Combat prototype
The family of small arms for the 5.45x39 cartridge included a radically new type of individual weapon - the AKS-74U shortened assault rifle. The development of such weapons began in the mid-1970s with the adoption of the intermediate small-calibre cartridge. The Kalashnikov, which was based on components and parts of the already produced AKS-74, entered service in 1980 and greatly simplified the production, development and maintenance of the new weapon type.
The use of AKS-74U as the standard armament for airborne troops was not justified due to its short effective range. This compact and lightweight weapon has proved more useful for elite forces units, armament of combat vehicle crews, special forces - liaison officers, sappers. AKS-74U is also useful for the police, government building guards and money collectors. The portability of the short weapon allows it to be operated without interference in a crowded street, indoors or in a car. AKS-74U was also the basis for the production of the so called "case-gun" for the elite forces units of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Federal Security Service.
