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Germany to Replace G36 Rifle with New H&K G95A1 to Enhance Infantry Lethality.
On May 19, 2025, Heckler & Koch officially commenced deliveries of the G95A1 and KA1 assault rifles to the German Armed Forces, marking a new chapter in the German Armed Forces’ small arms modernization program. These rifles, developed by the German manufacturer Heckler & Koch headquartered in Oberndorf, Baden-Württemberg, represent the outcome of a lengthy and complex European tender launched in 2017 to replace the aging G36 rifles. With the Bundeswehr preparing for significant structural expansion and modernization, the G95A1 program plays a pivotal role in enhancing the infantry’s lethality and adaptability across modern battlefields.
The G95A1 assault rifle is based on the HK416 A8 platform, one of the most field-proven modular rifles in NATO forces. (Picture source: H&K)
The G95A1 assault rifle is based on the HK416 A8 platform, one of the most field-proven modular rifles in NATO forces. The standard G95A1 is equipped with a 16.5-inch (420 mm) barrel, while the shorter KA1 variant features a 14.5-inch (368 mm) barrel. The weapon incorporates a free-floating handguard, gas piston operating system, and an ambidextrous fire control group. In contrast to the polymer-heavy G36, the G95A1 uses more aluminum components, increasing durability and accuracy but also adding weight. The rifle is fitted with an ELCAN Specter DR optic offering 1x to 4x magnification, though reports indicate integration delays with this sight. A mechanical backup sight remains available, ensuring redundancy in combat. The first deliveries included 390 units and accessories, with testing performed in diverse environments such as Arctic, desert, and jungle conditions.
The development of the G95A1 follows a structured procurement and trial process initiated in 2017 and concluded contractually in 2023. Initial field trials began in autumn 2023 with testing at WTD 91 and in deployed Bundeswehr units. The operational reliability of the HK416 platform, already in use in France, Norway, and Luxembourg, streamlined the testing phase. The G95K variant, in service with German Special Forces since 2020, provided a performance benchmark for the broader G95A1 deployment. Accelerated prototype delivery was requested by the Bundeswehr in 2022 to facilitate early evaluations.
Compared to the legacy G36, the G95A1 offers superior accuracy, enhanced modularity, and greater adaptability to different mission profiles. However, it comes at the cost of increased weight and complexity. The HK416 platform, which inspired the G95 series, has become a standard reference for modern assault rifles, replacing older designs across NATO countries. In contrast, the G36, introduced in the 1990s, features a polymer-heavy construction and lacks the rail integration and optics compatibility demanded in today’s engagements. Where the G36 was optimized for lightweight deployment, the G95A1 prioritizes precision and resilience, especially in demanding environmental conditions.
Strategically, the G95A1 reinforces Germany’s commitment to NATO interoperability and contributes to strengthening infantry firepower as part of a broader defense transformation. Its adoption aligns with Germany’s announced plans to grow its armed forces toward a 460,000-strong structure and to modernize core weapon systems in the context of heightened security threats in Europe.
The procurement of 118,718 units represents a major defense investment, though the exact contract value has not been publicly disclosed. It forms part of Germany’s increased defense budget in response to regional tensions and evolving alliance responsibilities. Heckler & Koch confirmed that the order coincided with its 75th anniversary celebration, underlining the company’s long-standing role as a supplier of NATO-standard weaponry. The current order is the first batch of a broader series delivery, and serial production is expected to begin ahead of schedule.
The delivery of the G95A1 and KA1 assault rifles signals a turning point in the Bundeswehr’s small arms evolution. Built on the trusted HK416 platform, the system meets NATO interoperability standards while addressing the operational shortcomings of the G36. As Berlin invests heavily in force modernization and expansion, the G95A1 not only equips German infantry with a more effective weapon but also reflects the country’s strategic intent to remain a robust and reliable contributor to European and transatlantic security.