Kalashnikov Unveals a New Gun - But Russians Say it’s Only Good to Commit Suicide

The Kalashnikov Concern recently announced a new, compact, single-shot 12-gauge shotgun designed to neutralize small, low-flying drones.

Developed by the Central Research Institute of Precision Engineering, the weapon weighs 1.8 kilograms and features a folding design for easier transport, according to The Armourer's Bench.

During the 2026 N. G. Slavyanov International Exhibition of Inventions and Innovations, the project was awarded a gold medal. The manufacturer also unveiled new multi-bullet cartridges in 5.45×39mm and 7.62×54mmR calibers, intended to improve soldiers’ ability to engage aerial targets amid the growing drone threat in Russia’s war against Ukraine.

Despite the accolades from the exhibition, the announcement has faced significant criticism from Russian warbloggers and soldiers. Critics argue that adding 1.8 kilograms of equipment to a soldier's kit for a single-shot weapon is impractical for modern battlefield conditions. Concerns have been raised regarding the weapon’s ergonomics, the slow reload time, and its overall effectiveness against agile drone threats.

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The negative reaction has been widespread among those following the technological developments in Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Many individuals have taken to social media to voice their frustration, suggesting that the resources should be directed toward more effective defensive solutions. One commentator expressed deep dissatisfaction with the new design, stating, "You can probably only shoot yourself with it".

It remains unclear whether the Kalashnikov Concern intends to move this design into mass production or if it will remain an experimental prototype. For now, the weapon stands as a subject of intense debate among those who question whether such devices provide a meaningful advantage to personnel facing drone threats on the frontlines.

Earlier this year, the company introduced the "Rus-PE," a soldier-portable loitering munition presented at the World Defense Show 2026 in Saudi Arabia as a new AI-enabled Russian weapon.

The platform closely resembled Israel's Hero-90—developed by UVision and already in service with several Western-aligned states—in airframe layout, transport-launch container, optical stabilization, and targeting logic.

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