Abandonment of Soviet Ammunition: Finland Switches to NATO Caliber

The Finnish Armed Forces have announced the transition to NATO-standard small-arms calibers and the abandonment of Soviet calibers.

New purchases, in particular of the basic assault rifle, will be made exclusively in 5.56×45 mm, 7.62×51 mm, 9×19 mm, and 12.7×99 mm calibers, hartpunkt reports.

According to the official website of the Finnish Armed Forces, the main goal of the transition is to improve interoperability with allies, increase supply reliability, reduce costs, and increase combat effectiveness.

The new standard will also optimize logistics and ensure a stable supply of ammunition in peacetime and wartime.

The Finnish army’s basic assault rifle will be a 5.56×45 mm model replacing the current 7.62×39 mm model. In 2026, field tests of Sako’s new rifles will begin. Based on the test results, the final requirements for future weapons will be determined.

The 7.62×51 mm and 12.7×99 mm calibers are intended for supporting weapons, while the 9×19 mm will become the standard for pistols.

The Soviet calibers – 7.62×39 mm, 7.62×53R, and 12.7×108 mm – will remain in limited use, but will no longer be procured.