Heckler & Koch G36
Country of origin
Germany
Germany
ManufacturerHeckler & Koch
The Heckler & Koch G36 (German: Gewehr 36) is an assault rifle designed in the early 1990s by German weapons manufacturer Heckler & Koch. It is chambered in 5.56×45mm NATO, and replaced the heavier G3 battle rifle chambered in 7.62×51mm. The G36 was accepted into service with the Bundeswehr in 1997. Since then, it has been a popular export and has seen active service in military and police units in several countries, including Germany, Spain, and the United Kingdom. The G36 is gas-operated and feeds from a 30-round detachable box magazine or 100-round C-Mag drum magazine.
In 2012, the G36 was found to suffer from significant accuracy issues due to thermal expansion of the barrel, prompting a search for a replacement. In 2017, the Bundeswehr launched the System Sturmgewehr Bundeswehr, a program designed to field a replacement for the G36. The weapons put forth were the Heckler & Koch HK416, HK433, and the Haenel MK 556. The HK416 was selected in 2022, and the rifle was adopted as the G95A1. The BAAINBw stated: "From 2026, the Bundeswehr will receive the rifle with the designation G95A1 as the new standard weapon and the G95KA1 in a compact version for special forces."
In 2012, the G36 was found to suffer from significant accuracy issues due to thermal expansion of the barrel, prompting a search for a replacement. In 2017, the Bundeswehr launched the System Sturmgewehr Bundeswehr, a program designed to field a replacement for the G36. The weapons put forth were the Heckler & Koch HK416, HK433, and the Haenel MK 556. The HK416 was selected in 2022, and the rifle was adopted as the G95A1. The BAAINBw stated: "From 2026, the Bundeswehr will receive the rifle with the designation G95A1 as the new standard weapon and the G95KA1 in a compact version for special forces."
