The modernization of Russian small arms began in 2012 with the Ratnik research and development program. This initiative successfully tested several weapons, including the AK-12, AK-15, A-545, AGS-30, SVD-M, 6P69 and 6P41M, all recommended for adoption. For the 6P41M, the V.A. Degtyarev plant started Pecheneg modernization efforts for a lightweight replacement for the PKP. The Russian Ministry of Defense adopted the 6P41M in 2017; however, very few units have been observed in the field since then.