AK-5
Summary
| Country | 🇸🇪 Sweden |
| Category | Assault rifle |
| Manufacturer | Bofors |
Technical specifications
| AK-5 | |
|---|---|
| Fire Rate | 650 rounds/min. |
| Caliber | 5.56 x 45 mm OTAN |
| Magazine | 30 rounds |
| Length | 1008 mm (39.7 in) |
| Weight | 3.9 kg (8.6 lb) |
| Range | 500 m (1640 ft) |
Description
The Ak 5, or Automatkarbin 5, is a Swedish license-produced version of the Belgian FN FNC assault rifle, modified to suit the Swedish climate. Adopted by the Swedish Armed Forces in 1986, it partially replaced the Ak 4. In the mid-1970s, Swedish authorities sought a replacement for the Ak 4 using 5.56×45mm NATO ammunition, emphasizing reliability in subarctic conditions, handling, maintenance, and accuracy. An evaluation process of numerous rifle models led to the selection of the FN FNC between 1981 and 1985. This selection resulted in a modified version tailored for Swedish requirements, which became the Ak 5.
Based on the gas-operated FN FNC design, the Ak 5 incorporates modifications intended to suit operation in cold, subarctic conditions. Key changes include a larger trigger guard and cocking handle to facilitate use with winter gloves, a modified handguard, a different collapsible stock, and altered iron sights and gas block. The bolt was modified, the 3-round burst capability of the FNC was removed, and the finish was changed to a corrosion-resistant green instead of black. The detachable box magazines were modified to be interchangeable with M16 rifle STANAG magazines. The flash suppressor was designed with grooves to accept a Swedish blank-firing adaptor, necessary for reliable function with wooden-plug blank ammunition and to safely break down the plug. The suppressor was also intended to accept rifle grenades, though none have been adopted. All main variants share a cyclic rate of fire of approximately 650–700 rounds per minute.
Several versions of the Ak 5 exist:
- The original Ak 5, produced by FFV Ordnance, featured fixed iron sights and was the initial issue rifle, now largely replaced by later models.
- The Ak 5B served as a designated marksman variant with provisions for an optical sight and no iron sights; it is no longer in service.
- The Ak 5C is the current standard modernized variant, featuring increased reliability, a shortened 350 mm barrel, reduced weight (3.8 kg), an adjustable stock, ambidextrous controls, and a MIL-STD-1913 rail system for mounting accessories (typically an Aimpoint CS sight), and is prepared for grenade launcher attachment.
- The Ak 5D is a more compact version with a shorter barrel and handguard and MIL-STD-1913 rails.
- The Ak 5D Mk2 includes the Ak 5C upgrades in this compact format.
A police version, the CGA5P, is based on the Ak 5D but is typically black, has semi-automatic-only fire and fixed sights plus a rail system. The CGA5C2 was an earlier prototype during development.
The Ak 5 has served as the standard service rifle for the Swedish Armed Forces since 1987, with the modernized Ak 5C prioritized for deployment with Swedish units serving in international missions, including Afghanistan (ISAF), Chad (EUFOR Chad/CAR), and Kosovo (KFOR).
The primary users are Sweden, where it serves as the current service rifle for the Swedish Armed Forces, certain units of the Swedish Police, and the Norwegian Police.