Russian BK-16 Boats to Be Equipped with a Remote Machine Gun Module

The Russian Kalashnikov Concern is refining the Project 02510 BK-16 transport and landing craft based on experience gained during the war against Ukraine.

Alan Lushnikov, the concern’s CEO, made this announcement to the Russian propaganda agency TASS.

According to him, the technical design of the upgraded boat, designated the BK-16M, is expected to undergo approval at the end of the year.

The main change will be the integration of a fixed weapon system—a gyro-stabilized module equipped with a 12.7-mm machine gun.

The BK-16 is a Russian high-speed transport and landing craft developed by Rybinsk Shipyard (part of the Kalashnikov Concern) as an analogue of the Swedish CB90 boats.

The boat is designed for patrolling, transporting troops, landing on unequipped coastlines, providing fire support, and conducting special operations in the coastal zone.

The vessel has a displacement of approximately 22 tons, can reach speeds of up to 45 knots, and can carry up to 19 fully equipped soldiers.