The National Defence Training Association of Finland, (MPK) has received the first new Sako rifles for training purposes. The remaining rifles will be delivered during the autumn. The total value of the purchase is approximately EUR 1.6 million.
MPK says in a press release that the demand for its weapons and firearms training has increased since the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The new Sako weapons will complement the existing arsenal.
"Now that we have the new weapons for weapons and firearms training, we will be better able to meet the high demand for training throughout the country," MPK Executive Director, Antti Lehtisalo, said in the release.
According to MPK, the Sako weapon has been developed specifically for the training of reservists. It is an AR-15 type self-loading, single-shot weapon. The weapon has a 16-inch barrel and a calibre of 223 REM. The weapon is also compatible with the 5.56 x 45 Nato cartridge.
Finland's current service assault rifles, variants of the RK-62 and RK-95, are compatible with 7.62 x 39 cartridges. This is the same calibre used by Russia's AK-47 platform.
Finland and Sweden announced their purchase of the Sako firearms last year. This arrangement enables the Nordic countries' militaries to train together and with other Nato allies while using the same types of weapons and ammunition.
Lehtisalo describes the new MPK rifle as easy to use. It is also suitable for both experienced shooters and beginners.
MPK organises voluntary training in national defence. It is open to both conscripts and non-servicemembers.
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