Vepr

Lore & Background

Prior to the Vepr, Ukrainian forces were equipped mainly with Soviet AKM and AK-74 designs. In 1993, specialists at an artillery base in Nizhyn began work on a bullpup machine gun based on the RPK in 7.62×39mm, resulting in the Vepr model №1 in 1994. That year, samples №2 and №3 were developed from the RPK-74 in 5.45×39mm and AKM in 7.62×39mm, and a redesigned SKS carbine became №4. The conversion cost was ₴300 per weapon. The designers patented their invention, but in 2001 they were ordered to transfer all documentation to the Kyiv Radio Plant for completion. The first Vepr was shown on 28 August 2003, and only ten were made until 9 October 2004.

The Vepr is a bullpup modification of the AK-74 system. The standard gas-operated, rotating-bolt mechanism is retained, but a new butt plate is mounted on the rear of the receiver, a polymer cheek rest is fitted to the receiver cover, and the trigger and pistol grip are placed in front of the magazine. The cocking handle is moved to the left side of the forearm. The weapon fires 5.45×39mm ammunition from 30-round magazines at 600–650 rounds per minute, with the same barrel length and muzzle brake as the AK-74, suggesting identical ballistic performance. Its weight is almost the same as the AK-74M, and its length is comparable to a folding-stock AK with the stock folded. The bullpup layout makes the weapon shorter and easier to handle in confined spaces, though its overall superiority to conventional configurations has yet to be seen.

The Vepr ejects only to the right, which, combined with the left-side charging handle and the standard Kalashnikov safety/fire selector lever, does not favour ambidextrous operation. The weapon includes adjustable open sights and a conventional side mount for scopes; the front sight resembles that of the American M16. A red dot sight of Ukrainian production can be fitted as standard. Later versions include an integral 40mm underslung grenade launcher with a dual trigger layout.

Reader's Guide

The Vepr represents Ukraine's first attempt at an indigenous assault rifle, developed during a period of transition from Soviet-era equipment. Despite being announced in 2003 and Ukraine's Ministry of Defense declaring intentions to purchase thousands by 2010, no Veprs were in use by the Ukrainian Army as of March 2014. The weapon's failure to achieve adoption is contextualized by the availability of Western firearms from Ukrainian manufacturer RPC Fort since 2009, including the Israeli Tavor assault rifle, and the 2019 announcement that the National Police would replace Kalashnikov rifles with HK MP5 submachine guns. As of 2024, most Ukrainian personnel still use AK-74s. The Vepr's lack of adoption led to the creation of the Malyuk. Its significance lies in being a pioneering domestic design that, despite limited production and service, demonstrated Ukraine's capability to modify the AK platform into a bullpup configuration, though it ultimately did not replace the standard-issue rifles.

Did You Know?

• The Vepr was designed by the State Space Agency of Ukraine.
• Only ten Veprs were made until 9 October 2004.
• The conversion cost of one weapon into a bullpup was ₴300.
• The Vepr's failure to be adopted led to the creation of the Malyuk.