RPK-16

History of the RPK-16

The RPK-16 is the modernized version of the RPK light machine gun using the AK-12 as its base. It was designed to operate with standard AK ammunition and magazines making it fully compatible with the AK-12 magazines as well as the older ones you would find on the AK-74 and RPK-74. It was designed as a full upgrade to its predecessor with better accuracy and a higher rate of fire, it also comes equipped with Picatinny rails making it compatible with many accessories used to improve the efficiency of the user.

The RPK-16 was developed independently by the Kalashnikov Concern, and first presented to the public at the Army 2016 Exhibition, the defense and security show the was held in Moscow in September 2016. They were ahead of the game since in 2017 Russia was looking for a new light machine gun, adopting the RPK-16 as their choice in February 2018. The first batch went into service in 2019.

The machine gun has an option of two different barrel lengths that can be easily changed to suit the mission. There is a picatinny rail running down the entire length of the top for optics and the handguard also has rails on the bottom and both sides for light, grips, bipods, or whatever other tactical accessories you may need. The stock has an adjustable length to better suit the operator and it can be folded out of the way for transport, or close quarters combat.

Since the AK-12 and RPK-16 are both based off a lot of the same parts the production of the two firearms can be simplified. Also, any soldier trained on one platform and simply pick up and use the other. Both of these aspects were selling points for Russia to adopt the RPK-16 into service. As of the time this was written, the only country that has adopted the RPK-16 for use is Russia.