The mid-1970s saw the Swedish Army enter a period of review and modernization amidst a backdrop of the Cold War (1947-1991). This led to an extensive testing phase concerning assault rifles centered on the 5.56x45mm NATO intermediate cartridge. Export guns based on the Israeli GALIL and the Belgian Fabrique Nationale FN FNC (both detailed elsewhere on this site) made it to the final rounds with the FN FNC eventually being selected as the overall winner. Following this, the country acquired a local license to produce the Belgian assault rifle under the local designation of "AK-5".
The AK-5 succeeded the outgoing AK-4 series which was, itself, a locally-produced copy (under license) of the West German Heckler & Koch G3 Battle Rifle in 7.62x51mm NATO. In its prototype form, the AK-5 was marked as "CGA5C2" and, once adopted for service in 1986, became the standard-issue assault rifle of the Army service.
To better serve the local requirement, the Belgian FNC was reworked with a new trigger guard, cocking handle, magazine well, forend pattern, and selector switch. The guard was enlarged to better serve a gloved hand and the forend received deeper cuts for a firmer hold by the supporting hand. The internals were redesigned to better perform in cold weather environments. Bayonet support was not built into the design but could be had by way of an adapter system.
The AK-5 weighed 8.5lb when empty and held an overall length of 39.5", the barrel measuring 17.7" long. It was chambered to fire the 5.56x45mm NATO cartridge through the original FNC gas-operation relying on a rotating bolt mechanism. Feeding was by way of a curved 30-round detachable box magazine inserted ahead of the trigger unit in the usual fashion. Effective range, using the included iron sights, reached out to 1,315 feet. The rear sighting device was of a flip-up aperture type and the front was a simple post. Optical sights could also be fitted for improved ranged fire and the iron sights retained as back up. The shoulder stock was hinged to fold over and away, reducing the overall length of the weapon. Its skeletal, twin-strut design also lightened the weapon's carry weight.
"AK-5A" was used to designate the original standard infantryman rifles. Then arrived the "AK-5B" and this was a Designated Marksman Rifle (DMR) form fitting the L9A1 4x25.5 scope. it also included a cheek-piece at the shoulder stock for operator comfort.
In the mid-2000s, the AK-5B was chosen for modernization and thus the "AK-5C" came into being. This model added Picatinny accessories rails support with sections set over the receiver and under the forend. The weapon could now sport such features as red dot aimers, various scopes, and a vertical foregrip. The shoulder stock was made adjustable and among the additions were an automatic bolt catch, new flash suppressor, ambidextrous controls, and a 13.8" long barrel assembly. The AK-5C superseded the stock of original AK-5A service rifles over a four-year-period of re-equipping by the Army.
The original guns were manufactured by FFV Ordnance AB which later fell under the Saab Bofors Dynamics brand label. The modernization was handled by Saab Bofors Dynamics with the program delivering in 2006.
The AK-5D was a shortened, carbine-like variant for vehicle crews and Close Quarters Battle (CQB) operators (like special forces). The AK-5D Mk II was similar in form and function but featured the improvements added to the C-models.
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(OPERATORS list includes past, present, and future operators when applicable)
✓Automatic Function
Features a mechanical function to automate the firing action.
✓Assault Rifle
Modern class of long gun featuring select-fire properties, automatic internal function, and magazine feeding.
✓Accuracy / Precision
Long-range accuracy / precision capable; suitable for sniping, particularly when equipped with sighting aids.
Overall Length
1,005 mm 39.57 in
Barrel Length
450 mm 17.72 in
Empty Wgt
8.60 lb 3.90 kg
Sights
Iron Front and Rear; Optional Optics
Action
Gas-Operated; Rotating Bolt; Selective Fire
Rotating Bolt
System utilizes internal mechanism to lock the breech or rear barrel assembly prior to firing.
Gas-Operated
Gas-operated system is featured, typically involving a gas cylinder and rear-driven piston directing energy to the bolt component.
(Material presented above is for historical and entertainment value and should not be construed as usable for hardware restoration, maintenance, or general operation - always consult official manufacturer sources for such information)
Caliber(s)*
5.56x45mm NATO
Sample Visuals**
Rounds / Feed
30-round detachable box magazine
*May not represent an exhuastive list; calibers are model-specific dependent, always consult official manufacturer sources. **Graphics not to actual size; not all cartridges may be represented visually; graphics intended for general reference only.
Max Eff.Range
1,315 ft (401 m | 438 yd)
Rate-of-Fire
675 rds/min
Muzzle Velocity
2,855 ft/sec (870 m/sec)
AK-5 - Base Series Designation
CGA5C2 - Prototype designation
AK-5A - Model of 1986 produced by FFV; original standard-issue variant for Swedish Army.
AK-5B - Designated Marksman Rifle form; cheekpiece added at butt; limited production of about 5,200 units.
AK-5C - Modernized AK-5B for Swedish Army standard issue; model of 2006; revised external fittings and internal workings.
AK-5D - Shortened carbine form for vehicle crews and special forces elements.
AK-5D Mk II - Revised D-models with improvements seen in C-model assault rifles.
Ribbon graphics not necessarily indicative of actual historical campaign ribbons. Ribbons are clickable to their respective campaigns / operations.
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