Russian Kalashnikov AK-12 assault rifles are to go into serial production with the first batch scheduled for delivery to the Russian troops before the end of this year. 

Head of Rostec hi-tech corporation Sergey Chemezov said on Thursday that all the trials have already been held and the serial production phase would begin soon. Expected to become operational in the Russian Army as the basic long-barrel firearm, the AK-12 will be a part of Ratnik combat gear which also includes advanced protective and communication equipment as well as life support elements.