Work on the AK-12 began in 2011. Initially, it was decided to resort to borrowing the American technology used in the famous M-16. There, the central axis of the barrel was in line with the butt. This made it possible to reduce the flip up of the trunk, which caused a significant increase in accuracy when firing bursts. And also increased the rate of fire to 1000 rounds per minute.
In 2014, the AK-12 lost in the competition for a complete set of "Warrior". And then they decided to abandon the AK-12 in general and modernize the AK-74M. However, soon changed their mind.
AK-12 significantly changed, both externally and internally. The AK-12 received a redesigned gas vent, gas tube, receiver and barrel. The cover of the receiver has also been redesigned. All these measures have improved the accuracy and accuracy of shooting. The upgraded trigger mechanism allowed firing in fixed bursts of two shots. Unification has reached 54% after 10% of the original.
The competition between AK-12 and the new AEK-971 (manufactured by the Degtyarev plant) lasted two years. As a result, both machines will be used with the "Warrior" complex. The Ministry of Defense made a compromise decision: AK-12 was received by servicemen of combined-arms units of the ground forces, airborne troops and marines of the navy, and AEK-971 - by the Russian Special Operations Forces.
