Germany to Buy 250 Thousand G95 Rifles to Replace Outdated G36s

The Bundeswehr plans to purchase up to 250,000 new G95 assault rifles worth €765 million in the coming years.

They are to replace current G36s, which were manufactured by the same company Heckler & Koch, DW reports.

The G36 model, which was adopted in the 1990s, was criticized after tests. It was found that at high temperatures or intensive use, the accuracy of firing is significantly reduced.

The new G95 is based on the HK416 and has a metal body instead of a plastic one, which should solve the problem of overheating and loss of accuracy. In addition, the rifle is equipped with a number of innovations, including an advanced sighting system from the Canadian manufacturer Raytheon Elcan.

At the same time, the G95 is heavier than its predecessor and requires more careful maintenance. Despite this, the German military considers it more reliable and suitable for modern combat conditions.

Both the G36 and G95 use the same 5.56 mm cartridge caliber, which simplifies logistics and ensures compatibility with NATO standards.

According to N-tv, the first batches of G95 have already entered service with a tank-grenadier battalion. In February, it will be deployed to Lithuania as part of a Bundeswehr brigade to strengthen the defense of NATO’s eastern flank.