The Kalashnikov PPK-20 submachine gun was first announced during the Army-2020 international exhibition event. It’s a finalized version of the previous Vityaz-MO submachine gun, which in turn was developed from the earlier PP-19-01 Vityaz-SN, a 9x19mm automatic weapon originally intended for the law enforcement use. Apparently, the original version of the PPK-20 submachine gun is intended for military special forces (Spetsnaz), as a dedicated close quarters weapon which can be used with quick detachable sound suppressor. Like its predecessor, the PPK-20 is fully compatible with powerful Russian 9x19mm ammunition with armor piercing bullets, such as 7N21 and 7N30. It also can fire most other types of commercial and military 9x19mm NATO / Luger / Parabellum ammunition.

The Kalashnikov PPK-20 submachine gun, as shown in 2020

The compact version of the PPK-20 submachine gun was first displayed in the summer of 2021, during the annual Army-2021 event. It is intended primarily as a personal defense weapon (PDW) for combat aircraft pilots, as well as other military personnel which is not issued with a rifle (such as an AK-74M or AK-12). This new version features a shortened barrel, but still can mount a compact sound suppressor if required. It also has a number of features different from the original version, shown in 2020. As of late 2021, there is still no confirmation for official adoption of the ‘compact’ version of PPK-20, so it should be considered as an ‘advanced prototype’.

The PPK-20 submachine gun uses simple blowback action, firing from the closed bolt. Its hammer-fired trigger group is based on the traditional Kalashnikov AK system, with rights-side safety / fire selector lever. This variant features hinged top cover with an integrated Picatinny rail, and a side-folding polymer stock, similar to that used on current production AK-12 and AK-19 rifles. This version is equipped with traditional iron sights. Rear sight has an U-type notch and is graduated from 50 to 200 meters in 50-meter increments.

The Kalashnikov PPK-20 submachine gun, compact PDW version shown in 2021

The ‘compact’ version of the PPK-20 uses some more design features borrowed from the AK-12 rifle, such as detachable top cover, polymer handguards, and a new pistol grip with integrated polymer trigger guard. Hollow base of the grip is used to store a container with a cleaning kit. It is fitted with the new ambidextrous safety / fire selector that has levers on both sides of the receiver. A separate dust cover automatically closes the rear part of the charging handle slot when selector is put on “safe”. Compact PPK-20 submachine gun features a protected front sight, built into the upper handguard, and a diopter (aperture) type rear sight, attached to the top cover. Rear sight has an L-shaped flip up blade with settings for 100 and 200 meters. The adjustable telescoping shoulder stock folds to the right, and is borrowed from the 5.45mm AM-17 compact assault rifle. It does not interfere with the gun operations when folded.
Both versions of the PPK-20 use same 30-round polymer magazines from the Vityaz submachine gun, which are known for ruggedness and reliability.

The Kalashnikov PPK-20 submachine gun, compact PDW version shown in 2021