The initiative, titled “Project P4026 Sharpshooter Rifle 12.7 mm MØR,” aims to replace the aging M82A1 rifles from American manufacturer Barrett Firearms. Since 1999, these rifles have been a critical component in the Norwegian military’s arsenal for engaging lightly armored and unarmored targets at long distances with precise fire. The new acquisition will see these capabilities not only maintained but significantly enhanced with the introduction of the M107A1 rifle, also from Barrett Firearms.
The contract for the delivery of the new rifles was signed by NDMA Director Gro Jære during the Eurosatory defence trade fair held in Paris in June. Expressing her satisfaction with the agreement, Jære emphasized the importance of strong collaboration with suppliers across the defence sector, from small arms to naval vessels.
“Over the next few years, we will be making substantial investments on behalf of the defence sector, and good cooperation with suppliers of all types of materiel is crucial. This is a weapon and a supplier with whom both we and the Armed Forces have had very positive experiences, and I was therefore very pleased to sign this contract,” said Jære.
In addition to several hundred new rifles from Barrett, the project will also provide optics and tools for wind measurement and ballistic calculation. The NDMA expects to receive the rifles within the next year, enabling the start of deliveries to users across all branches of the Norwegian Armed Forces.
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