**** DND Media Release

Canadian Military Snipers Getting New Rifles

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.

• 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.