24.08 Russia to Test �Future Soldier� Weaponry in Fall � Arms Maker

MOSCOW, August 24 (RIA Novosti) � Various modifications of a new Kalashnikov AK-12 assault rifle as well as other small arms developed as part of Russia�s �future soldier� gear will pass state acceptance trials in the fall of 2013, a spokesperson for the Kalashnikov corporation said.

Yelena Filatova told reporters Friday that a number of prospective small arms models for the Ratnik gear were shown to Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu during the Russian Defense Ministry�s Innovation Day arms exhibition on August 20 in Moscow.

�After examining the weaponry, the minister confirmed that all small arms developed under the Ratnik project will undergo state acceptance trials in the fall to bring clarity to the fate of the