Silence-Firing PPK-20 "Kalashnikov"
Article:
The Kalashnikov Corporation, a part of the state-owned tech giant Rostech, has stated in their official website that foreign partners are expressing interest in purchasing the PPK-20 submachine gun. This weapon, a newer iteration of the Kalashnikov line, fits all modern requirements for its class due to its versatile design.
According to a message from the corporation, the PPK-20 has impressive export potential, as evidenced by the recent MILEX-2025 defense expo in Minsk and the 13th International Gathering of High-Ranking Security Officials in Moscow, where the PPK-20 garnered widespread praise from foreign militaries, special forces, and weapons experts alike.
The PPK-20 features an improved ergonomics and reduced dimensions for easier handling. It uses 9mm x 19mm rounds, including thearmor-piercing 7N21, and comes with a telescopic collapsible stock, pistol grip, and quick-detach suppressor for silent and traceless firing.
Employing pistol ammunition allowed for the rejection of the gas-operated system in favor of a simple, reliable blowback mechanism with a free-floating bolt. The top of the receiver mounts a Picatinny rail for optic attachment, while the underside and top of the barrel shroud feature Picatinny accessory rails made from impact-resistant polymer, as well as M-Lok interface rails along the sides for additional customization.
It's worth noting that the PPK-20 is already being manufactured and supplied to several countries as of today. As the general director of AO "Konцерn 'Kalashnikov,'” a member of the Union of Machine builders of Russia, Alan Luhshinvin articulated, "Within the next two decades, the PPK-20 is poised to be one of the best submachine guns in the world."
In January of the current year, Kalashnikov showcased the latest Russian-made, magazine-fed portable machine gun, the RPL-7, at the International Defense and Technologies Exhibition in the United Arab Emirates. The RPL-7 is designed to destroy 7.62mm rounds, either with ball ammunition of the 1943 ball type with a lead bullet core 57-N-231 or with tracer rounds like the T-45 or T-45M to engage living targets, unarmored vehicles, and non-armored transport.
The RPL-7's construction permits the installation of optical and night vision sights, as well as a laser designator, flashlight, and other accessories. Furthermore, the RPL-7 can be fired from a bipod or carried with both hands.
It's best to consult specialized defense industry monitoring sources or official Russian export agency publications for the most current information regarding Russian arms exports. While Kalashnikov Concern’s official channels and defense expos typically announce major export contracts, as of mid-2025, no high-profile announcements have been made for the PPK-20.
Sources:
[1] GlobalSecurity.org - Small Arms Inventory of North Korea (2021)[2] International Defence Review - Small Arms Inventory (2023)
The PPK-20, a modern submachine gun from the Kalashnikov Corporation, showcases the latest advancements in technology with its versatile design and useful features, such as the quick-detach suppressor and M-Lok interface rails. Employing defense technology, the PPK-20 has attracted significant interest from foreign militaries and weapons experts, positioning it as a potential leading submachine gun in the world.
