Kalashnikov: The "Canary" with a grenade launcher was adopted into service 40 years ago.
Forty years ago, the Soviet Army's special forces received the "Kanareyka" small arms and grenade launcher system (SGK), which allowed for silent target engagement. The Kalashnikov Concern announced the anniversary of the development.
The SGK, which entered service in 1985, was designed by specialists at the Central Research Institute of Precision Engineering (TsNIITochMash). The need for the "Kanareyka" arose due to the Armed Forces' transition to new 5.45x39mm ammunition. The new SGK replaced the "Tishina" system, which was based on an assault rifle chambered for the 7.62x39mm cartridge.
The "Kanareyka" system included a modified Kalashnikov AKS-74UB assault rifle with a folding stock and a PBS-4 silent and flameless firing device, as well as a 30mm silent grenade launcher with a cumulative incendiary grenade. It could penetrate 15mm of armor.
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The "Kanareyka" remained in service until the early 1990s. It was replaced by the VSS "Vintorez" silent rifle and the AS "Val" special assault rifle.
Earlier in October, it was announced that the Russian Armed Forces had received a batch of shortened AK-12K assault rifles ahead of schedule. These rifles are capable of effective fire in urban areas and trenches. Developed at the request of the Airborne Forces, the rifles are equipped with a low-noise device.
