Russia Increases SVD Sniper Rifle Production and Delivers New Batch.

The Kalashnikov Concern, part of the Rostec State Corporation, is finalizing the delivery of 7.62 mm Dragunov sniper rifles (SVD) under the order planned for 2024. Looking ahead to 2025, production of this iconic rifle is expected to increase significantly, in line with newly signed contracts.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

The SVD is a semi-automatic precision rifle, designed by Evgeny Dragunov between 1958 and 1963 in the Soviet Union. (Picture source: Kalashnikov)

The SVD, initially developed by weapons designer Evgeny Fedorovich Dragunov between 1958 and 1963, entered serial production at the Izhevsk Machine-Building Plant (now Kalashnikov Concern JSC) in 1963. After more than six decades, it remains an essential asset for Russian security forces. Known for its reliability, the Dragunov sniper rifle is designed to effectively engage personnel and unarmored targets at distances of up to 1000 meters.

The rifle weighs around 4.3 kg, including the scope and empty magazine, making it relatively lightweight for its category. Depending on the variant, such as the SVDS or SVDM, its weight can vary, reaching up to 5.3 kg for the SVDM version. It measures 1,225 mm long, with a 620 mm barrel, providing good long-range accuracy. Some versions, such as the SVDS, feature a folding stock, reducing the weapon's overall length for easier transport and handling in more confined spaces.

The SVD fires 7.62×54mmR ammunition, a powerful cartridge widely used in Russian weapons, capable of maintaining an initial velocity of 830 m/s for the standard version. Its effective range is approximately 800 meters, making it an ideal precision rifle for engaging targets at medium to long distances. It is fed by a detachable 10-round magazine, allowing for semi-automatic fire.

The weapon is equipped with a PSO-1 telescopic sight, which has become emblematic of the SVD rifle. It can also be fitted with night vision devices such as the 1PN51 or 1PN58, as well as iron sights with an adjustable rear notch. The operating system is gas-operated with a rotating bolt, ensuring smooth and reliable semi-automatic fire in various combat conditions.

Alan Lushnikov, president of the Kalashnikov Concern, emphasized the continued relevance of the rifle: "The advantages of the Dragunov sniper rifle have been proven over decades of service. Its semi-automatic function, compact design, lightweight nature, and high accuracy make it an indispensable tool. Despite its age, the legendary SVD continues to perform effectively, including in the Special Military Operation (SMO) zone, where it plays a key role in combat missions."

The Kalashnikov Concern is finalizing the delivery of 7.62 mm Dragunov sniper rifles under the order planned for 2024. (Picture source: Kalashnikov)