India has inducted Sako .338 TRG-42 rifles from Finland to improve the capabilities of its snipers deployed along the country’s border with Pakistan.
Officials revealed that the move was meant to make soldiers more lethal amid a change in operational dynamics along the Line of Control (LOC).
Pakistan has allegedly increased its snipers’ capabilities with the induction of advanced sniper rifles of varying caliber.
Sniping has also reportedly been a challenge for Indian troopers patrolling the border in Jammu and Kashmir.
According to a report by The Times of India, a sharp increase in sniping incidents occurred between 2018 and 2019, prompting the nation to provide more sniper training and procure upgraded rifles.
The Sako .338 rifles are expected to provide the Indian Army with better range and firepower, replacing the .338 Lapua Magnum Scorpio TGT and .50-caliber M95 inducted in 2019 and 2020.
The TRG-42 Rifle
Developed by Finnish gunmaker Sako, the TRG-42 is a bolt-action sniper rifle designed to fire powerful .338 Lapua Magnum cartridges.
The weapon weighs 6.55 kilograms (14.4 pounds) without ammunition and has an effective range of 1,500 meters (4,921 feet).
It has been upgraded and now features an improved recoil pad to allow for better control and recovery.
Additionally, the TRG-42 has a new trigger mechanism that ensures improved safety if the rifle is accidentally dropped. Its bolt handle attachment has also been improved to withstand even the roughest handling.
“The TRG 42 is a firearm for serious long-range competitions and can be equipped with a vast array of accessories to meet the most demanding requirements,” Sako said on its website.