FMV Signs Contract for Firearms for the Armed Forces

The Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) states in a press release that they have signed a framework agreement with the Finnish supplier Sako for firearms for the Swedish Armed Forces (Försvarsmakten). The agreement is made jointly with Finland and includes automatic carbines in calibre 5.56x45, automatic carbines in calibre 7.62x51, designated marksman rifles in calibre 7.62x51, and sniper rifles in calibre 8.6 Lapua Magnum.

– The fact that Sweden and Finland are signing agreements with the same supplier for the same weapon systems increases the opportunities for collaboration regarding usage, training, development, and ammunition procurement. The choice of a Finnish supplier provides assurance regarding the long-term supply of firearms, says Jonas Lotsne, head of army materiel at FMV.

According to the press release, the new firearms will replace the current Automatic Carbine 4 (AK4), Automatic Carbine 5 (AK5), and Designated Marksman Rifle 90 (Psg 90).

FMV indicates that there has long been a need for the Swedish Armed Forces to modernise its firearms. The current AK4 system has been in use since the 1960s, and the AK5 was developed in the early 1980s and has been upgraded in various phases since then. With the new systems, the Swedish Armed Forces will receive a family of more modern and lighter weapons with better ergonomics and improved adjustment options according to body size.

– Today's agreement affects virtually all personnel in the Swedish Armed Forces and the Home Guard (Hemvärnet), who will eventually receive new, more modern weapons. We are now taking a significant step forward in the work of replacing virtually all firearms in the Swedish Armed Forces, which is very encouraging, says Jonas Lotsne.

The framework agreement, which runs for ten years, is part of a joint Swedish-Finnish procurement of firearms systems with associated technology. The intention is to create supply security for both Finland and Sweden and to improve interoperability by having the countries use the same types of weapons with the same types of ammunition.

The first call-off contract includes weapons worth approximately 875 million Swedish kronor.

Implementation in the Swedish Armed Forces is estimated to begin in 2024 for the designated marksman system. The introduction of the new automatic carbine in calibre 5.56 will start in 2025, followed by the other weapon types. The implementation will occur gradually as the new weapons are delivered. The implementation includes training for instructors, technical personnel, and other staff in the Swedish Armed Forces, as well as training materials and maintenance.

In the message from FMV, it is stated that before deliveries begin, extensive tests of each weapon type will be conducted, where both quality and handling and ergonomics will be tested under varying conditions and in several phases. The tests will be carried out both by qualified test personnel at FMV and through troop trials.