Kord 12.7mm Machine Gun

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	Weapon: Kord 12.7mm Machine Gun Type: Heavy Machine Gun Country of Origin: Russia Year Adopted: 1998 Caliber: 12.7x108mm Action: Gas Operated Fully Automatic Overall Length (mm): 1980.0 Overall Length (in): 77.95 Weight (kg): 26.00 Weight (pounds): 57.32 Effective Range (m): 2000 m Effective Range (yards): 2187.23

The Kord 12.7 mm machine gun is a modern Russian heavy machine gun developed to replace the aging NSV system in Russian service. Designed by the Degtyarev Plant in the late 1990s, the Kord retained the same 12.7x108 mm cartridge but incorporated a redesigned receiver, improved recoil mitigation system, and a unique rotating bolt operation that enhanced stability and firing accuracy. Available in both infantry and vehicle-mounted configurations, the Kord can be deployed on tripods, vehicle mounts, naval installations, and helicopters, making it a versatile tool across multiple military branches.

The Kord has been produced steadily since its adoption by the Russian military around 1998, with thousands manufactured for domestic and export use. It is notable for its reduced recoil compared to its predecessor, enabling more accurate sustained fire, especially in man-portable roles. The Kord can be fitted with optical sights or thermal imaging equipment and can be operated remotely in vehicle turret systems. Its performance has been favorably compared to the American M2 Browning, particularly for its lighter weight and enhanced mobility in dismounted configurations.

The Kord has seen active use in numerous conflicts involving Russian forces, including in Chechnya, Syria, and Ukraine, where it has been employed on armored vehicles, technicals, and defensive emplacements. It has gained a reputation for reliability under harsh battlefield conditions and is now considered the standard Russian heavy machine gun. Its prominence in Russian doctrine and continued development (such as integration into remote weapon stations) reflects its growing importance in both conventional and asymmetric warfare environments.