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Kalashnikov Completes Delivery of Chukavin Sniper Rifles to Russian Army.
JSC Concern Kalashnikov has completed its annual production contract for the Chukavin sniper rifle (SVCh), delivering all units to an undisclosed client, widely speculated to be the Russian Army. The SVCh, representing a new generation of Russian sniper rifles, has been actively deployed in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, showcasing its operational relevance and robust performance in challenging field conditions, according to the manufacturer.
The Chukavin sniper rifle series entered serial production in 2023. (Picture source: Kalashnikov)
On December 25, 2023, the Kalashnikov Group announced the delivery of the first series of Chukavin sniper rifles (SVCh) to the Russian Army. Nearly a year later, another shipment has been completed to a client not specified in the manufacturer's announcement, though it is believed this client could indeed be the Russian Army, based on previous indications.
The Chukavin sniper rifle series entered serial production in 2023, marking a new addition to Kalashnikov's precision weapons lineup. It was designed to replace the legendary Dragunov SVD. The rifle, weighing 4.8 kg with a magazine but without ammunition, is chambered in 7.62x54 mm. Its total length, measured with the stock extended and the muzzle brake attached, reaches 1,170 mm, with a barrel length of 620 mm. Equipped with a gas-operated automatic system, the SVCh features a short-stroke gas piston and a three-position rotary gas regulator, enhancing its adaptability and reliability under various operational conditions.
The SVCh stands out for its improved ergonomics and compatibility with a wide range of sighting systems, both Russian and foreign. This versatility allows shooters to adapt the rifle to various missions and operational environments. Furthermore, the SVCh maintains the proven reliability of the Dragunov, while offering enhancements in terms of precision and modularity.
After successfully passing acceptance tests, the SVCh entered full-scale production in 2023. The first deliveries were made in December 2023, with production set to increase in 2024 to meet the rising needs of the Russian Armed Forces. This anticipated production increase appears to have been achieved by Kalashnikov.
Alan Lushnikov, General Director of JSC Concern Kalashnikov and a member of the Union of Machine Builders of Russia, highlighted the rifle’s performance attributes: “The Chukavin sniper rifle is now serially supplied to our client and deployed in the SVO zone. The SVCh offers not only improved ergonomics and shooting accuracy, as reported by users but also compatibility with sighting systems from both Russian and foreign manufacturers,” Lushnikov stated. He added that the SVCh continues the legacy of reliability established by the Dragunov sniper rifle, a model widely recognized in Russia and abroad, which Kalashnikov continues to produce in substantial quantities.
With the SVCh, Kalashnikov reinforces its reputation for providing high-performance precision systems that meet the evolving demands of modern combat environments, while maintaining the reliability that has defined its weapons for decades.