Canada looking to expedite purchase of armoured fighting vehicle and a new tank
Canada is improving its Leopard main battle tank fleet but before this is fully completed, it is expected to begin looking for new vehicles.
USMC to field Mk13 Mod 7 sniper rifle
The US Marine Corps (USMC) is adopting the Mk13 Mod 7 as its primary sniper rifle, the USMC announced on 9 May.
The bolt-action rifle offers an increased range of fire and accuracy compared to current systems. The rifle includes a long-action receiver, stainless steel barrel and an extended rail interface system for a mounted scope and night vision optic.
The rifle is scheduled for fielding in late 2018 and throughout 2019. Units receiving the Mk13 include infantry and reconnaissance battalions and scout sniper schoolhouses. This weapon is already the primary sniper rifle used by Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command.
The rifle will increase scout snipers’ range by around 300m and will use the .300 Winchester Magnum calibre round.
The weapon will be fielded with an enhanced day optic that will allow for positive identification of targets at greater distances. It has a grid-style reticle that allows for rapid reengagement without having to dial adjustments or hold without a reference point.
Marine Corps Systems Command completed training for the Mk13 with a cross section of marines from active-duty, reserve and training units in early April 2018.
Lt. Col. Paul Gillikin, infantry weapons team lead at MCSC, said: ‘When the Mk13 Mod 7 is fielded, it will be the primary sniper rifle in the USMC. The M40A6 will remain in the schoolhouses and operating forces as an alternate sniper rifle primarily used for training. The M110 and M107 will also remain as additional weapons within the scout sniper equipment set.’
You may also like
More from Land Warfare
-
![Canada looking to expedite purchase of armoured fighting vehicle and a new tank]()
-
![Layered protection: How air defence is adapting to rising drone and missile threats (podcast)]()
Layered protection: How air defence is adapting to rising drone and missile threats (podcast)
A surge in aerial threats – from advanced missiles to low-cost drones – is reshaping the way militaries approach air defence, driving demand for flexible, multi-layered solutions.
-
![UK agrees parallel development and production process for British Army Challenger 3]()
UK agrees parallel development and production process for British Army Challenger 3
In a bid to accelerate delivery of the British Army’s Challenger 3 main battle tank, which has just carried out its first crewed firings with the latest Rheinmetall 120mm L55A1 smoothbore gun, the UK has opted for an unconventional approach.
-
![Romania intensifies search for more tanks and could look beyond Abrams]()
Romania intensifies search for more tanks and could look beyond Abrams
Since signing a contract to purchase 54 M1A2 Abrams tanks last year, Romania has been looking into options to buy more tanks, but it could cast the net wider than Abrams with funding considerations potentially set to shape the outcome.
-
![Indian Army’s new battle blueprint takes shape]()
Indian Army’s new battle blueprint takes shape
The Indian Army’s modernisation plans reflect the lessons learned from ongoing conflicts and threats as it continues its push for indigenous capabilities.
-
![Portugal set to join Boxer team as it progresses its army transformation]()
Portugal set to join Boxer team as it progresses its army transformation
The Portuguese Army is undergoing an overhaul of its platforms with the latest move towards Boxer 8x8 vehicles marking a major step in reforming and modernising its brigades.
