Russian Ministry of Defense (MoD) intensively tests the Kalashnikov RPK-16 light machine gun (LMG), according to the MoD’s official newspaper, Red Star (Krasnaya Zvezda). "The operational tests of the RPK-16 LMG are nearing their completion. The program will be finished in the first quarter of the year," said the newspaper. Unlike the venerable Kalashnikov RPK-74 5.45 LMG, the new weapon meets modern requirements to assault LMGs, the Red Star added.

Kalashnikov RPK-16 Light Machine Gun (Picture source: Army Recognition)

The Kalashnikov Group unveiled the RPK-16 LMG at the Army 2017 international military-technical forum. The firearm retains the traditional scheme and excellent reliability of the Kalashnikov-family weapons and incorporates a number of new developments, including enhanced ergonomics and tactical flexibility. To meet all operational requirements, the RPK-16 can be fitted with quick-change short and long barrels.

The firearm is complemented by a tactical silencer. Some additional pieces of equipment can be installed on the weapon, owing to Picatinny rails. According to the Kalashnikov Group, the RPK-16 is fitted with 95-round drum and 45-round magazines, the weapon can also be fed from the organic 30-round magazine of the Kalashnikov AK-74 5.45 mm assault rifle. The new LMG has a caliber of 5.45 mm, a rate of fire of 700 rounds per minute, a weight of 4.5 kg (with short barrel and without sound suppressor, magazine and bipod), and an overall length of 840-900 mm with the short barrel and 1,020-1,080 mm with the long one.