assault rifle with its stock folded, it can be used for close quarters. The stock contains a cleaning kit. It has a cyclic range of 700 rounds per minute and an effective range of 800 metres.

There is no information when Kalashnikov will start delivering the RPK-16s though the Ministry of Defense have already ordered an experimental batch.