On 21 December 2021, Finnish Defence Forces Logistics Command signed a contract with Sako to purchase the M23 sniper weapon system and replace the Soviet-style Dragonov SVD and Tkiv-85 sniper rifles in active service to improve the long-range sniper capabilities of its infantry. The contract amount is approximately EUR 10 million. The contract includes additional procurement options in Finland. The first products will be delivered to the Finnish Army by the end of 2022, and dress-up training will begin in 2023.
▲ M23 sniper rifle
According to a press release issued by the Finnish Defence Forces, the M23 system consists of two types of guns: a semi-automatic sniper rifle for snipers and a precision firing rifle for designated shooters. The former is equipped with a high-quality optical sight that fires a special sniper rifle cartridge and can accurately shoot targets up to 800 meters away. The latter is relatively simplified, with an effective range of 600 meters.
The M23 system is based on a 7.62 mm caliber AR-10/15 semi-automatic rifle, equipped with Picatinny rails, which can be equipped with a variety of additional equipment such as night vision sights. From 2020 onwards, Sarkoh has been working with the Finnish Defence Forces to improve the development of the rifle system in order to localize Finnish production.
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