The Russian state-owned Kalashnikov Group, the nation’s largest producer of military small arms, announced that modernized SVD Dragunov sniper rifles would soon reach frontline troops in the ongoing war in Ukraine. The modernized “SVDS” rifle—currently employed by special operators in the Airborne Forces, marine infantry, and other elite personnel—is a compact version of the base model SVD.

“The Kalashnikov Group has boosted the production of 7.62mm Dragunov sniper rifles with a folding buttstock (SVDS rifles) at the request of defense customers by 13 times compared to 2024. In particular, SVDS rifles enjoy increased demand in the zone of the special military operation,” the press office of the Kalashnikov Concern said in a statement to Russian news agency TASS.

Although the SVDS has a barrel that is around two inches shorter in length—565 mm (22.2 in) to 620 mm (24.4 in)—compared to the SVD, it is still noted for its accuracy, capable of engaging enemy targets at a range of up to 1,000 meters.

“The advantages of the 7.62mm Dragunov sniper rifle with a folding buttstock have been confirmed by three decades of its successful operation. The semi-automatic action, the........

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