At the PARTNER 2025 expo in Belgrade, Zastava Arms revealed a semi-automatic designated marksman rifle chambered for 6.5×39 mm (6.5 Grendel). The weapon pairs Kalashnikov-style mechanics with a roughly 500 mm barrel to increase squad-level reach and accuracy while retaining the AK family’s robustness and simple maintenance.
The rifle uses a long-stroke piston and rotating bolt with liberal tolerances for reliable function in harsh environments, plus a stiffer barrel profile and modern mounting options for precision use. It features a full-length Picatinny rail, a folding, adjustable stock, a railed dust cover and fore-end, and a two-chamber muzzle brake. Weight is about 4.8 kg without optic or bipod and grows past 6 kg once sighting systems and a bipod are fitted. Overall length is 1,080 mm with the stock extended and 830 mm folded; it takes 10-round magazines.
Choosing 6.5×39 places the rifle among intermediate precision calibers that offer flatter trajectories and better retained energy than 5.56 NATO without the mass and recoil of 7.62×51. With a 500 mm barrel and 120–130-grain projectiles, velocities remain supersonic well beyond typical patrol-rifle envelopes, suiting a squad marksman who operates alongside infantry. The continuous top rail allows a day optic plus a clip-on night/thermal unit, and the railed fore-end accepts a bipod at an effective balance point. The muzzle brake helps reduce rise for faster follow-ups.
Tactically, the platform is meant to bridge assault rifles and full-power sniper systems — giving patrols and small units improved reach in urban and open-terrain engagements. For forces already familiar with AK-pattern weapons, Zastava’s design promises logistic continuity and straightforward field maintenance, while budget-conscious buyers get a pragmatic way to add precision at the section level without overhauling training or supply chains.
