Community hub
Recent from talks
Contribute something
Nothing was collected or created yet.
 | This article has multiple issues. Please help improve it or discuss these issues on the talk page. (Learn how and when to remove these messages)
|
The AK-9 is a Russian 9×39mm compact rifle. Its development began when Izhevsk Machine-Building Plant (Izhmash), now known as Kalashnikov Concern started working on a new silent, flame-less, compact AK rifle in the early 2000s. When creating the new weapon, the manufacturers have tried to surpass all available competitors, such as the AS Val and SR-3M. The basis for the silent, flame-less shooting complex rifle was designated as the AK-9, where it uses a quick-detachable suppressor.
Key Information
The AK-9 is primarily designed for special units of the Interior Ministry and the Russian Army.[3] The Russian Special Forces wanted to develop a rifle that combines the reliability of the AK platform with the advantages of maneuverability and It is one of the latest models of the popular Kalashnikov rifle series. It is based on the AK-100 series, which is a modernization series of Kalashnikov assault rifles. A unique feature of the rifle is the use of the SP-5 and SP-6 special 9×39mm subsonic cartridges.
According to its characteristics it competes against the 9A-91, AS Val and SR-3M, but has seen limited use compared to these counterparts, which have already seen service in Russian military and police units.
History
[edit]In 2006, Russian authorities wanted the Izhmash factory to design a rifle with Kalashnikov properties, but suitable to be used in special operations. Factory manager Vladimir Grodetsky stated that the rifle was for special forces for anti-terrorist operations. Alexei Dragunov, one of the designers of the AK-9, says "It shoots virtually without a sound and it can go through a bullet-proof vest". The AK-9 is also lighter than earlier Kalashnikov models.[citation needed]
From the Vladimir Zlobin interview in February 2013:
We are working on an entire line of various small arms based on the AK-12. These would be submachine guns and compact assault rifles, automatic carbines and hand-held machine guns. On the basic AK-12 platform a series of special-purpose weapons is being developed. For example, the AK-9 was transferred to this platform. The weapons are going to be tested this spring.[4]
Design
[edit]The AK-9 is based on the so-called "hundred series" of Kalashnikov assault rifles, such as the AK-104, but with certain improvements. It is a selective fire compact assault rifle chambered in 9×39mm subsonic cartridge.
The AK-9 features the same tried and proven gas operated, rotary bolt action, and same "Kalashnikov-style" controls including reciprocating bolt handle, safety/fire selector lever and overall layout with side-folding polymer buttstock. The Polymer furniture is improved with the addition of accessories such as a Picatinny rail on the bottom of the forend and the left side of the receiver is fitted with a Warsaw Pact rail. The barrel can be fitted with a specially designed quick-detachable suppressor (sound moderator), which is especially effective with the 9×39mm subsonic cartridge. The magazine is made of black polymer, holds 20 rounds of ammunition and appears to be of proprietary design, making it not compatible with other (competing) weapons of the same caliber, which are already in service with Russian military and law enforcement.
The AK-9 supports wide range of attachments such as a mounted grenade launcher, laser sights, tactical lights and other tactical accessories. The trigger mechanism allows it to fire in semi-automatic fire and fully automatic fire. The firing module is similar to that of the Kalashnikov assault rifle and is located on the right side of the weapon.[citation needed]
Users
[edit]
Mongolia: Used by the Mongolian Armed Forces and Police, S.W.A.T.[citation needed]
Russia: In very limited usage.
Syria: Used by the Syrian Army and Police.[citation needed]
References
[edit]- ^ "Izhmash AK-9".
- ^ "АК-9 автомат Калашникова - характеристики, ттх, фото". 28 May 2022. Archived from the original on 28 May 2022. Retrieved 2 September 2023.
- ^ "Автомат Калашникова АК-9". spec-naz.org. Retrieved 30 June 2017.
- ^ Zlobin, Vladimir (15 February 2013). ""Калашниковы" для XXI века" ["Kalashnikovs" for the XXI century]. Krasnaya Zvezda (Interview) (in Russian). No. 28 (26247). Interviewed by Andrei Bondarenko. pp. 10–11. Retrieved 21 February 2013.
- Russian gunmaker develops 'anti-terrorist' Kalashnikov Archived 14 February 2009 at the Wayback Machine.Brisbane Times.10 August 2007. Retrieved 2009-01-23.
- Article at Weapon.at.ua
- Article at http://spec-naz.org/armory/automats_and_assault_rifles/avtomat_kalashnikova_ak_9/
History and Development
Origins
The 9×39mm subsonic cartridge was developed in the late 1980s by TsNIITochMash in Klimovsk, Russia, as part of efforts to equip Soviet special operations forces with stealthy firearms for covert missions.[4] This ammunition was specifically designed for suppressed weapons, offering effective armor penetration at short ranges while maintaining subsonic velocities to minimize noise when paired with silencers.[4] It powered early specialized platforms like the AS Val assault rifle and VSS Vintorez sniper rifle, which featured integral suppressors and were adopted by the Soviet military and KGB in 1988 for urban and close-quarters operations.[4] By the early 2000s, Russian special forces identified a gap in their arsenal for a compact rifle that could leverage the 9×39mm cartridge without an integral suppressor, providing greater versatility for missions requiring both quiet and unsuppressed fire.[1] Existing short-barreled 5.45×39mm carbines, such as the AKS-74U, proved inadequate for suppressed close-quarters engagements because their supersonic ammunition generated a prominent sonic crack that undermined stealth, even with attachments.[5][6] In response, Spetsnaz units requested a Kalashnikov-derived platform to complement the integrally suppressed AS Val and VSS Vintorez, offering familiarity in operation while addressing these suppression limitations.[1] Development of the AK-9 was initiated by Izhmash—now part of the Kalashnikov Concern—between 2000 and 2004 to meet this demand from Russian special forces.[1] Early prototypes drew from the AK-74M and the AK-100 series, adapting their reliable gas-operated mechanisms to the 9×39mm chambering for enhanced subsonic performance in compact form.[1] The first prototype emerged around 2004, marking a targeted evolution within the broader AK family toward specialized tools for modern special operations.[1]Design and Adoption
The AK-9 was developed in the early 2000s by the Izhmash design bureau (now part of the Kalashnikov Concern) as a compact assault rifle chambered in 9×39mm subsonic ammunition, primarily to meet the requirements of Russian special operations forces for close-quarters battle. The initial prototype modified the AKS-74U carbine by extending the barrel from 140 mm to 200 mm for better velocity with the heavier 9×39mm round while maintaining overall compactness, and adapting the receiver to accept dedicated magazines for the new caliber.[7] Later iterations shifted to the AK-100 series platform, incorporating polymer components from that family for improved ergonomics and modularity, including a folding tubular stock and provisions for quick-detach suppressors optimized for subsonic performance.[8] This evolution aimed to unify the design with standard Russian service rifles while enhancing silent operation and armor-penetrating capabilities against soft targets.[9] The weapon was first publicly unveiled at the Interpolitex-2005 exhibition in Moscow, where it was presented as a potential CQB solution for Spetsnaz units.[10] A refined version, further aligned with the AK-100 series, was demonstrated to military evaluators in 2009, highlighting improvements in reliability and suppressor integration during informal evaluations.[10] Although comprehensive state trials were not formally documented in public sources, the design underwent practical assessments by special forces focusing on its handling in urban and confined environments.[7] A small batch of approximately 20 units was produced for testing and demonstrations at the Izhmash (now Kalashnikov Concern) facility in Izhevsk.[1] Post-2010 developments included exploratory redesigns for compatibility with the AK-12 platform, incorporating updated ergonomics such as adjustable stocks and enhanced rail systems, though these variants did not progress beyond prototypes.[8] By 2011, further development of the AK-9 was discontinued as part of the shift toward the AK-12 modernization program.[1]Design
Features
The AK-9 is characterized by its compact design featuring a folding metal stock, which allows for an overall length of 705 mm when extended and 465 mm when folded (without suppressor), rendering it highly maneuverable in close-quarters battle (CQB) and special operations environments.[1] With the suppressor attached, the overall length increases to approximately 881 mm.[2] This configuration draws from the AK-100 series, adapting the classic layout for enhanced portability without sacrificing the rifle's core reliability.[2] The rifle operates using a gas-driven, long-stroke piston mechanism with a rotating bolt, a hallmark of the AK family, but with optimizations including a shortened gas piston tailored to the 200 mm barrel and subsonic 9×39 mm ammunition for suppressed fire.[1] It incorporates an integrated quick-detach suppressor system with threaded barrel compatibility, enabling seamless switching between suppressed and unsuppressed configurations to maintain stealth in tactical scenarios.[2] Additionally, the design includes mounting options on the receiver for optics and accessories, supporting mission-specific customizations.[1] Ergonomic enhancements include polymer furniture components that reduce overall weight while preserving durability, along with a folding stock for adjustable length of pull.[2] The rear sight is calibrated specifically for the ballistics of subsonic rounds, improving accuracy in low-signature operations.[1] A key innovation is its compatibility with specialized 9×39 mm ammunition, such as the SP-5 sniper rounds and SP-6 armor-piercing rounds, which deliver effective penetration against body armor at short ranges while minimizing noise and muzzle flash.[2] Compared to earlier compact variants like the AKS-74U, the AK-9 refines the design with a focus on subsonic performance and suppressor integration, offering greater reliability and cost-effectiveness for special forces applications over alternatives like the SR-3 or 9A-91.[1]Specifications
The AK-9 is chambered in 9×39mm caliber, utilizing subsonic SP-5 (sniper) and SP-6 (armor-piercing) variants designed for suppressed fire.[1][2] It employs a gas-operated action with a rotating bolt mechanism, consistent with the Kalashnikov design lineage.[1][11]| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Rate of fire | 600–800 rounds per minute[1] |
| Effective range | up to 400 meters[12] |
| Feed system | 20-round detachable box magazine (compatible with AS Val and VSS magazines)[1][2] |
| Weight | 3.1 kg (empty); 3.8 kg (with loaded magazine and suppressor)[1][13] |
| Muzzle velocity | 290–310 m/s (with subsonic ammunition)[1] |
| Sights | Adjustable iron sights (graduated to 400 m); Picatinny rail for optics mounting[1][2] |