Going full NATO

The Finnish Defence Forces will shift to using the NATO-standard calibres 5.56x45mm, 7.62x51mm, 9x19mm, and 12.7x99mm for new small arms. The decision taken will improve, among other, the soldier’s operating capability, interoperability, and security of supply. Over the past years, the Finnish Defence Forces have examined the characteristics necessary for small arms in the future. The analysis has also included examining the choice of calibres for new small arms.  

The new calibre for the soldier-specific weapon, the assault rifle, will be 5.56x45mm which meets the requirements set by the threat and operational environment. The new calibres for the force-specific firearms will be 7.62x 51mm and 12.7x 99mm. The pistol calibre will continue to be 9x19mm.

The new calibres will be fielded progressively in conjunction with the small arms modernization. The present soviet small arms calibres (7.62x39mm, 7.62x53R, and 12.7x108 mm) will continue to be in service but with no extension procurement.

Enhancing assault rifle performance capacity by means of the new calibre

In a Finnish environment, the firing distances for small arms are nearly always less than 200 metres, and typically less than 100 metres. An assault rifle must be able to deliver effects up to 600 metres. The higher bullet velocity and flatter trajectory of the new calibre will increase the hitting probability, which is relevant when firing in an unspecified distance or to a moving target.

The smaller and faster 5.56x45mm bullet will more efficiently penetrate varying materials than a 7.62x39mm one in distances less than 200 metres. Additionally, less recoil, a flatter trajectory, and lower cartridge costs will make it easier to acquire shooting and marksmanship skills. As for the bullet’s gyroscopic stability (ricochet tendency), there is no significant difference between the current calibre ammunition and that of the new one.

Small arms modernisation progresses within the planned timeframe

The decision made now enables continuing the procurement preparations concerning the new soldier-specific and force-specific small arms. The small arms modernisation underway concerns alongside assault rifles also machine guns, semi-automatic sniper rifles, and M10 sniper rifles. The procurement of the weapons will last throughout the 2030s.

Next year marks the start of the field testing of the new 5.56mm-calibre assault rifles ordered from Sako for testing purposes. The results of the field tests will be analysed to determine the more specific requirements for the new assault rifle before additional procurements. The decision on the follower of the present assault rifle will be made later. It is planned that the new assault rifle will be fielded at the turn of the decade.