Finnish gun-maker Debuts ARG next-gen Rifle System

Finland-based arms manufacturer SAKO has announced the launch of its new Arctic Rifle Generation (ARG), a family of military rifles developed in close cooperation with the Finnish and Swedish Defense Forces.

The company says the system is designed to replace aging assault rifles with a modular, next-generation platform tailored for Arctic warfare and tested to NATO D14 standards.

The ARG family includes three models: the Sako ARG 40 GP and ARG 40 DI, both chambered in 5.56×45 NATO, and the Sako ARG 50 GP, a semi-automatic sniper variant chambered in 7.62×51 NATO. The rifles are based on the widely adopted AR-15 platform, but incorporate major design updates intended to improve reliability, adaptability, and ease of use in extreme environments.

“The SAKO ARG is more than a rifle, it’s a mission-ready system designed to protect what matters most,” said Juuso Austin, Vice President of SAKO’s Defence and Law Enforcement Business Unit. “It’s built for those who operate where others hesitate.”

The company offers two operating systems for the new rifles: a short-stroke gas piston system that reduces heat and carbon buildup for maximum reliability in harsh conditions, and a direct impingement system designed for lighter weight and improved accuracy. Both systems are fully ambidextrous, with controls for left- and right-handed shooters.

Each rifle features a SAKO match-grade trigger unit and a cold-hammer forged, chrome-lined barrel, intended to maintain accuracy across thousands of rounds. The modular design allows users to configure rear stocks and forends, with standardized Picatinny and M-LOK interfaces supporting optics, thermals, lasers, and other mission-specific accessories.

Sami Vaajamo, SAKO’s Senior Product Group Manager, said the modularity was a central design goal.

“We designed the ARG to give clients the freedom to choose the right configuration for their needs,” Vaajamo said. “Whether you’re in a frozen tundra or a dense urban environment, the ARG adapts without compromise.”

Testing has included extreme cold, as well as mud and sand trials, with the company highlighting the system’s ability to withstand conditions common in both Arctic and desert operations. According to SAKO, the rifles integrate seamlessly with allied weapon systems and logistics chains, with many components interoperable with existing AR-15 systems to simplify maintenance and supply.

Miikka Tamminen, Director of Research and Development at SAKO, said the program has been underway for more than a decade.

“The development of the SAKO ARG platform began over a decade ago with a clear mission: to create a modern, modular rifle system capable of replacing legacy assault rifles across military and law enforcement forces,” Tamminen said. He emphasized that the company incorporated feedback directly from defense organizations into each design iteration.

“The ARG has been tested far beyond standard requirements,” Tamminen added. “In addition to rigorous NATO D14 environmental and durability testing, we push our rifles to failure in-house to understand their true limits. These insights are not just data—they’re design tools that help us build a stronger, more resilient system.”

Beyond the rifles themselves, SAKO is presenting the ARG as a complete ecosystem. The company offers a full suite of accessories, including optics, thermal and night vision systems, laser designators, and tactical cases, delivered through its global partner network. Each system is supported by lifecycle management programs covering operator and armorer training, spare parts, and modernization services.

By combining modularity with environmental resilience, SAKO aims to position the ARG as both a national replacement for legacy rifles and a competitive option for allied forces seeking modern small arms.