Notes: These Russian submachineguns were designed specifically for the KGB. They use the Uzi-style telescoping bolt method of operation, and may have been inspired by that weapon, but the original weapon, the AEK-919, was apparently also based on the Austrian MPi-69. The weapon will not fire if dropped or bumped; the trigger must be deliberately pulled. This weapon comes with a removable suppressor as standard equipment, as well as a mount atop the receiver for optical accessories, laser aiming modules, and tactical lights.

Users asked for a smaller weapon and the change of the cross-bolt safety to a standard rotating switch, resulting in the AEK-919K. The AEK-919 was used extensively by Russian troops in Chechnya; it was, however found wanting in reliability department. Changes were made, apparently dramatically improving reliability, producing the AYEK-919. (Other than the enhanced reliability, the AYEK-919 is identical to the AEK-919 for game purposes.) Kovrov, the design bureau producing the AEK-919 series, is reportedly developing a 9mm Parabellum version of the AYEK-919 (and possibly the AEK-919K), but as of 2006, this chambering has still not been seen in public. Nonetheless, I have included such versions below, in case they do appear in the future.

Twilight 2000 Notes: This is a rather rare weapon in the Twilight 2000 World, with the AYEK-919 being virtually unknown and any 9mm Parabellum versions nonexistent.

Notes: This is a Russian weapon that is derived from the AKS-74U short assault rifle, and has 65% parts commonality with that weapon. Variously referred to by the Russians as a "modular submachinegun" and a "weapons complex," it may fire several different types of ammunition with little modification, and can mount a wide variety of Western, Russian, and Chinese-made silencers, suppressors, flash suppressors and muzzle brakes, optical and night vision scopes, laser aiming modules, and tactical lights. Depending on the ammunition, the weapon fires by blowback, delayed blowback, or gas operation; for most caliber changes, only a change in the recoil springs, bolt, and barrel is necessary. Only the use of the 9mm Grom cartridge requires more modification; due to the length of the 9mm Grom, the chamber extension must also be replaced to form a longer chamber for the round. The former wooden pieces of the AKS-74U have been replaced with plastic on the Gepard; in addition, the pistol grip and trigger guard have been totally replaced with a polymer unit which incorporates both as well as a better anchor point for the folding stock. Two lengths of barrel are also available. The standard Gepard uses a muzzle brake, and that is how the figures below have been generated.

Twilight 2000 Notes: Though rather rare, some Russian troops are using the Gepard; most of them are internal security units, and they are primarily chambered for cartridges of Russian origin, i.e., the 9mm Makarov and Makarov Hi-Impulse, 9mm Gurza, and 9mm Grom.

Merc 2000 Notes: Sales of this weapon are picking up steam.

Notes: Though first shown at arms shows in 1999, the SR-2 has been little-seen since then, and it is not certain who, is using this submachinegun. The SR-2 (in its early iterations) looks similar to the Uzi in many ways. Originally designed as a CQB weapon for Russian special operations units, the FSB (the successors to the KGB) saw the effectiveness of the Veresk and requested that some of their SRT-type units also be issued the Veresk.

Operation of the Veresk is by gas, and is essentially a modified form of that used by the Vikhr small assault rifle. The Veresk uses a long-stroke gas piston (located above the barrel), allowing a short barrel to be used with gas operation. Most of the metalwork is stamped steel, while other parts, such as the handguard, pistol grip, and (on later iterations) the foregrip, are made from high-strength polymer. The stock folds forward; on earlier models, the butt folds upward over the weapon, without interfering with the sights or sight mounts. Chambering is for the new 9mm Gurza round, with several types available. Early models use simple notch-and-blade sights, while later models use a rail atop the receiver similar to a MIL-STD-1913 rail, able to mount most eastern and western optics (standard sight for the SR-2M is a collimating or laser aiming module). Barrel length is a mere 6.77 inches, with no sort of muzzle device, though there is an adapter to make sure that the shooter’s fingers do not accidentally slip over the barrel while firing.

Twilight 2000 Notes: The SR-2 does not exist in the Twilight 2000 timeline.

Notes: This submachinegun was designed in 1972, but not introduced into Russian service until 1991. It is intended primarily for internal security and police units. The weapon can fire 9mm Makarov ammunition, but may also use the more powerful 9mm Makarov Hi-Impulse ammunition. The Kiparis is made largely of simple steel stampings with a plastic grip, and is inexpensive, easy, and cheap to manufacture. The steel stock folds over the top of the receiver; it consists of twin booms with a simple skeleton buttplate, and when folded, the two halves of the buttplate lie on either side of the barrel and can be used as a rudimentary foregrip. The Kiparis is often issued with a special silencer that has a life of 6000 rounds. (In this form, the Kiparis is known as the OTs-02-1.) The Kiparis can use laser-aiming devices; they are generally mounted under the receiver forward of the magazine housing.

Notes: This Russian small submachinegun was designed specifically for export, firing Western ammunition. It uses the telescoping bolt principle and is reminiscent in design to the US Ingram M-10 and M-11 submachineguns, as well as the Israeli Micro-Uzi. It is simply built from steel stamping and is easy to maintain, though it can be a handful to fire. The muzzle brake, unusual in a weapon this size, is helpful in this respect. The stock is a simple wire stock which folds upwards, with the butt folding flat against the receiver. The OTs-22 has both a manual safety catch and a grip safety on the forward side of the pistol grip.

Twilight 2000 Notes: This weapon does not exist in the Twilight 2000 World.

Merc 2000 World: This weapon was pressed into Russian service use, primarily used by KGB, GRU, and Spetznaz forces.

Notes: This weapon appears to have been influenced by the US Ares Folding SMG, and it appears similar. When folded, the weapon looks like a battle rifle magazine, and only a hook at one end belies its true purpose. The PP-90 is the initial design; it was dropped in favor of the PP-90M due to unspecified problems. The PP-90M is the standard version in 9mm Makarov, and the PP-90M1 is the export version in 9mm Parabellum caliber. The weapon, when folded, is larger than the Ares Folding SMG and can fold with a 30-round magazine. The PP-90 can be fitted with a suppressor or an Aimpoint-type sight. The PP-90 series is reportedly quite poor in the ergonomics department, and is difficult to aim and uncomfortable to fire. The PP-90 series has no setting for semiautomatic fire, but the cyclic rate is only about 650 rpm, so squeezing off short burst should not be difficult. Another notable fact is that the PP-90 series has no safeties of any kind other than one that prevents an accidental discharge if dropped or bumped.

Merc 2000 Notes: Since the Ares Folding SMG and other Western designs of its ilk were taken off the market, the PP-90 series (and especially the PP-90M1) have taken their place.