Russian police adopt Kalashnikov PPK-20 submachine gun following combat tests

The Kalashnikov concern has officially confirmed that its 9mm PPK-20 submachine gun, refined through combat experience in the special military operation (SMO), has been adopted by Russia’s internal affairs bodies (OVD) under a government decree.

The PPK-20, which is produced both for various Russian security forces and for export, has seen consistently high production levels in recent years, with 2025 state contracts completed on schedule, Caliber.Az reports, citing Kalashnikov Group. 

Rising demand for the weapon, domestically and abroad, is cited as evidence of its operational effectiveness.

Experience gained from combat deployment, including in the SMO zone, enabled Kalashnikov engineers to swiftly enhance the PPK-20. Upgrades included improvements to tactical and technical performance, ergonomics, and ammunition compatibility.

While the primary cartridge is the high-impulse 7N21 armour-piercing round, the PPK-20 can also fire most other 9×19mm rounds of Russian and foreign manufacture.

Introduced in 2020 as a next-generation weapon, the PPK-20 has established itself as the most technologically advanced submachine gun in the Russian Armed Forces’ arsenal, offering the reliability and ergonomics of the modern AK-12 in a compact form.

For context, two decades ago, the OVD adopted the 9mm Vityaz-SN submachine gun and the 40mm 6G34 under-barrel grenade launcher. More recently, in 2021, the 9mm compact Lebedev pistol (PLK) was introduced, followed by the 5.45mm AK-12 and 7.62mm AK-15 assault rifles in 2023.

By Aghakazim Guliyev