R20 "Rahe" - Estonia Modernizes its Infantry Rifles
In 2017, the Estonian military began the process of replacing its infantry rifles. At that time, the primary rifle in use was the Galil, which had been purchased from Israel shortly after Russian occupation ended and Estonia regained its independence in 1992. The Galils had made sense at the time, but now something more modern was desired. Specifically, a pairing of a 5.56mm infantry rifle and 7.62mm DMR rifle which shared the same basic platform. All of the major players in the firearms market responded to the initial Estonian RFP, and from eleven initial proposals the three finalists were H&K (with the 416), Sig (with the 716), and LMT (with their piston-driven MARS).
Combining the factors of reliability & accuracy, cost, warranty, and included accessories, the LMT was the winning bid. In 2019 a contract was signed for the purchase of about 20,000 5.56mm rifles and about 1,000 7.62mm DMR rifles. These were designed the R20 "Rahe" ("Hail"), and the standard configuration had a 14.3" barrel (a 12.5" barreled carbine was also included in small numbers). The standard setup is a red dot sight (initially Vortex; but later and more typically Holosun 515), LMT flip-up iron sights, and Blue Force Gear V-Tac sling. Option accessories that the Estonian MoD procured include LMT 40mm underbarrel M203 type grenade launchers, Holosun 3x magnifiers, Holosun IR light/laser units, and GSL 7.62mm multi-caliber suppressors. The rifles have monolithic upper receivers and detachable barrels (though barrel swapping is considered an armorer task and not a soldier's task).
The R20 deliveries were completed by the end of 2023, and this now represents the standard weapon for the Estonian Defense Forces. With it, they have a truly modern and capable infantry rifle capable of handling all modern missions and accessories.
Thanks to the Supply Battalion of the Estonian Defense Forces Support Command for giving me access to film the new R20 rifles as well as some of their older firearms! |
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