The production of the compact SVDS model for special forces has surged 13-fold compared to last year.
Kalashnikov, Russia’s largest small arms manufacturer, has announced a significant program to upgrade the Dragunov (SVD) sniper rifle. The SVDS model is a compact version with a folding stock, used mainly by airborne troops, marines, and elite units.
“The Kalashnikov concern has boosted the production of 7.62-mm Dragunov sniper rifles with a folding stock (SVDS) 13 times compared to 2024, due to increased demand in special military operations,” said the concern’s press service, as cited by Russian media.
The SVDS barrel is slightly shorter than the standard SVD (565 mm vs. 620 mm), yet maintains high accuracy and can engage targets up to 1,000 meters.
“The rifle’s advantages are proven by three decades of successful use. Its semi-automatic action, compact design, low weight, and high accuracy are clear benefits. It effectively aids our troops in combat,” stated the concern’s general director Alan Lushnikov.
Designed by Yevgeny Dragunov in the 1950s, the Dragunov rifle is a self-loading weapon for targets up to 1,200 meters. Despite its name, it’s not a sniper rifle in the Western sense, but a precision-shooting weapon in infantry.
Its aim is to give units firepower at longer ranges than standard rifles like the AK-47. Like the AK-47, the SVD is noted for its reliability, easy maintenance, and operation, making it popular with regular armies and armed groups worldwide.
The modernization includes a revised folding stock, a Picatinny rail, and other upgrades based on experiences from the Ukraine conflict.
Along with the upgraded SVDS, Russian forces are receiving new supplies of SV-98 manual-loading sniper rifles for regular snipers.
Photo: Kalashnikov
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