AEK-919 Kashtan

The AEK-919K Kashtan was developed in 1994 at the Kovrov Mechanical Plant Design Bureau under lead designer Pavel Sedov, scientific supervisor Mikhail Tarasov, and bureau head Stanislav Koksharov. The design was modeled on the Austrian Steyr MPi-69. Following the evaluation of an experimental batch, modifications were made to the initial design to address identified shortcomings, resulting in the AEK-919K. Production at the Kovrov Mechanical Plant ended in 2006 following the liquidation of its special design bureau, though the weapon remained on the Degtyarev Plant product list as of 2013.

The weapon utilizes a blowback-operated action with a bolt that encloses the top and sides of the barrel to reduce overall length. The receiver consists of a stamped sheet steel upper and a glass-filled polyamide lower section and frame. The barrel features polygonal rifling and is detachable during disassembly. The trigger mechanism enables semi-automatic and automatic fire, with the cycle initiating from a rear sear. Feed is provided by a staggered, double-column box magazine housed within the pistol grip. The firearm includes a retractable buttstock with a rotating butt plate. Aiming is conducted via open sights, with provisions for mounting collimator sights or laser designators. The barrel can be equipped with a tactical suppressor.

The AEK-919K entered service in 1995. Early combat deployment occurred during the First Chechen War with Russian Federal Security Service special forces. In 2002, the weapon was issued to Ka-50 helicopter crews for operations in Chechnya and Dagestan. Official adoption by the Federal Bailiff Service occurred in 2003. Other Russian users include the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Federal Protective Service, and the Federal Penitentiary Service. Internationally, the 25th Special Forces Brigade of Kyrgyzstan employs the weapon. Variants include the original AEK-919 prototype, which featured a square receiver and push-button safety, and the AEK-918 series developed as experimental models for alternative ammunition types.