The Swedish military has resumed testing of its new AK 24 assault rifle after fixing safety issues. The weapon system faced a firing ban earlier this year due to problems with delayed firing mechanisms.
Manufacturers have now addressed these concerns. The military is conducting renewed verification checks to confirm the rifle's safety and functionality.
Henrik Lundin, the new firearms implementation leader, said in a statement that continued testing is crucial for lifting the complete firing ban. He noted the military aims to resume AK 24 deliveries during the second quarter of 2026.
The AK 24 represents Sweden's latest standard-issue military rifle, replacing older models in the armed forces inventory. This marks the first major firearms update for Swedish troops in decades.
Delayed firing incidents pose serious safety risks to soldiers during combat and training exercises. The military took immediate action when initial problems emerged.
While the manufacturer claims to have resolved the technical issues, the military is taking no chances with soldier safety. Extensive testing will determine if the rifle meets all operational requirements.
The Swedish military's cautious approach reflects standard procedure for weapons system validation. Similar verification processes occur in armed forces worldwide when introducing new equipment.
This setback highlights the challenges of developing reliable military hardware. Even advanced weapons systems can encounter unexpected technical problems during initial deployment phases.