For airsofters, the War in Ukraine can be a study in the loadout and gear of the Ukrainian and Russian forces. Many are fairly familiar with Russian gear and weaponry with the latter much in use in by the Ukrainians though in terms of loadout, they’re much closer now to Western/NATO loadouts by gauging the photos emerging online and taken from the battlefield.

But for those interested in the Ukrainian Special Operations Forces, they may notice a bullpup weapon that is not seen in the arsenals of Western armies or the Russian Federation. That is because it is the “Malyuk” bullpup that is indigenous to Ukraine and it is the weapon choice by the Ukrainian SOF.

“Malyuk” which means “baby” or “youngster” also called “Vulcan” was designed by InterProInves in 2005 and it is essentially an AK in a bullpup configuration. It was then revealed to the world in 2015 and completed trials in the Ukrainian Army in 2016 before it was accepted into service though it was said its use was limited perhaps due to the number produced.

The Malyuk’s chassis is mainly made of polymer with a 16.3-inch barrel and can fire the 7.62x39mm and 5.45x39mm ammunition, and NATO 5.56x45mm rounds. Standard AK magazines can readily fit and given the war against Russia, the bullpup will be mainly firing the first two ammo types since they anticipate being able to use magazines used by the enemy.

It can also be adapted for use with the right or left shoulder and is equipped with Picatinny rails to mount weapons accessories. A suppressor which is also designed by InterProInves for the Malyuk allows it to fire in full auto with no impact on the ballistic characteristics of the bullet.

The Malyuk is also mistaken by others to be the Tavor TAR-21 as based on the photos taken from the war, especially that the triggerguard resembles the Israeli bullpup.

With ongoing war, the Malyuk is showing to be an effective weapons system given that is in use by the Ukrainian SOF in the field and as we know that these units are the best equipped.

If airsoft manufacturers are looking for a new bullpup rifle that use an AK magazine, the Malyuk is the best candidate and we recommend that they take a licence from InterProInves if they intend to.