Pakistan Defence Review: Updates Plus

AK-308: Kalashnikov’s New 7.62 NATO Rifle

During the 2018 International Military-Technical Forum “Army 2018” in August 2018, Russia’s Kalashnikov Concern unveiled a new 7.62×51 mm NATO assault rifle intended for overseas users, the AK-308.[1]

According to a press release from Kalashnikov Concern, the AK-308 is based on the AK-103 (i.e. a 7.62×39 mm assault rifle), but with design elements from the AK-12 and AK-15, which are configured in 5.45×39 mm and 7.62×39 mm, respectively.[2] The AK-12/AK-15 design features shown with the AK-308 include the former’s retractable stock, receiver and capacity to readily incorporate accessories, such as sights and grips. Kalashnikov has begun delivering the AK-12 and AK-15 to the Russian Ministry of Defence in 2018.[3]

Kalashnikov states that the AK-308 has a weight (with empty magazine) of 4.3 kg. This is heavier than the FN Herstal SCAR-H and Beretta ARX-200, which weigh 3.7 kg and 3.9 kg, respectively. The AK-308’s weight is comparable to that of the Zastava M77 (4.35 kg), another 7.62×51 mm rifle derived from the AK-series.

By basing the AK-308 on the AK-103, it appears that Kalashnikov is not only aiming at foreign markets, but cost-sensitive, developing-world markets. Otherwise, it could have leveraged the new newer and lighter platform driving the AK-12 and AK-15 (and it could plausibly do so down the line for more affluent buyers).

Seeing how the AK-103 had competed in the Pakistan Army’s rifle tender in 2016, Kalashnikov might opt to follow-up with the AK-308. Interestingly, the co-founder of a competing, US-based original equipment manufacturer (OEM) claimed that Pakistan opted for 140,000 AK-103s.[4] However, a source quoted by the Russian newspaper Kommersant stated that Pakistan, despite approaching Russia with interest in various arms (including small arms), it has yet to initiative substantive contract negotiations.[5]

Nonetheless, given how Pakistan Ordnance Factories (POF) had spoke to Poland’s Fabryka Broni regarding a new generation rifle in November 2017, it appears that a new assault rifle design to replace the Pakistan Army’s Heckler & Koch G-3s is still a subject of interest.[6] However, the litmus test for this would be fresh tests involving designs that had either been cleared to proceed, modified offerings and new entrants (e.g. the AK-308, Fabryka Broni GROT, etc).