The Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency (NDMA) has taken a significant step to enhance the precision and effectiveness of the Norwegian Armed Forces by procuring new Barrett M107A1 anti-materiel rifles. This acquisition, part of the initiative known as “Project P4026 Sharpshooter Rifle 12.7 mm MØR,” marks a critical upgrade from the aging M82A1 (standardized by the U.S. military as the M107) rifles, also manufactured by Barrett Firearms, which have been in service since 1999. The M82A1 rifles have played a vital role in the Norwegian military, known for their ability to engage lightly armored and unarmored targets at long distances with remarkable precision. However, the introduction of the M107A1 rifles promises to significantly enhance these capabilities. The M107A1 offers improved performance, greater durability, and modern features that align with the evolving needs of modern warfare.
The contract for the delivery of the new rifles was signed by NDMA Director Gro Jære at the Eurosatory defence trade fair in Paris this June. Jære highlighted the importance of strong collaborations with suppliers across the defence sector, stressing that such partnerships are crucial for maintaining and advancing Norway’s defence capabilities, from small arms to naval vessels. Along with the several hundred new M107A1 rifles, the procurement project includes the provision of advanced optics and tools for wind measurement and ballistic calculation. These enhancements will ensure that the Norwegian Armed Forces can maximize the potential of the new rifles, maintaining their edge in precision shooting.
The Barrett M82 is a recoil-operated, semi-automatic anti-materiel rifle developed by the American company Barrett Firearms Manufacturing. The M82A1 is known by the U.S. military as the SASR—”Special Applications Scoped Rifle”, and it was and still is used as an anti-materiel rifle and explosive ordnance disposal tool. Also called the Light Fifty, due to its chambering of the .50 BMG 12.7×99mm NATO cartridge, the weapon is classified in three variants: the original M82A1 (and M82A3) models, the bullpup M82A2 model, and the Barrett M107A1, with an attached muzzle brake (designed to accept a suppressor, and made out of titanium instead of steel). The M82A2 is no longer manufactured, though the XM500 can be seen as its successor. Despite being designated as an anti-materiel rifle, the M82 can also be deployed as an anti-personnel system.
The Barrett M107 is a .50 caliber, shoulder-fired, semi-automatic sniper rifle. Various changes were made to the original M82A1 to create the M107, with new features such as a lengthened accessory rail, rear grip, and monopod socket. The high powered optics mounted on the M107A1 provide soldiers with enhanced targeting capabilities and situational awareness. This rifle is easily carried and operated by a single soldier. While it may share the same iconic look and legendary reliability of legacy Barrett firearms, that is where the similarities end. Utilizing state of the art design, manufacturing, and materials, every component of the rifle has been engineered to be lighter and stronger than its predecessors. In addition to a 4-pound weight reduction, the M107A1 is optimized for use with a sound suppressor, providing a much-needed signature reduction capability to the warfighter. Lighter, stronger, more accurate, and more capable; the M107A1 has truly been engineered for action.
