The request for proposal for the development of this new weapon, codenamed Tokar-2, was published on the Russian government procurement official website. R&D costs totaled approximately $386,000.
The new 5.45mm machinegun, designated Kord-5.45, is to be specifically designed as a lightweight and compact weapon for special forces to use during close quarters fighting, like storming enemy-held buildings and urban warfare.
The machinegun’s length (with folded stock and minus the flash suppressor) must not exceed 900mm with a long barrel and 750mm with a short barrel, and must weigh no more than 7 kilograms. The new weapon’s rate of fire is to be about 800-900 shots per minute, and it is to be fed both with ammo belts and 60-round ammo clips, as well as with ammo clips for AK-74 assault rifles and RPK-74 light machineguns.
The first prototypes of the Kord-5.45 are expected to be produced by the end of 2016.
