This is a good move by Kalashnikov Concern, releasing an upgrade kit for older AKs. For cash-strapped militaries that use older AKs but would like these to be able to use 21st century weapons accessories and functions can op this upgrade kit rather than abandoning their existing AK arsenal to get more modern (read: more expensive) weapons.

Kalashnikov Concern released a video showing what will be involved in upgrading an existing AK. Most Kalashnikovs lack options for adding weapons accessories such as optics, vertical grips, lasers, etc. Some third party vendors do have some kits that can add rail systems but Kalashnikov Concern wants in the action too as there are millions of AKs out there. Making upgrade kits and accessories can also add to the bottomline as the company wants to increase income by having more revenue streams:

As the video says, the upgrades involve a muzzle brake/flash hider, picatinny rails, side folding stock that can be pull adjusted, and more ergonomic handling. We were curious what the base gun is for this upgrade but it was not mentioned in the video.

Kalashnikov Concern will make this kit available to militaries first and they plan to support the civilian market too. With this initial focus, third party vendors suchas ZenitCo can still have a breathing room before Kalashnikov Concern become a big competitor.

Airsoft manufacturers interested in making this kit for the airsoft market may just want to talk to Kalashnikov Concern for licensing as the company would like to see their own licensed products in the airsoft market too. With a lot of AK users and just one active maker of “upgrade kits” for AK airsoft rifles in the form of Asura Dynamics (there are options from King Arms too), it would be nice to have more options.