New Nordic weapons by SAKO

Sweden and Finland opt for Sako - part of Beretta - for new rifles: 5.56×45 and 7.62×51 ARs and a TRG M10 .338 bolt-action rifle were selected. Despite the common selection of weapon systems, barrel lengths and accessories may vary by country.

The Swedish Armed Forces have long needed to modernize their firearms. Current AK4 systems have been in service since the 1960s, and the AK5 was developed in the early 1980s and has been upgraded in various rounds since then. With the new systems, the Armed Forces will receive a family of more modern, lighter weapons with better ergonomics and better adjustment options based on body size.

Common weapon systems

Finland and Sweden began searching for common requirements for future weapon systems within the framework of FISE, the bilateral cooperation between Finland and Sweden.

The first systems are the sniper rifle and various versions of the automatic carbine (self-defense weapon and automatic carbine). Not all barrel lengths have been finalized yet. There is also ongoing cooperation regarding automatic rifles, machine guns, and grenade weapons, with the last two not yet decided.

The weapon systems have a modern design with a focus on functionality and ergonomics. Great attention has been paid to the customization options so that it fits soldiers and sailors of different sizes and proportions.

Weapon systems to be procured:

• Self-defense weapon
  Caliber 5.56×45 with 11.5″ barrel
• Automatic carbine
  Caliber 7.62×51 with 16″ or 18″ barrel
• Sniper rifle
  Caliber 7.62×51 with 18″ or 20″ barrel
• Sniper rifle
  Caliber 8.6×70 with 27" barrel
• Automatic rifle
  Caliber 12.7×99 Replacement AG90
• Machine gun
  Caliber 7.62×51
• Grenade weapon 40 mm

Ongoing business

FMV has now signed a framework agreement with the supplier SAKO, the weapons included in the contract are SSV, AK, SSG, and PSG. This agreement also applies to the police, customs, SÄPO, and coast guard. The agreement is flexible, allowing for different barrel lengths and accessories to be chosen. The contract has a duration of ten years with the possibility of extension for three additional seven-year periods.

Starting in 2023, extensive tests will be carried out for each type of weapon, testing both quality and handling and ergonomics under different conditions and in multiple rounds. The tests will be conducted by qualified test personnel at FMV as well as army trials by troop tests. The first delivered weapons will undergo extensive testing at the end of 2023 and the beginning of 2024.

Introduction in the army

The introduction into the Armed Forces is estimated for 2024 for the sniper system and 2025 for the automatic carbine in caliber 5.56. After that, other systems will be introduced continuously.

Timeline

2023 - Procurement phase begins, Tests and verification

2024 - Introduction of PSG 8.6, Introduction of new AG 90

2025 - Introduction of AK 5.56

2026 - Introduction of AK 7.62

The introduction of the weapons will be done in stages within the Armed Forces units, in the order set by the Armed Forces for weapon delivery. Training for each weapon system will be provided by the weapons instructors and technical personnel of the army.

SAKO online

FMV online