During Gamescom 2011, multiple bits of news about Battlefield 3 hit the net. One such piece of news is that when a kit is completed, you can unlock the other faction's weapons. There is no real information on how a kit can be completed. It may be similar to gun leveling system, getting a certain amount of kills/awards with a kit will help to complete it's overall progress. Once you complete a kit in Battlefield 3, you will have access to both faction's weapons.
If you're playing as a US soldier in Battlefield 3 and your kit is completed, you could change your weapon to an AK if you would like.