Canadian Military Snipers Getting New Rifles

From: National Defence

News release

June 10, 2022 – Ottawa, ON – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces

Today, the Minister of National Defence, Anita Anand, announced that 229 new cutting edge multi-calibre bolt-action sniper rifles are on their way to the Canadian Army. This successful procurement milestone represents the final major piece of Canada’s Sniper Systems project.

Following a competitive process, a $2.6 million contract was awarded to Stoeger Canada to deliver the new weapon systems, including the 229 C21 sniper rifles and associated accessories such as suppressors and cleaning/maintenance kits.

Sniper rifles provide accurate direct fire on targets beyond the capacities of most small arms such as the C7 rifle. The new C21 sniper rifle will replace the current C14 and C3A1 sniper rifles and provide Canadian Army snipers with a next generation weapon with a proven effective range of 1200 metres. Deliveries of the C21 are expected to be completed by the end of 2022.

These new weapons are part of a wider project to equip sniper teams with new clothing, equipment, and weapons to improve our soldiers’ ability to operate effectively in various environments and under a range of conditions.

Providing the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) with the modern equipment and specialized tools they need is a priority for the Government of Canada and a principle tenet of Canada’s defence policy, Strong, Secure, Engaged.

Quotes

“Making sure that the Canadian Armed Forces are properly equipped is always a top priority. Through the Sniper System project, we are procuring cutting edge gear for the Canadian Army and ensuring that their members are well resourced. The delivery of the new C21 sniper rifles is the last major piece of this project aimed at modernizing our sniper teams and adding to the effectiveness and readiness of the Canadian Armed Forces.”

– The Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of National Defence

“The Government of Canada is committed to modernizing the Canadian Armed Forces so that our members have the tools they need to serve our country. This sniper rifle procurement is an example of how we are meeting the needs of the Canadian Armed Forces while ensuring the best value for Canadians.”

– The Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister of Public Services and Procurement Canada

Quick facts

  • The overarching Sniper System project has delivered items such as in-line night vision devices, load carriage system, personal protective equipment, environmental clothing, C20 semi-automatic sniper rifles, ammunition and ballistic calculators used to help plot a firing trajectory to target.

  • The new sniper magazine will hold between 8 and 10 rounds depending on calibre and include both regular and armour-piercing rounds.

  • The C21 has a proven effective range of 1200 metres, and is very capable beyond that distance.

  • The C21, when compared to the current C14 and C3A1, provides greater flexibility and will be:

    • multi-calibre (7.62x51mm and .338 Lapua Magnum),
    • lighter, with a 60% longer barrel life,
    • adjustable, with a folding stock to make it easier to transport and to accommodate various user types,
    • adaptable for in-line night vision devices to increase operational effectiveness,
    • fully interchangeable with a design that allows whole fleet management and faster/easier repairs with simple part replacement.

Contacts

Daniel Minden
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of National Defence
Phone: 613-996-3100
Email: Daniel.Minden@forces.gc.ca

Media Relations
Department of National Defence
Phone: 613-904-3333
Email: mlo-blm@forces.gc.ca

Page details

Date modified: