The catalyst for the development of the weapon was a complete lack of any heavy machine guns in construction at that time in the Russian Federation.
Prior to the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the weapon that had functioned as the heavy machine gun was the NSV, or "Utes" or "Utjos" ("утёс", meaning one lonely cliff in Russian, this name was its designation during development) machine gun.
The main production centre for the NSV was located in what is now Kazakhstan.

The Russian Degtyarev bureau was given the job of producing an updated version of the weapon chambered in the 12.7×108mm cartridge, which could be used for support, mounted on vehicles or in an anti-aircraft capacity.
The weapon has also been chambered to handle the .50 BMG cartridge for export sales.

The weapon employs new construction, and consequently is significantly lighter than its predecessor.
The firing mechanism is very rugged, yet is capable of a greater rate of fire and significantly less recoil.
Because a new barrel made of a high-tech alloy minimizes distortion and drop, accuracy has increased tremendously over previous Soviet machine guns.
Unlike its predecessor, it may be fired from a bipod — a rather unusual feature for 12.7 mm/.50 caliber heavy machine guns.
 Its relatively light weight and lesser recoil allows stronger soldiers to move the gun around without assistance.
The catalyst for the development of the weapon was a complete lack of any heavy machine guns in construction at that time in the Russian Federation. Prior to the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the weapon that had functioned as the heavy machine gun was the NSV, or "Utes" or "Utjos" ("утёс", meaning one lonely cliff in Russian, this name was its designation during development) machine gun. The main production centre for the NSV was located in what is now Kazakhstan.
The Russian Degtyarev bureau was given the job of producing an updated version of the weapon chambered in the 12.7×108mm cartridge, which could be used for support, mounted on vehicles or in an anti-aircraft capacity. The weapon has also been chambered to handle the .50 BMG cartridge for export sales.
The weapon employs new construction, and consequently is significantly lighter than its predecessor. The firing mechanism is very rugged, yet is capable of a greater rate of fire and significantly less recoil. Because a new barrel made of a high-tech alloy minimizes distortion and drop, accuracy has increased tremendously over previous Soviet machine guns. Unlike its predecessor, it may be fired from a bipod — a rather unusual feature for 12.7 mm/.50 caliber heavy machine guns.  Its relatively light weight and lesser recoil allows stronger soldiers to move the gun around without assistance.
Kord machine gun