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ADS assault rifle - series production of the underwater weapon for Specnaz has started

Russia’s Rostec has begun serial production of a new weapon for Specnaz. The ADS assault rifle is intended to be effective both on and under water. The holding company High-Precision Weapons, which is part of Rostec State Corporation, has started mass production of the new ADS assault rifle. Everything was announced at the International Maritime

ByTomasz Andrukajtis

Published: July 8, 2021 - 09:00

Updated: July 22, 2023 - 22:55

ADS assault rifle – series production of the underwater weapon for Specnaz has started

Russia’s Rostec has begun serial production of a new weapon for Specnaz. The ADS assault rifle is intended to be effective both on and under water.

The holding company High-Precision Weapons, which is part of Rostec State Corporation, has started mass production of the new ADS assault rifle. Everything was announced at the International Maritime Defense Show (IMDS-2021) held in St. Petersburg by the director of the Central Design and Research Bureau of Sporting and Fighter Armament, Alexandra Starostina.

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bolt-action rifle — Soldier with ADS rifle Photo: Rostec

Series production of the specialised double-centre rifle has already begun. We have upgraded the ADS based on the feedback we received during the trial operation. Based on the results of the trial period, we have made some modifications to improve its handling – Starostina said.

The ADS assault rifle is constructed in a bullpup (flaskless) configuration, which makes it shorter compared to traditional assault rifles of the same barrel length. It also provides better balance, and eliminates the need to fold or unfold the buttstock.

On land, the ADS assault rifle can fire a range of conventional 5.45×39mm cartridges. For underwater shooting, Rostec engineers have developed special PSP and PSP-UD cartridges in the same 5.45×39mm calibre.

The rifle uses standard 30-round AK-74 magazines for both types of ammunition, and is also equipped with a standard 40-mm sub-barrel grenade launcher. It has a Picatinny rail for various types of optical sights. The user can also fit a silencer.

The assumption is that the new ADS, manufactured by Rostec State Corporation, will replace the APS underwater rifle developed in the late 1970s.

About author

Tomasz Andrukajtis

Editor-in-chief of the DIVERS24 portal and magazine. Responsible for obtaining, translating and developing content. He also supervises all publications. Achived his first diving certification – P1 CMAS, in 2000. Has a degree in journalism and social communication. In the diving industry since 2008.