Estonia tests competing sniper rifles ahead of tender award
Estonia is evaluation sniper rifles from four manufacturers. (Photo: ECDI)
The Estonian Defence Forces has carried out firing trials of four 8.6mm sniper rifles ahead of a final selection later this spring.
The Estonian Centre for Defence Investment (ECDI) has announced a tender for procurement of sniper weapons for the Estonian Defence Forces and the Defence League, with test firings carried out on 7 March to assess the technical suitability of the weapons.
The test firing will determine accuracy and reliability of the weapon, optical sight and other accessories.
The weapons being tested are from Sako, Haenel, Unique Alpine and Desert Tech and include accessories selected by the tenderers and fitted on the weapons.
Related Articles
Seven contenders for Estonian medium-range air defence requirement
Ukraine conflict prompts precision strike and artillery shift in the Baltics
Japan selects new sniper rifles and machine guns
Each bidder has assembled a proposed system with freely selected accessories and equipment in compliance with the requirements of the ECDI.
Major Risto Pärtel, chief weapons officer of the Estonian Defence Forces, said: 'Using the new rifles, it [sniper missions] can be done at any time of the day, as the weapons are equipped with state-of-the-art equipment like silencers and thermal weapon sights. In addition to high accuracy, the weapons must also be robust and as compact and light as possible.'
The selected rifle will replace the current Sako TRG-42 in service and must be accurate over distances of up to 1,500m.
Evaluation criteria include cost of the rifle and accessories, weight and length, barrel life and the cost of spare parts.
Once test firings are complete and results have been evaluated, a contract will be awarded to the successful company in Q2 2023. The expected delivery date for the new sniper weapons is 2024.
More from Land Warfare
-
![Russia details new T-80 tank variant, reports plans for renewed production]()
Russia details new T-80 tank variant, reports plans for renewed production
Russia has introduced an upgraded version of the T-80BVM main battle tank, designed for increased survivability based on combat experiences in Ukraine and aims to restart production of the type after a 20-year gap.
-
![Babcock and Cosworth to test hybrid propulsion in militarised Land Cruiser 70]()
Babcock and Cosworth to test hybrid propulsion in militarised Land Cruiser 70
Babcock has signed an MoU with propulsion experts Cosworth to investigate the use of hybrid power systems in military vehicles and will begin with integrating a Catalytic Generator (Cat Gen) into a 70 Series Toyota Land Cruiser.
-
![US increases investments in mortar production capacities]()
US increases investments in mortar production capacities
The US Army and companies of the defence industrial base have been expanding and upgrading their facilities as well as improving capabilities to produce mortar systems and rounds.
-
![Russia tests C-UAS slat protection over turrets and anti-UAV jamming systems for armoured vehicles]()
Russia tests C-UAS slat protection over turrets and anti-UAV jamming systems for armoured vehicles
Russian defence companies are adapting to emerging threats and exploring ways to counter top-attack munitions and first-person-view (FPV) UAVs.
-
![Taiwan reveals new indigenous scout vehicle at TADTE 2023 defence show]()
Taiwan reveals new indigenous scout vehicle at TADTE 2023 defence show
Taiwan's military establishment has developed a new 4x4 reconnaissance vehicle design, displayed for the first time at the TADTE defence expo in Taipei last week.
