Army 2016: Kalashnikov unveils RPK-16 LMG | IHS Jane's 360

The concept of the newest Russian LMG is the same as that of the RPK-74 or the US Marine Corps' M27 Infantry Automatic Rifle (IAR), and is more a heavy assault rifle than a true machine gun.

It is intended for reconnaissance units and special forces, not for motor rifle troops.

Russia's land forces are in need an analogue of FN Herstal Minimi machine gun: a weapon that features a heavy interchangeable barrel, an integrated bipod, and a belt feeding system. It's not clear whether the 96-round drum box magazine of RPK-16 will meet the military's reliability requirements.