Sweden upgrades to M4A1 rifles for NATO mission in Latvia
The Swedish Armed Forces are urgently purchasing 15,000 automatic rifles from the USA to replace the worn-out weapons from the 1980s and 1990s. These new rifles will be equipped for soldiers deploying on the NATO mission to Latvia at the start of 2025.
The Swedish Armed Forces have decided to procure 15,000 Colt M4A1 rifles from the USA, addressing the obsolescence of weapons used since the 1980s and 1990s. The new equipment will be assigned to soldiers deploying on the NATO mission to Latvia, thus reinforcing the eastern flank of the alliance.
American rifles will replace the Swedish-produced AK 5 rifles. This purchase is linked to issues with the joint procurement by Sweden and Finland for weapons from the Finnish producer Sako. The tender decision was contested by the German company Heckler & Koch.
The introduction of American weaponry is expected to enhance the reliability and operational efficiency of Swedish forces, particularly in light of the growing needs arising from NATO membership.
- By 2030, the size of the army is expected to double. The same applies to weaponry, of which we need a substantial quantity - highlighted Jonas Lotsne, head of the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FM), as quoted by SVT television.
M4A1 rifles
The M4A1 rifle, which uses 5.56x45 mm NATO ammunition, is often compared to its civilian version known as the AR-15. It is characterised mainly by a 14.5-inch barrel, although 16-inch barrels are also popular. The M4A1, like its predecessor the M16, is based on a gas-operated system with direct impingement, which provides both advantages and certain drawbacks.
The M4A1 weighs about 2.72 kg without a magazine, achieved through the use of polymer materials, a direct impingement system, and an aluminium receiver. The weapon can be fitted with aluminium or polymer magazines with a capacity of 30 rounds.
The weapon is fed with aluminium or polymer magazines with a capacity of 30 rounds, and its theoretical rate of fire ranges from 700 to 950 rounds per minute. The effective range of this rifle reaches a maximum of 400 metres.
