Kalashnikov Concern, part of the Rostec State Corporation, has upgraded several weapons designed for special forces, including the Vintorez suppressed rifle, the Val assault rifle, the SR-2 submachine gun and the compact SR-3 assault rifle. All four are being used during the special military operation, with design changes based in part on feedback from servicemen, Izvestia writes.

Kalashnikov CEO Alan Lushnikov described the development and improvement of weapons for special forces as one of the company’s important areas of work. The Val, Vintorez and SR-2 have been in service for years but remain in demand and continue to evolve.

The VSS Vintorez was originally developed for special units of the armed forces, internal affairs bodies and state security agencies. The rifle uses special 9×39 mm ammunition. Developer Pyotr Serdyukov said it can engage targets at distances of up to 400 meters, while its ammunition is capable of penetrating Level II individual protective equipment.

The Val assault rifle was developed on the basis of the Vintorez, with roughly 70% of the two weapons’ components unified. Modernization increased the weapon’s service life and made it more convenient to operate. The wooden stock was replaced with a plastic one, Picatinny rails were added, and the rifle was adapted for night optics, thermal imagers and other sighting devices.

The SR-3 uses the same subsonic 9×39 mm cartridge. The compact assault rifle was designed for special forces operating in confined spaces. Its updated version is now fitted with a suppressor.

The fourth weapon, the SR-2 submachine gun, is chambered for the 9×21 mm cartridge and has an effective sighting range of up to 200 meters. The upgraded model has also received Picatinny rails.

Kalashnikov representative Vadim Malinnikov said feedback from participants in the special military operation is used directly in further weapon development. Specialists examine both positive assessments and shortcomings identified during operational use.