Russian defense firm Kalashnikov has rolled out its first pilot batch of AM-17 compact assault rifles, chambered in 5.45mm. The move signals the weapon’s transition from testing stages toward eventual mass production for frontline troops.
The AM-17 has passed rigorous evaluations, including both state trials and combat testing in Ukraine. Adjustments to the rifle’s configuration were made after frontline feedback highlighted areas for improvement, Moscow-based Rossiyskaya Gazeta reported.
The design of the AM-17 was driven by requests for a compact self-defense weapon suitable for armored vehicle crews, law enforcement, and special forces. Weighing around 2.5 kilograms and folding down to under 50 centimeters, the rifle is engineered for maneuverability in close-quarters environments and dense terrain.
With an effective firing range of 400 meters and a rate of approximately 800 rounds per minute, the AM-17 can use all standard 5.45mm ammunition in Russian service. The program reflects a broader trend within Russia to prioritize lightweight, versatile small arms for modern battlefields increasingly shaped by mobility and urban combat.
