Finland to buy new sniper rifles
The 7.62mm Dragunov will be one of the weapons phased out by the introduction of new sniper rifles for the Finnish Army. (Photo: Finnish Defence Forces)
New rifles for Finland will replace 7.62mm Tkiv and Dragunov weapons.
Finnish Defence Forces Logistics Command has received the green light from defence minister Antti Kaikkonen to acquire new rifles.
‘The new rifle system to be procured for the infantry increases the usability of snipers as well as the precision and range of infantry sections,’ Logistics Command stated on its website.
Finnish company Sako will provide the semi-automatic Sniper Rifle 23 and the Designated Marksman Rifle 23 for as a section support weapon. The former has a range of 800m and the latter 600m, Logistics Command noted.
Both weapons are based on the AR-10/AR-15 semi-automatic rifle in 7.62mm calibre.
‘The rifle procurement is included in the Land Defence Development Programme, and it is part of the capability development of the Army’s operational forces and local units,’ said Col Rainer Peltoniemi, Inspector of Infantry in the Finnish Defence Forces.
He added: ‘This project builds a completely new capability, and replaces most of the old 7.62 Sniper Rifle [Tkiv] 85s currently in service.’
The new rifles will also replace the 7.62mm Dragunov, Peltoniemi said.
The value of the deal was not disclosed. The first batch of new rifles will arrive with the Finnish Army by the end of 2022, and rifle system training is due to begin in 2023.
Sako will also provide accessories, spare parts, maintenance equipment and training.
You may also like
More from Land Warfare
-
![CV90 revels in northern exposure while looking for new customers (updated April 2025)]()
CV90 revels in northern exposure while looking for new customers (updated April 2025)
The BAE Systems Hägglunds’ CV90 IFV has been around for decades but continual refreshing to maintain power and relevance, along with a healthy market at home in Sweden and neighbouring countries, has led to more than 1,700 vehicle orders with 10 countries.
-
![Oshkosh notches JLTV win with Dutch order]()
Oshkosh notches JLTV win with Dutch order
The order further extends the Oshkosh Defense production line as AM General, selected for US orders, pushes to get vehicles out the door with no room for export orders.
-
![US and Europe continue moves to boost 155mm munitions production]()
US and Europe continue moves to boost 155mm munitions production
The new US facility for 155mm artillery projectiles is a reflection of a worldwide trend which has also seen Rheinmetall and BAE Systems working to improve capability in the same area.
-
![Dronebuster product line and production capability expanded]()
Dronebuster product line and production capability expanded
DZYNE Technologies, the maker of Dronebuster counter-uncrewed aerial system (C-UAS) devices, has announced plans to expand production and released details on a new version of the system. This follows the release of an all-in-one kit system earlier this year.
-
![Ireland plans for radar capability in 2026]()
Ireland plans for radar capability in 2026
The Irish Government has previously outlined ambitious plans, the furthest reach of these being the possible purchase of fighter aircraft to provide a capability the country’s defence force currently doesn’t have. A more advanced procurement effort for a primary radar is being fast tracked.
-
![US Army LTAMDS enters production phase]()
US Army LTAMDS enters production phase
LTAMDS was approved in multiple flight trials and assessments.
