Germany eyes MG4 A3 machine gun contract next year
The new variant of the MG4 A3 has a rate of up to 825 rounds per minute and thus has a multiple of firepower compared to the G36 assault rifle. (Photo: German Armed Forces)
Germany’s effort to procure the latest variant of the MG4 light machine gun is taking longer than expected but the project is running smoother than the tribulations experienced by the G36 replacement.
The German Armed Forces are expected to sign a contract with Heckler & Koch (H&K) for series delivery of the new MG4 A3 variant 5.56mm light machine gun (LMG) in FY2022.
A contract was initially expected as early as Q3 FY2020, with the initial delivery of weapons due in Q2 FY2021.
Although operational testing of the LMG by the Bundeswehr was completed in Q3 FY2020 with the use of ten MG4 A3 samples by German paratroopers, a contract did not materialise.
A spokesperson from H&K told Shephard that lessons learned from this process ‘will be implemented on the weapon this year.
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
You may also like
More from Land Warfare
-
![British Army's open plan draws diverse offerings for Land Rover replacement]()
British Army's open plan draws diverse offerings for Land Rover replacement
The UK Ministry of Defence has avoided being prescriptive in its search to replace the British Army’s Land Rover, meaning vehicle types being offered range from Land Rover Defender Wolf II and Humvee to the hybrid series Fering Pioneer. What does this mean for the procurement process?
-
![DVD 2026: British Army’s Ajax back in the hands of users as part of a gradual return]()
DVD 2026: British Army’s Ajax back in the hands of users as part of a gradual return
The introduction of Ajax vehicles into British Army service was stopped after operator health issues were reported during an exercise, but manufacturer General Dynamics Land Systems UK believes work over the past 10 months has dealt with the problems.
-
![Europe commits to long-range fires but countries move in different directions]()
Europe commits to long-range fires but countries move in different directions
Sweden, Croatia and France are pursuing different rocket artillery solutions as European armies seek greater reach, survivability and industrial resilience.
-
![MAAF to test Britain’s shift from armour to distributed lethality in Estonia]()
MAAF to test Britain’s shift from armour to distributed lethality in Estonia
The bilateral agreement between the UK and Estonia comes as both countries explore how dispersed troops, drones, digital targeting, anti-tank weapons and increasingly long-range fires can complement the combat mass traditionally provided by heavy armour.
-
![Polaris expands Arctic mobility offering as US military orders grow]()
Polaris expands Arctic mobility offering as US military orders grow
The Military 850 Voyageur 155 Crossover has secured orders from the US Army, Air Force and Marine Corps, addressing demand for agile Arctic mobility with passenger, cargo and towing capacity.
