Slovakia Unveils All New Service Weapons To Replace Soviet-Era Kit

At a press conference, on 12 December, the Slovak Republic’s armed forces presented an entirely new suite personal weapons. In addition to new weapons, a new uniform design with a completely new camouflage pattern was also introduced. New personal equipment including vests, boots, plate carriers, helmets and load bearing kit were also introduced by Slovakia’s Minister of Defence (and Deputy Prime Minister) Robert Kaliňák. During the announcement four soldiers paraded wearing the new kit and carrying the new firearms.

The new service weapons will replace all personal weapons currently in use including the ČZ vz. 82 pistol and the vz. 58 rifle. The new firearms will largely be provided by Slovak company Grand Power. The new service rifle is Grand Power’s M4M a 5.56x45mm chambered piston-operated rifle in 14.5" and 11.5" inch barrel lengths. A new designated marksman rifle, the R10, in 7.62x51 will replace the venerable SVD. A new personal defense weapon has also been selected, the STRIBOG AP9 A3 (the delayed blowback variant) with a side folding stock. Finally, a new service pistol has also been selected. From the imagery available it's unclear if the pistol is hammer or striker fired, but it may be the hammer-fired P1 or from the striker-fired Q series with a frame-mounted manual safety.

In a post on social media, the Slovak Ministry of Defense said [machine translated]:

“SLOVAK SOLDIERS IN A NEW UNIFORM

More comfort, better protection, thoughtful details and a design that keeps up with the demands of today's service to the homeland. The Ministry of Defense of the Slovak Republic has introduced the new VZOR 25 uniforms, which take the professional soldier to the next level worthy of the 21st century.

These new uniforms are not just about appearance - they are a symbol of professionalism, courage and readiness to defend our country. Respect to all who will wear them.”

Slovak media reports from the press conference suggest that rifles and carbines will cost 1,190 euros ($1,400), with magazines costing 14 euros each - soldiers will be issued 8 mags as standard. Additionally, bayonets will cost 60 euros, and a suppressors 430 euros ($500).

During the press conference Kaliňák said that most soldiers would receive the clothing and kit items next year and begin to receive the new service weapons. The total number of firearms to be procured is reported at approximately 26,000 and this will likely be Grand Power’s largest single contract since it was founded in 2010.

H/T - Daniel of Bohemia