Russia's main arms manufacturer, Kalashnikov, has increased production of Dragunov folding stock sniper rifles (7.62 mm SVD-S) 13-fold in 2025 at the request of state customers. It is actively used by Russian Armed Forces personnel.
The SVD-S is a modern adaptation of the classic Dragunov sniper rifle (SVD) for soldiers of the Russian Airborne Forces (VDV), naval infantry, and special forces. The individual weapon is designed to reliably engage enemy personnel and unarmored targets at ranges up to 1000 m.
In the SVD-S, unlike the SVD, all wooden parts have been replaced with polymer ones, and the stock is a folding frame design with a non-removable rotating cheek piece to increase the convenience of shooting with optical devices.
The rifle's features include gas-operated automation with a short stroke gas piston and gas regulator, and a side rail on the receiver for mounting optical and night sights.
Semi-automatic operation, compact design, light weight, high accuracy and precision are undeniable advantages of the SVD-S.
Main technical characteristics of the SVD-S:
- Ammunition used — 7.62 mm rifle cartridge
- Magazine capacity — 10 rounds
- Rifle weight with magazine, but without cartridges — 4.68 kg
- Length with unfolded stock — 1135 mm
- Length with folded stock — 875 mm
- Effective range — 1200 mm