Sako Ltd and Finnish Defence Forces Sign Rifle System Contract

The Finnish Defence Forces Logistics Command and Sako Ltd signed a contract for the procurement of the new Rifle System M23 on 12 January 2022. The procurement was preceded by collaboration on the development of the rifle system between Sako Ltd and the Finnish Defence Forces in 2020–2021 in accordance with the letter of intent between the Finnish Defence Forces and Sako Ltd.
The total value of the procurement including the value added tax is approximately EUR 10 million. The contract also includes an additional procurement option for possible subsequent procurements.
“Sako Ltd’s roots are deeply set in the Finnish Defence Industry. Last year Sako celebrated its hundredth anniversary, and we have collaborated closely with the Finnish Defence Forces for decades. We value greatly the trust that the Defence Forces has shown us, and this procurement contract deepens our collaboration, creates new jobs in Finland, and also improves Finland’s security of supply,” states Sako’s General Manager, Mr. Raimo Karjalainen.
The new Rifle System M23 includes two separate rifle configurations: the Sniper Rifle 23 for sniper use and the Designated Marksman Rifle 23 for use as an infantry section support weapon by designated marksmen. In addition, the contract includes accessories, spare parts, maintenance equipment, as well as user and maintenance training provided by Sako. Sako has designed the rifles, which are based on the widely used AR10 construction. The rifles are semi-automatic and their calibre is 7.62 NATO. Read more










