The SVD (СВД; Russian: Снайперская Винтовка Драгунова, romanized: Snayperskaya Snayperskaya Dragunova, lit. 'Dragunov Sniper Rifle'), GRAU index 6V1,[2] is a semi-automatic designated marksman rifle chambered in the fully-powered 7.62×54mmR cartridge, developed in the Soviet Union. The SVD was designed to serve a squad support role to provide precise long-range engagement capabilities to ordinary troops following the Warsaw Pact adoption of the 7.62×39mm intermediate cartridge and assault rifles as standard infantry weapon systems. At the time, NATO used battle rifles chambered in 7.62×51mm NATO as standard infantry weapon systems and had not yet adopted an intermediate cartridge and assault rifle of their own, allowing them to outrange their Warsaw Pact counterparts.
