Finnish Army details current and future soldier modernisation efforts

A Finnish soldier with an RK 62M3 rifle. The Finnish Army has several small arms programmes under way. (Finnish Army)

Further details regarding the Finnish Army's ongoing and future soldier modernisation efforts emerged at Defence iQ's International Dismounted Soldier 2023 conference in London.

Janes has learnt that alongside deliveries of Sako's M23 7.62 mm precision rifles and TRG M10 8.6 mm sniper rifles, additional Glock 17 and Glock 19 9 mm pistols are on order as part of the ongoing small arms modernisation effort. The Finnish Army is also fielding new night-vision devices (NVD), laser illuminators, thermal imagers, weapon and helmet mounted lights, and identification systems acquired under the ‘Night Combat 2020' programme. Deliveries began in 2022.

Looking further ahead, the Finnish Army is currently engaged in its ‘Family of Small Arms 2030' study, which is scheduled to be finalised by the end of 2024. The study is aimed at establishing a core set of desired characteristics and requirements for all future Finnish Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW). On the small arms front, the study is being conducted in close co-operation with Sweden, with the main effort centred on rifles. In March Finland and Sweden signed a 10-year framework agreement with Sako for the joint procurement of 5.56 mm, 7.62 mm, and 8.6 mm rifles.