Ukraine to receive ex-Dutch sniper rifles
Barrett M82A1 sniper rifle. (Photo: Netherlands MoD)
The Netherlands is the latest NATO member state to decide to donate military aid to Ukraine in view of the escalating Russian threat, with sniper rifles among the materiel to be shipped to Kiev.
Following a request from the Ukrainian government, the Dutch MoD revealed on 18 February that combat helmets, body armour sets, metal detectors and wire-guided USVs for naval mine countermeasures would be provided, plus two ground surveillance radars, five weapon location radars, 100 sniper rifles and 30,000 rounds of ammunition.
The Royal Netherlands Army arsenal of sniper rifles includes the AWM and AX from UK firm Accuracy International and the US-made Barrett M82A1.
The Dutch MoD did not specify which type is being donated to Ukraine, although Shephard has reported that Ukrainian Army, National Guard, SOF and airborne troops are known to operate the M82A1.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Land Warfare
-
How do land and air defense forces defend against complex threats?
Learn how RTX systems defend against complex attacks from adversaries including hostile drones, and multi-range missiles.
-
Hundreds of Boxers with Puma turrets ordered for Dutch and German forces
The order is for 270 vehicles, 222 of which are infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) known as Schakal (Jackal), which integrates the advanced Puma IFV RCT30 turret onto the Boxer chassis.
-
AUSA 2025: Hanwha Aerospace reveals new wheeled artillery system
The aerospace company showed a model of its new mobile howitzer at AUSA in Washington, where a representative told Shephard more about its design.
-
AUSA 2025: BAE Systems delivers more than 500 AMPVs to the US Army
The US Army requires 2,907 Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicles to replace its M113 family, and there are multiple versions in production.
-
AUSA 2025: AM General Hawkeye awaits first production contract
AM General presented its new Hawkeye at AUSA 2025 in Washington, with prototypes of the howitzer system having been trialled in Ukraine last year.
-
AUSA 2025: Lionstrike lays out plans for British Army vehicle bid as competitors get ready
In September 2025, BAE Systems announced that it was joining GM Defense and NP Aerospace to form Team Lionstrike. The team will be offering a version of GM Defense’s infantry support vehicle which is based on the commercial Colorado vehicle.