ADEX 2024 – Kalashnikov presents the RPL-20 light machine gun and the GP-46 underbarrel grenade launcher

At the 5th edition of the ADEX 2024 International Defence Industry Exhibition, which is being held in Baku September 24–26, the Kalashnikov Concern unveiled the RPL-20 5.45 mm belt-fed light machine gun and the GP-46 underbarrel grenade launcher.

The RPL-20 machine gun (for ruchnoi pulemyot in Russian) is designed to defeat enemy soldiers, weapon systems and vehicles. The ammunition is belt-fed, the magazine being located under the machine gun. The machine gun cover opens downwards, which allows the use of a long Picatinny rail for installing sighting devices. This also allows reloading and partial/complete disassembly of the machine gun without the need to re-adjust optical sights. The RPL-20 allows for sustained firing operations as it can be fed with a 100-round belt, a 200-round belt being available as option.  The weapon design allows quick barrel replacement; the RPL-20 is available with two different barrel lengths, respectively 590 mm and 415 mm. It can be fitted with a wide range of modern equipment and devices and is equipped with a folding telescopic butt with a lifting cheek and a shoulder rest.

RPL-20 main technical characteristics

• Calibre: 5.45×39 mm
• Feed: belt
• Magazine capacity: 100/200
• Weight [1] : < 5.5 kg
• Overall length:
  • 1,100 mm (590 mm barrel)
  • 950 mm (415 mm barrel)

The GP-46 underbarrel grenade launcher (40×46 mm) is designed to defeat enemy soldiers in the open, in trenches, ditches and unarmored vehicles. The GP-46 (GP – granatomyot podstvolnyi – Russian) can be used attached to a Kalashnikov assault rifle, or fitted with a detachable buttstock that allows it to be used as a separate weapon. It allows direct and indirect fire. The grenade launcher installed on the AK does not interfere with the firing of the assault rifle. The GP-46 is side-loaded by turning the barrel left or right.

The grenade launcher can be used for direct fire at a range of up to 400 metres, firing at point and area targets, firing “from the shoulder” or from cover.

GP-46 main technical characteristics

• Caliber: 40 mm
• Length: 380 mm
• Weight: 1.6 kg
• Effective firing range (in 50 metres increments): 400 metres
• Rate of fire: 5-6 shots/min

[1] with long barrel, without ammo box, belt, suppressor (PMS – pribor maloshumnoi strelby – in Russian), front handle

Photos courtesy, taken at ADEX 2024