The Finnish and Swedish armies acquired a joint family of handguns from Sako

The future handgun family will gradually replace the Defense Forces' current assault rifles, self-loading precision rifles and heavy sniper rifles. kaumlsiaseperheen-sakolta-3c99b29.jpg” alt=”The armies of Finland and Sweden acquire a common kaumlsiaseperheen family from Sako” />

The agreement was signed by the Director of the Logistics Department of the Defense Forces, Major General Jari Mikkonen, Director of the Land Systems Department of the Swedish Defense Material Agency FMV, Brigadier General Jonas Lotsne, and on behalf of Sako Oy, Raimo Karjalainen (right) and Sako's Board Chairman Franco Gussalli Beretta (left). Hand out/Sakomika.koskinen@iltalehti.fiToday at 14:34 (edited at 21:11)

On Monday, the Finnish and Swedish defense forces signed a long and extensive framework agreement on a joint handgun family with Sako Oy.

The duration of the agreement is initially 10 years. After that, the contract has three seven-year option periods until the end of 2053.

In the first phase, Finland will acquire assault rifles and personal protective weapons for field tests. The total VAT value of the acquisition is approximately 0.7 million euros.

– The future handgun family is being prepared to gradually replace the Defense Forces' current assault rifles, self-loading precision rifles and heavy precision rifles. Director of the Logistics Department of the Defense Forces, Major General Jari Mikkonen says

– The Defense Forces is preparing to phase out the current weapon systems, which will ensure a controlled and cost-effective phase-out of the current system, he adds.

Sweden signed a framework agreement on the same occasion for its first series procurement of assault rifles and personal protective weapons. The value of Sweden's first contract is about 875 million Swedish kroner, or about 78 million euros.

At this stage, Sweden's purchase covers assault rifles in caliber 5.56×45 and 7.62×51 and sniper rifles in caliber 7.62×51 and .338 Lapua Magnum (8.6mm).

Significant impact on Sako

Sako CEO Raimo Karjalainen says that the agreement will have a significant impact on the growth of Sako's business and the defense capability and security of supply of both countries .

The employment impact for Sako is significant.

– Already at this stage, several dozen professionals are working within the scope of the project, whose work input and commitment to the project has been excellent. In addition to new jobs, the project also has considerable importance in e.g. for new investments and Sako Oy's subcontractors, Karjalainen says.

Sako, founded in 1921, joined the Italian Beretta Group in 2000.

Sako assault rifle 7.62×51. Hand out/Sako