FMV retains rights against Heckler & Koch

The Administrative Court in Stockholm has decided that the Swedish procurement authority FMV had the right to enter into a contract to purchase firearms from the Finnish manufacturer SAKO. The court concludes that the procurement was necessary to protect Sweden's essential security interests.

The German arms manufacturer HECKLER & KOCH had requested a review, arguing that the agreement concluded with the Finnish Armed Forces violated procurement regulations. However, the Administrative Court is of the opinion that FMV's decision falls under a statutory exception. The Administrative Court believes that FMV was entitled to enter into the agreement under an exception in the procurement rules to protect Sweden's essential security interests, says Maria Eka, Chief Councilor at the Administrative Court in Stockholm, in a press release from the Swedish courts.

In March 2023, FMV and the Finnish Armed Forces signed a ten-year framework agreement with SAKO for the delivery of firearms. The agreement includes automatic carbines, sniper rifles, and precision rifles and aims to create supply security and improved interoperability between Sweden and Finland - and with the rest of NATO. Since then, FMV has continued to request weapons under the agreement. In November 2024, the authority ordered 22,500 assault rifles, with deliveries to continue until 2026.