Heckler & Koch G36

Description

Developed as a replacement for their aging G3 self-loading rifle, work on the German Heckler & Koch G36 assault rifle began in 1990.

Like their allies, the decision was made to switch to the smaller 5.56×45mm NATO cartridge. A calibre more suited to the type of close-quarter/urban fighting expected to follow with a European based conventional war.

Originally designated the HK50, this new weapon was successfully trialed in 1994, with the final modifications completed in 1995, it finally entered service in 1996 as the Gewehr (gun) G36. The initial order was for 33,000, with a further 17,000 planned to follow. Now available in a multitude of formats (including carbine and compact), the ability to mount spare magazines side by side, its side folding stock and overall lightweight construction, make the G36 one of the best assault rifles in the world.

The weapon was deemed so reliable that Spain and Saudi Arabia purchased licenses to manufacture their own for general issue to their armed forces. Globally the G36 has also been adopted by many police forces, from the UK to Italy.

Sadly the weapons reputation was tarnished in 2010, when an Afghanistan based patrol of German soldiers was ambushed by the Taliban and the resulting death of three soldiers was deemed the fault of their barrels overheating (after only 2 magazines). H&K were cleared of any wrongdoing, however the weapon was tarnished in the eyes of the German government and development of a replacement was swiftly put into action, which lead to the introduction of the HK416.