The AK-74 is a modernized version of the AK-47 assault rifle. The AK-74 is developed to chamber a smaller round than the AK-47 (5.45mm by 39mm, as opposed to the AK-47's 7.62mm by 39mm). The AK-74 has been the standard-issue infantry rifle of the Russian Federation since the country gained independence.
A compact version, known as the AK-74SU, is used by Spetznaz forces around the world.