In recent years, Sweden has decided to replace its aging FNC rifles from Fabrique Nationale de Herstal (known under the designation AK5) with a design more suited to modern realities. The Swedish authorities chose a rifle from the Finnish manufacturer SAKO — the SAKO M23. SAKO’s proposal draws on experience from the design of AR-10, AR-15 rifles and the short-stroke gas piston system known from the G36 and HK416. As a relatively new design, the SAKO M23 (adopted under the designation AK24) in the service of the Swedish Armed Forces revealed certain technical shortcomings that posed a risk to users. This manifested as a significant delay between pulling the trigger and the shot being fired. Due to safety concerns, it was decided to withdraw all SAKO M23/AK24 rifles from service until the necessary fixes could be implemented.
As an interim solution, it was decided to adopt the American M4A1 rifle from Colt, designating it as AK M4A. However, the American rifle will not be a permanent replacement — it will be used for training recruits and conscripts, as well as by battalions stationed in Lithuania as part of the NATO contingent. The rifles come equipped with an 18B red dot sight from Aimpoint, vertical grip, sling, cleaning kit, and magazines.
Photos: Armén/Swedish Armed Forces by Felix Sundbäck
