The 5.45 mm AK-74U is a highly effective automatic weapon designed for the antipersonnel role at a range
of 500 m. The system automation operates on propellant gases driven through a vent in the barrel.
A folding metal butt and shortened barrel are fitted to the rifle meeting the standards of a
basic individual weapon of assault and special task groups. Single and multiple targets can be destroyed by
firing bursts at a range of 250 m. Skilled shooters hit targets in the single-shot mode up to 350 m. The
bullet retains its killing effect over a range of 1100 m. The weapon fires 5.45 mm ball cartridges (5.45 x 39
mm).

CHARACTERISTICS

Calibre, mm 5.45
Muzzle velocity of ball bullet, m/s 735
Rate of fire (cyclic), rds/min 650 ÷ 700
Rate of fire at:single shot, rds/min

bursts, rds/min

40100
Sighting range, m 500
Magazine capacity, rounds 30
Length butt folded, mm 490
Length butt extended, mm 730
Weight with magazine and accessories, kg 2.700
Weight with magazine loaded, kg 3.000
Weight of magazine empty, kg 0.215
Weight of magazine loaded, kg 0.536
Cartridge weight with ball bullet, g 10.2
Bullet weight, g 3.4

The AK-74U is the compact carbine configuration of the Soviet AK-74, developed in the late 1970s as the AKS-74U – a shortened platform with an underfolding stock chambered in 5.45×39mm. It was designed for Soviet vehicle crews, airborne units, and Spetsnaz formations that needed a more compact weapon than the standard-barrel AK-74, and Soviet forces deployed it extensively during the Afghan War from 1979. The 200mm barrel produces lower muzzle velocity and effective range than the AK-74’s 415mm configuration, while retaining the same 5.45×39mm chamber and AK-74-pattern magazine feed.

The 5.45×39mm caliber is a distinct logistics family from both 7.62×39mm Soviet-standard and 5.56×45mm NATO platforms, requiring dedicated ammunition supply. The AK-74U remains in service with law enforcement and armed forces across multiple Soviet-successor states alongside the full-length AK-74.

Available for institutional procurement by ministries of defence, authorized defence contractors, and licensed importers. Inquiries must include product designation, required quantity, country of final destination, intended end-use declaration, and applicable end-user certificate (EUC) or import authorization.