From
Defence Aerospace
Canadian Forces Award Canadian Sniper Rifle Contract
(Source: Canadian Ministry of Defence; issued May 26, 2005)
OTTAWA --- The Department of National Defence has awarded PGW Defence Technologies Inc. a $4.5-million contract for the provision of sniper rifles. The Winnipeg-based company will provide the weapons system, training package, ammunition, spare parts and maintenance support as part of the contract, signed May 13, 2005.
“As stated in the new Defence Policy, the government is committed to providing new equipment to the Canadian Forces, assuring they can operate effectively in today’s challenging security environment,” said Defence Minister Bill Graham. “This contract is an example of how we are modernizing our equipment with the assistance of Canadian expertise.”
“This weapons system, one of the most accurate sniper rifles in the world, is a part of our commitment to improving Canadian Forces capabilities and equipment,” said General Rick Hillier, Chief of the Defence Staff.
This medium range sniper weapon is 8.6mm (.338 calibre) and has a range of 1500m – almost twice that of the C3A1 rifle it is replacing. The new system includes the rifle, magazines, telescopic sight, stand, and carrying case.
Canadian Forces snipers from across the country trialed the rifle at Canadian Forces Base Gagetown and were impressed with its performance. It was also tested at the Canadian Forces Munitions Experimental Test Centre in Valcartier, Que.
The Canadian Forces will begin taking delivery of this small arms system in August 2005. It will be used by Regular Force infantry units across the Army, in both training and operations.
