Kalashnikov Concern announced mass production of RPL-20 machine guns in 2026

Serial production of the RPL-20 light machine gun with 5.45 caliber cartridges may begin in 2026. This was announced on May 22 by Alan Lushnikov, CEO of the Kalashnikov Concern.

"We are focused on working on [caliber] 5.45. We have to bring it to a mass series. I expect this to happen this year," TASS quoted him as saying.

Lushnikov clarified that this technique will be adopted by assault units in the future. He added that the RPL-20 is also in demand for 7.62 mm cartridges, which are also wanted abroad.

On January 21, the press service of the Kalashnikov Group said that employees had begun to produce an improved version of the PPK-20 submachine gun based on the experience of a special military operation. So, the range of cartridges was expanded.