Kalashnikov Concern’s New 7.62x39 RPL-7 Light Machine Gun
On January 24, 2025, Kalashnikov Concern announced new products on its Telegram channel that will be showcased at the IDEX 2025 arms exhibition in Abu Dhabi. The latest models include the AK-12K and AK-12SK, but the most notable introduction is the RPL-7, a version of the RPL-20 chambered in 7.62x39. This follows the previously confirmed export calibers of 5.56x45 and 7.62x39, announced in 2021.
The 7.62 mm RPL-7 is a belt-fed light machine gun developed by Kalashnikov Concern at the request of the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs. This weapon is designed for dual purposes, targeting domestic use and potential success in the export market due to its caliber.
The RPL-7 is classified as a light machine gun, but due to its weight, light profile barrel, and the absence of a quick-change barrel, it is more accurately described as a light assault machine gun. Although the system includes a removable barrel for configuration changes, the new RPL-7 is specifically designed to serve as a better replacement for the RPD or RPK automatic rifles, offering effective suppressive fire capabilities.
The RPL-7 light machine gun comes equipped with a soft ammunition pouch that holds a belt of 80 rounds of 7.62x39 ammunition on a non-disintegrating belt. This capacity seems unusual, as it likely reutilizes the RPL-20 5.45x39 ammo pouch. A minimum of 100 rounds should be expected for a belt-fed weapon. The weight of the RPL-7 is 12.12 pounds (5.5 kilograms). When the buttstock is in the firing position, the minimum length of the gun is 43.3 inches (1100 millimeters). The sights are graduated for a distance of up to 800 meters.
The RPL, particularly in its export calibers, is expected to be more successful than domestic use. Even if chambered in the new proposed Russian 6.02mm cartridge, it is unlikely to provide sufficient overmatch for infantry. The caliber of a squad automatic weapon should be larger than that of the standard assault rifle. This consideration is especially relevant if the RPL is adopted by the Russian Ministry of Defense. I will keep you updated on any developments regarding the RPL series of weapons.
Sources:
Новый российский 7,62-мм пулемет РПЛ-7 впервые представят на IDEX 2025
https://t.me/kalashnikovnews/3192
"Калашников" намерен создать модификации ручного пулемета РПЛ-20 под новые боеприпасы
Lynndon Schooler is an open-source weapons intelligence professional with a background as an infantryman in the US Army. His experience includes working as a gunsmith and production manager in firearm manufacturing, as well as serving as an armorer, consultant, and instructor in nonstandard weapons. His articles have been published in Small Arms Review and the Small Arms Defence Journal. https://www.instagram.com/lynndons
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Yes all these debates over doctorine are interesting but in reality for expor
sales 5.56xc 45/.225 and 7./62 x 39 N43 are the most pragmatic choices , for
domestic use 5,.45 x 39 and this 6.02 mm round would be the most logical ,
Usually it comes back to whaterver works and everyone thinks along those
line.
After ww2 when basically all of the mjaor powers were mre than a wee bitsky \
tuckered out there was alot of down time to study new concepts , appllcations , designs and thepries and them the cold war came alopng and lasted another
thirty years .
Great info. Thanks! I always want to see the U.S. military adopt the best — and proven — ideas for our weapons. I'm watching with interest to see how this bottom feed tray method works out. The concept seems advantageous, but, of course, the devil is in the details — and in what works in the mud....