Since the 1980s, it is estimated that hundreds of thousands of conscripts have had the Armed Forces’ AK5 automatic carbine in their hands when they enlisted.
The weapons have been upgraded over the years, but according to documents SVT has seen, the Swedish Armed Forces have been warning for several years that the weapons are out of date.
– It is clear that they were worn, but they have been maintained at a level, says Jonas Lotsne at FMV.
Important for defensive ability
Since 2023, there has been an agreement with the Finnish arms manufacturer Sako, which will supply the Armed Forces’ new firearms in a joint procurement with Finland. The procurement is described in documents as central to the defense capability:
“Without the procurement, Sweden’s fighting ability and ability to defend Sweden’s borders would have been at risk for many years to come,” write representatives of FMV in a document.
– If we look at the needs of the entire Armed Forces, it is extremely urgent in many areas. The army is to be doubled by 2030 and the same goes for firearms. We need huge numbers.
But the Finnish weapons cannot be delivered at the rate that the Armed Forces need, partly because the direct procurement with Sako has been appealed by the German competitor Heckler & Koch.
Urgent purchase of US weapons
That’s why FMV decided earlier this autumn to buy in so-called interim weapons, directly from the American army’s warehouse. In documents SVT obtained from FMV, the deal is described as urgent.
The purchase consists of 15,000 Colt M4A1 automatic carbines to be used by everything from conscripts to full-time employed soldiers and officers, as well as on missions abroad, for example in Latvia.
– We need to ensure that the Armed Forces have weapons immediately. In addition to the regular order, we have made this interim order, to secure the possible gap that would arise, says Jonas Lotsne.
Was it planned?
– We ended up in a situation where we had to do it that way. It was not desirable to end up in that situation, but linked to various reasons, including the needs of the Armed Forces, it is natural that we supply more weapons.
What the price tag lands on, FMV does not want to reveal.