Malyuk

Lore & Background

Development of the Malyuk started in 2005, based on a contract placed by the Security Service of Ukraine, with prototype rifles provided before inquiries by the Ukrainian Ministry of Defence in 2008. Feedback was provided in February 2015 by then president Petro Poroshenko and the Department of State Security Guard. Production was made in cooperation with the Electron Corporation, using modern manufacturing equipment at the Krasyliv Assembly Manufacturing Plant. The Malyuk debuted in 2015 at the Arms & Security Expo in Kyiv, and was first seen publicly outside Ukraine at the International Defence Industry Fair in May 2015 in Istanbul, Turkey, and at the Azerbaijan International Defence Exhibition in September 2016 in Baku, Azerbaijan. According to a Ministry of Defence spokesperson, the rifle commenced production in July 2019.

The Malyuk is made from polymer materials and is chambered in 7.62×39mm, 5.45×39mm, and 5.56×45mm NATO, with an AK-74-type flash hider. It can be equipped with an IPI-made suppressor. The rifle is cooled by air convection, which allows a longer barrel life. The magazine release button is located next to the trigger, and the magazine well is designed to allow the magazine to drop by itself; the magazine is inserted tilted backward and rolled forward. A deflector shield over the ejection port solves excessive gas emissions, allowing spent cases to fall alternatively between 45 degrees or downward. Recoil is reduced by 50%, and the design allows one-handed firing, unloading, and loading. The Malyuk can retain AKM-based selective fire or use an ambidextrous low-profile two-position selector. The upper receiver has a full-length Picatinny rail with three short rails on the handguard. It can be equipped with an RSP2W Shoot Corner for firing around a corner and can mount an underbarrel grenade launcher. The rifle is ambidextrous.

Variants include the Malyuk K-01/02 semi-automatic civilian versions (K-01 in 7.62×39mm, K-02 in 5.56×45mm), the Shepit (meaning "whisper" in Ukrainian) with a long barrel, bipod, and suppressor, and the Riff, a man-portable anti-drone weapon powered by a 100-watt portable battery. The Malyuk has been used by Ukrainian special forces since 2017, sometimes referred to as the Vulcan rifle. It has been demonstrated in Indonesia and Sri Lanka for potential contracts. Users include the Ukrainian Army, special forces of Ukraine, National Guard of Ukraine, Rapid Operational Response Unit, and Ukrainian Territorial Defense Forces. On February 27, 2022, an alleged saboteur was arrested in Odesa, with a loaded Malyuk rifle among confiscated items.

Reader's Guide

The Malyuk represents a significant Ukrainian adaptation of the classic Kalashnikov platform, reconfiguring it into a bullpup layout to offer a compact design while retaining the reliability of the original action. Its development, initiated in 2005 and refined through feedback from high-level officials including the president, underscores its importance to Ukrainian security forces. The rifle's design addresses common bullpup issues, such as gas emissions, through a deflector shield, and reduces recoil by 50%, enhancing controllability. Its ambidextrous nature and compatibility with various calibers and magazines make it versatile for different roles. The Malyuk has seen operational use by Ukrainian special forces since 2017 and has been demonstrated internationally, indicating its potential for export. The existence of civilian variants (K-01/02) and specialized versions like the Shepit and Riff further broaden its application. The rifle's presence in a 2022 incident in Odesa highlights its current deployment within Ukraine's defense apparatus. Overall, the Malyuk stands as a modernized, indigenous Ukrainian small arm that builds on a proven design while introducing innovations for contemporary combat needs.

Did You Know?

• The Malyuk is also known as the Vulcan.
• Development began in 2005 based on a contract from the Security Service of Ukraine.
• The rifle reduces recoil by 50% compared to the standard AK platform.