Ukrainian forces capture North Korean soldiers with Russian AK‑12 rifles
Ukrainian operatives from special units have captured another group of North Korean soldiers in the Kursk region. Their equipment is surprising, as one was found carrying a modern Russian AK-12 rifle. We examine the latest evolution of the renowned Kalashnikov's performance.
It is estimated that around 12,000 soldiers from North Korea have arrived in Russia. Given the current rate of losses, they could remain active until mid-April. Although their attack tactics are primitive, they pose a significant threat due to their high motivation.
Elite units have arrived in Ukraine, equipped with the latest gear from North Korea and imports from Russia. This includes AK-12 rifles, first spotted in North Korean hands in late 2024. Unfortunately, the photo below does not reveal whether the captured rifle is Russian or a North Korean licensed production.
AK-12 rifle - an unsuccessful modernization of the famous Kalashnikov
AK-12 rifles were introduced into the Russian Armed Forces in 2018, mainly serving as a modernization of the older AK-74M models to meet current military standards.
The initial version features new sights, a dorsal rail on the receiver cover, and new polymer handguards with rail sections, allowing the use of optical/electro-optical sights, flashlights, or laser sights.
Additionally, the rifle received a new folding stock with adjustable length, a flash suppressor that also functions as a compensator and is compatible with a sound suppressor, and a two-shot burst mode, which added complexity to the selector with a safety feature.
The weapon was not well-received by soldiers, prompting several revisions. The latest version from 2023 is designated as the AK-12M1. Notably, the specimen seized from the North Korean soldiers is an older AK-12 variant.
In the new variant, a significant change includes an additional selector lever with safety and the removal of the unnecessary two-shot burst mode, which offers no advantage for a rifle with a firing rate of 600 rounds per minute.
Moreover, the Russians reportedly improved the mounting of the receiver cover so that optical sights mounted on it "hold zero" and do not need re-zeroing each time the weapon is disassembled. The rifle also comes with a new folding stock with a height-adjustable cheek rest.
Apart from these modifications, the new AK-12 is essentially the same as the AK-74M rifle, as the operating principle remains unchanged. It is just a bit heavier (approximately 3.6 kg) and can accommodate new polymer magazines with a transparent window for quick round checks. It does not stand out particularly, and some users believe it falls short compared to the old AK-74M equipped with a Zenitco rail set, a popular choice among Spetsnaz soldiers.
