Army 2021: Kalashnikov introduces modular AKV-521 carbine

For the first time, Kalashnikov Group will demonstrate AKV-521 civilian carbine at the International Military-Technical Forum “ARMY-2021”. The carbine is based on the reliable and time-tested AK design (gas-operated system, locking mechanism, magazine, trigger group, muzzle brake, pistol grip, and buttstock).

The solutions implemented in the AKV-521 carbine have proven their effectiveness as they are applied in small arms in various countries worldwide: upper and lower receiver, the full-length 1913-MIL-STD/Picatinny-type rail, and the detachable charging handle.

“The AKV-521 is designed for shooters who appreciate reliability of the AK platform, and who want to possess a universal weapon system to be used in various conditions, made in three calibers and compatible with a wide range of ammunition and various day or night/thermal sights,” said Valentin Vlasenko, the Director of Civilian Firearms R&D at Kalashnikov Group.

The carbine consists of 2 parts. The upper receiver contains the barrel with the gas block and the locking mechanism linked to the bolt guiding rails and the 1913-MIL-STD/Picatinny-type rail. The lower receiver contains the trigger mechanism, magazine well, butt stock, and pistol grip. This solution provides connection between a barrel and optics when a carbine is disassembled, and ensures the accuracy of the weapon system during its operation. The carbine has already passed all the factory tests, and is now being prepared for the mass production.

The AKV-521 allows the shooter to use 415-mm or 341-mm changeable barrels chambered in 5.45×39, 7.62×39 и .223REM. The range of options provides the AKV-521 with high export potential, since the design allows adapting the carbine for customer needs at the warehouse level, by shipping select components, instead of producing several firearms at the production facility.