Swedish gangs now uses military ammunition

Lately we have received inquiries from worried Swedish customers.

One customer specifically asked us:

“Swedish gangs are reportedly using military fully jacketed 9x19mm m/39B bullets and armor-piercing rounds. Do you know if these will penetrate your DELTA Level 3A vests?”

He had read about this issue in Svenska Dagbladet and even shared a link to the article for us to read: Svenska gäng använder försvarets ammunition

Sadly, he is not the only one reaching out to us in recent months with similar concerns.

When it comes to whether this type of ammunition can penetrate our PGD DELTA bulletproof vest – the answer is, unfortunately, yes – if relying on soft armor alone.

We are aware that Sweden, in recent years, has faced an alarming rise in gang-related violence, with criminal groups increasingly using military-grade ammunition. This disturbing trend has raised concerns among law enforcement agencies, policymakers, and the general public.

At Protection Group Denmark (PGD), our goal with this article is to shed light on the issue, explain why military ammunition poses a significant threat, and highlight what can be done to protect oneself against it.

But where does the ammunition come from?

Sweden has long been perceived as one of the safest countries in the world, but in the past decade, a lot of gang-related violence has surged.

A key factor in this increase is the use of advanced weaponry, including military-grade ammunition. Criminal gangs in Sweden have been found using ammunition that was originally meant for military use, including fully jacketed 9x19mm m/39B bullets and armor-piercing rounds.

These types of ammunition were designed to penetrate hardened targets and are significantly more dangerous than standard civilian rounds.

• Investigations have revealed that much of this ammunition comes from old military stockpiles. During the 1990s, Sweden reduced its military stockpiles, releasing large quantities of older ammunition. Some of this ammunition was either stolen or sold on the black market, likely making its way into criminal hands.
• Furthermore, many of the weapons and ammunition used by gangs have been traced back to the Balkans, where surplus military gear from past wars is still in circulation. Criminal networks smuggle these items into Sweden.
• Lastly, Swedish gang criminals and suspected terrorists are also obtaining ammunition from the Swedish Armed Forces – allegedly supplied by insiders.

The illicit arms trade in Europe is thriving, and Sweden’s criminal organizations have managed to establish supply routes that provide them with weapons that were never meant to be used on city streets.

And how dangerous is military ammunition exactly?

To put it simply: Military ammunition is designed for maximum penetration.

The m/39B round, for example, features a hardened steel core, making it more effective against protective barriers – including many types of body armor like our bulletproof vests. Soft armor vests are definitely not made for ammunition like this.

For law enforcement officers and civilians who rely on bulletproof vests for protection, this IS a major concern. While soft body armor is designed to stop most handgun rounds, it is not built to withstand military ammunition.

The enhanced penetration capabilities of these rounds mean that only hard armor plates, such as ceramic ballistic plates, can offer sufficient protection.

At PGD, we emphasize the importance of selecting the right level of protection based on the potential threats you may face. If you are at risk of encountering military ammunition, NIJ Level III or Level IV hard armor plates are essential for protection.

Our message to concerned customers

As we mentioned at the beginning of this article, many of our customers have reached out with concerns regarding whether standard bulletproof vests can stop the rounds used in these gang-related attacks.

The simple answer is no – soft body armor is not designed to stop ammunition like this. Soft armor, typically rated up to NIJ Level IIIA, is meant to protect against common handgun rounds such as 9mm and .44 Magnum.

To stop military-grade rounds, especially those with armor-piercing capabilities, hard armor plates ARE necessary. These plates, made from materials like polyethylene or ceramic provide the level of protection needed against rifle threats and armor-piercing ammunition.

For those seeking reliable protection, we often recommend taking a closer look at e.g. our PGD S-LW-ICW+ Super Lightweight hard armor NIJ level 3 (III).

As violence involving military-grade ammunition continues to escalate, it is crucial for security professionals, law enforcement officers, and concerned civilians to understand their protective options. Choosing the right level of armor can be the difference between life and death in a violent encounter.

Reach out if you have questions

We chose to address this issue in this article because we believe in keeping people informed. As a company specializing in bulletproof vests and hard armor plates, we are committed to providing the best possible protection against these emerging threats.

If you have any questions about choosing the right protective gear, feel free to contact us at PGD. Your safety is our top priority.

Sources: Svenska Dagbladet, Sweden Herald, OCCRP and Reuters