Lithuania acquires additional batch of H&K G36 assault rifles
The G36 assault rifle is the main small arm used by the Lithuanian Armed Forces (Photo: Lithuanian MoD)
The Lithuanian MoD is progressing in its effort to update the armed forces’ inventory and has acquired a new batch of G36 assault rifles. The Defence Materiel Agency of the MoD signed a €19 million ($22 million) contract with Heckler & Koch on 30 September.
The new rifles will maintain the existing capabilities of the Lithuanian forces and replace obsolete and no longer used rifles, according to a press release from the MoD.
Although the MoD did not disclose details about the number of rifles purchased, it confirmed that deliveries will start in 2022, with the last guns being handed over in 2023.
The G36 assault rifle is the main small arm used by Lithuania. The press release noted it meets the service’s requirements in terms of reliability under different tactical conditions on national and international operations.
Shephard Defence Insight notes that, in October 2018, the Lithuanian Army purchased G36 KA4M1 rifles under a contract worth US$12.6 million.
The G36 is a modular weapon made almost entirely of carbon-reinforced polymer which uses a self-regulating operating rod gas system.
It was developed in the 1990s to meet a German Armed Forces requirement for a 5.56mm assault rifle and entered service in 1997.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Land Warfare
-
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
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.
-
Northrop Grumman pushing ahead with smaller Integrated Battle Command System
Northrop Grumman’s Integrated Battle Command System is in service with Polish forces and is being introduced to US forces, with further development underway on the original platform as well as a smaller, more mobile system.
-
UK’s ground-based air defence effort remains in assessment phase after third industry day
The UK’s plan to introduce a new air defence capability into the British Army will cover short and medium-range defence as well as counter-uncrewed aerial system systems. Timelines are not yet laid out but industry is making plans.
-
K9 Thunder gains momentum across three key international markets
Recent activity across Australia, Norway and the US highlights Hanwha Defense’s expanding presence in a self-propelled artillery market reshaped by the demands of modern warfare.