Myanmar MA-S
Directorate of Defence Industries · Sniper Rifle · In Production · 2000
Also known as: Myanmar Army Sniper, MAS, MA-S Mk I, MA-S Mk II
Overview
The MA-S (Myanmar Army Sniper) is a semi-automatic designated marksman rifle manufactured by Myanmar's Directorate of Defence Industries (DDI). Derived from the MA-1 Mk.I assault rifle platform, the MA-S is chambered in 7.62x51mm NATO and serves as the standard marksman rifle of the Burmese military (Tatmadaw). The rifle follows the AK/Galil pattern adapted for the sniper role, resembling the Dragunov SVD in overall profile, with a significantly longer barrel compared to the standard MA-series assault rifles. The MA-S Mk I variant accepts 10-round magazines and is typically equipped with a PSO-1 telescopic sight. The design incorporates a sniper-specific stock and integral bipod mount for stable precision shooting from the prone position.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 4800 g (169.3 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 5200 g (183.4 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1100 mm (43.31") |
| Barrel Length | 600 mm (23.62") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated |
| Firing Mechanism | Rotating Bolt |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 10 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 830 m/s (2723 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 3212 J (2369 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 600 m (656 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 1200 m (1312 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 30 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
| Finish | Phosphate |
Calibers
- 7.62x51mm NATO · primary · 7.62mm NATO — also known as 7.62x51mm, 7.62 NATO, .308 Winchester
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety, Firing Pin Safety
- Features: Pso 1 Scope, Extended Barrel, Sniper Stock, Bipod, Ak Galil Pattern Action, Dragunov Style Profile
Variants
- MA-S Mk II — Modernized
Service history
Operators
- Myanmar Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) · adopted 2000 · as MA-S
Conflicts
- Myanmar Civil War (2021-present)
- Internal Ethnic Conflicts (2000-present)
Production
Production years: 2000-present
Manufactured by Myanmar's Directorate of Defence Industries. Exact production numbers unknown due to secrecy surrounding DDI operations.
Origin
Country of origin: Myanmar
Notes
The MA-S exists in two known variants. The Mk I closely resembles the Dragunov SVD with its 10-round magazine and PSO-1 scope, while the Mk II draws more from Zastava-based designs and uses 20-round magazines with a Picatinny rail under the gas block for bipod mounting. The Mk II is available in both green and black furniture configurations. Myanmar's Directorate of Defence Industries operates largely in secrecy, making detailed technical specifications scarce in publicly available sources. The MA-S was developed as Myanmar sought to build an indigenous small arms manufacturing capability, producing rifles based on established AK-pattern designs adapted for local requirements. The rifle has been documented in use during Myanmar's internal conflicts.
Background
The MA-S represents Myanmar's attempt to develop an indigenous designated marksman capability without relying on foreign procurement. Built on familiar AK-pattern mechanics, the rifle allowed Myanmar's military to equip designated marksmen using domestically produced weapons and existing maintenance knowledge.