The Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) has signed a framework agreement with TEKONF for the delivery of maintenance systems for the Swedish Armed Forces' (Försvarsmakten) soldier-carried small arms. The contract is worth approximately 350 million Swedish kronor, with deliveries commencing in 2027.
According to a press release from FMV, the maintenance systems include cleaning tools, brushes, and other materiel for the upkeep of assault carbines, designated marksman rifles, and sniper rifles. The purpose is to ensure high precision, sustained safety, and reliable operational performance over time.
"The maintenance systems are the foundation for ensuring that weapons function with good precision, retain that precision over time, and are safe to use. They must function in all conditions: during summer, during winter, after intensive use, or after being held in storage. That is the foundation for weapons systems to function," says Peter Almquist, systems engineer at FMV, in the press release.
FMV states that the maintenance systems are being developed in step with the Swedish Armed Forces' introduction of a new generation of small arms, while also being compatible with both new and existing soldier-carried weapons systems. The new procurement replaces equipment that, in some cases, was originally purchased as far back as the 1980s.
"Previously, we used older equipment. Now we are receiving modern brushes and cleaning tools that perform better, last longer, and clean more effectively. The work carried out in recent years on new small arms has also demonstrated that more thorough cleaning is required to maintain precision and ensure operational functionality over time," says Peter Almquist.
In a separate press release, TEKONF states that the company, together with its partner company Svensk Borstteknik, has been awarded the framework agreement. The agreement covers deliveries to FMV, the Swedish Armed Forces, the Swedish Police Authority, and other government agencies.
Speaking to Nordic Defence Sector, TEKONF's Chief Executive Officer Göran Wärdell says the company has already strengthened its organisation ahead of deliveries and anticipates continued investment as call-offs are made under the framework agreement.
"We have already staffed up to meet our initial requirements and have previously built a strong foundation for handling larger volumes. As this framework agreement is called off and demand within the defence industry continues to grow, we will develop our production capacity, our processes, and our organisation. That means both investments and reinforcements to the team going forward," says Göran Wärdell.
According to Wärdell, the agreement also represents a new position for the company.
"Being selected as the primary supplier in a procurement of this scale is an important milestone for TEKONF and clear evidence of the position we have established within the defence segment. The agreement further strengthens our position and opens opportunities to take on an even greater responsibility in future projects, both as a supplier and as a strategic partner, nationally as well as internationally," he tells Nordic Defence Sector.
According to FMV, the procurement placed high demands on the supplier, as it concerns a complete maintenance system with many different components that must be deliverable in large volumes.
"There are companies that can deliver individual products, such as brushes or cleaning equipment. But considerably fewer are able to deliver a complete maintenance system in the volumes we require. We have many weapons systems in operation and therefore substantial needs. I am pleased and proud that we are procuring this from a Swedish supplier with Swedish sub-suppliers. This contributes to building competence and expertise within Swedish industry," says Peter Almquist in FMV's press release.