Finland's Armed Forces and Sako Oy have signed a letter of intent regarding the development of sniper rifles. The goal of the cooperation is to provide the K22 precision weapon system, which will consist of a semi-automatic marksman rifle and a sniper rifle for a soldier operating within the infantry group.

As Colonel Rainer Peltoniemi said, it is possible that production would take place entirely in Finland. The project will enable keep defense-critical technologies and the ability to manufacture and repair missiles. As a result, it should be possible to create a rifle that will replace the 7.62 Tarkkuuskivääri 85 and 7.62 TKIV Dragunov models. The new rifles will be equipped with more versatile gear, including optical systems enabling shooting at greater distances.

The 7.62x51 mm NATO ammunition, which the new rifles will use, is able to penetrate lightly armored vehicles. The start of deliveries is planned for 2022.

Sources: niezależna.pl, defence24.pl