New RS556 assault rifle released
A new modular assault rifle has been jointly developed by Rheinmetall and Steyr Mannlicher called the RS556, Rheinmetall announced on 11 January.
Based on Steyr Mannlicher’s STM556, the 5.56mm x 45 calibre weapon will target the German armed forces’ requirement to replace its G36 assault rifle with a more advanced system from 2019.
The gas-operated RS556 has an adjustable short-stroke gas piston system and rotating bolt, the rifle has a 16" barrel (406mm) and a fully loaded, 30-round magazine. It weighs around 4.2kg (just over 9lbs), and the adjustable-length light-weight stock clicks into seven different positions, allowing operators to adjust the weapon to match individual equipment profile.
The hammer-forged barrel can be easily exchanged enabling the weapon to be quickly modified for various missions.
A number of standard barrel lengths are available (14.5", 16", 18" and 20"), and the RS556 features several standard and optional NATO accessory rails with receiver systems designed in accordance with MIL-STD-1913, STANAG 2324 and STANAG 4694. A 40mm grenade launcher can also be mounted on the rifle.
The RS556 is compatible with Rheinmetall’s modular Future Soldier - Expanded System (IdZ-ES), and can also be connected to other soldier systems.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
You may also like
More from Land Warfare
-
![German rearmament – three potential scenarios]()
German rearmament – three potential scenarios
With the possibility of a massive increase in German defence spending on the horizon, Shephard analyses what such a boost could mean for the Bundeswehr’s procurement of new armoured vehicles.
-
![RAFAEL’s Laser Defense Systems Revolutionize the Battlefield]()
RAFAEL’s Laser Defense Systems Revolutionize the Battlefield
A Pioneering Laser Powerhouse, RAFAEL transforms laser technology into proven operational defense capabilities.
-
![DSEI 2025: Larger vehicles begin to turn to the benefits of rubber tracks]()
DSEI 2025: Larger vehicles begin to turn to the benefits of rubber tracks
Composite rubber tracks (CRTs) have substantial benefits over conventional steel tracks including reduced damage when travelling on roads and reduced vibration, noise, thermal signature, weight and fuel consumption.
-
![Lockheed Martin lands US Army US$9.8 billion Patriot contract]()
Lockheed Martin lands US Army US$9.8 billion Patriot contract
The contract will be used to produce 1,970 Patriot Advanced Capability (PAC-3 MSE) interceptors and hardware.
-
![DSEI 2025: Likely spending boosts outlined this year turn spotlight on show]()
DSEI 2025: Likely spending boosts outlined this year turn spotlight on show
A surge in budgeted and planned defence spending across European NATO countries in the past year has come in the face of the war in Ukraine and demands from the Trump administration that the countries take on more of the load. This is likely to be reflected in what can be expected from DSEI.
-
![DSEI 2025: Leopard 1 offered extra kick with new power pack]()
DSEI 2025: Leopard 1 offered extra kick with new power pack
The new power pack from Germany’s Flensburger Fahrzeugbau Gesellschaft (FFG) is about 300kg lighter than the original system, consists of a more modern eight-cylinder diesel developing up to 1,080hp. It is being shown for the first time at DSEI.
