The 5.45mm Kalashnikov AK-74M modernized assault rifle is designed to engage enemy manpower and defeat enemy's fire weapons.

This is a gas-operated weapon in which the breech is locked by a rotating bolt. It is fitted with a spring-operated box-type magazine. Its triggering mechanism enables full-automatic and single-shot firing.

The AK-74M is fitted with a folding plastic butt and a standard mount for installation of daylight and night sighting devices. The weapon features a reinforced receiver cover, which has reduced the probability of its damage on impact, especially in hand-to-hand combat. Owing to its more sturdy design, the AK-74M allows firing an under-barrel grenade launcher without having to use the previously necessary additional receiver cover fastener and ramrod.