Fire at will for the MG5

Especially in unexpected ambushes by enemy groups, it is important for soldiers to quickly gain and maintain fire superiority. An essential role in this is played by the medium machine gun, with its rapid rate of fire and long-range effectiveness. The MG4 in 5.56 x 45 mm NATO caliber (223 Rem.) by Heckler & Koch has been the primary weapon for infantry units in Afghanistan. It is high time for a modern expansion of the performance range: the MG5 in 7.62 is here. SPARTANAT author Udo Lücken introduces the weapon.

Afghanistan exposed the problem of "small calibers" (G36 and MG4): despite reliable function under combat conditions, the weapon's caliber was too small to penetrate fortified positions and achieve sufficient impact on target. The inadequate effectiveness of the ammunition led to a rethink in the medium-term procurement of more efficient weapons. As of 2009, there was a tender initiated by the Bundeswehr for a newly procured machine gun. Many other NATO armies are currently seeking more modern machine guns.

The new universal machine gun MG5 in the strong and proven 7.62 x 51mm NATO caliber (308 Win.) was announced as a system study in 2010 and first presented to the international audience at a military fair in Croatia in 2011. In June 2013, the Budget Committee of the Bundestag approved the Bundeswehr to conduct studies and test rounds with 65 test specimens of various HK 121 versions. With the successful completion of the last winter tests in March 2014, extensive climate stress tests were also completed. The final approval for the introduction of the HK 121 as MG5 was granted in early April 2015. In the first part of the framework agreement, the Bundeswehr will receive 7,114 weapons as the minimum equipment for the operational units in foreign deployments, with the delivery of the first batch of 1,200 units to the troops scheduled to start in May. By 2019, all 12,733 machine guns ordered will be delivered. The financial volume of this procurement is expected to be €240 million. In addition, the Bundeswehr has signed a contract worth €26 million with Heckler & Koch for training and further education measures, as well as comprehensive spare parts supply.

The most noticeable change in the MG5 is the switch from the traditional black to the more natural color concept of green-brown (RAL 8000). This change has already been implemented in the G28 medium-range precision rifle (also from H&K) and has proven effective in operations. Despite its massive appearance, the new machine gun weighs only 10.40 kg, making it significantly lighter than the old MG3 and comfortable for the shooter to carry. The dimensions of the A2 version for infantry, at 1060 mm long, are not oversized and can be described as compact.

The MG5 is a gas-operated, lock-breech rotating bolt indirect fire machine gun designed for combat distances up to 600 meters - pictured: Weapon effectiveness 50 shots at 100 meters. However, it can be reliably effective up to 1,200 meters with a fixed mounting. With a three-stage adjustable selector for firing speeds of approximately 640/720 or 800 rounds per minute, the MG5 can be adapted to the requirements of the combat situation and thus takes innovative approaches. The switching is uncomplicated and tool-free on the front gas tube. The weapon is loaded from the left side with the NATO disintegrating belt M13/DM60. For belt feeding, there are 50-round belt cans that are attached below the weapon housing. Nearly all open and optical sight devices can be mounted on the NATO STANAG 4694 rails on the top of the housing, giving the MG5 full day/night combat capability. Like the MG4, the barrel change can be done quickly without tools using the carrying handle, which is firmly attached to the barrel.

Four versions of the MG5 are planned for use by the Bundeswehr.

The MG5 A2 (Infantry) is a short version designed for highly mobile airborne and army units. With a shortened barrel and the hand grip under the gas tube, this weapon is quite handy for the soldier. Smaller series of this weapon version have been ordered by overseas special units and already delivered.

The MG5 (Universal) is used more by stationary units as a mounted, long-range universal weapon for object protection. The full night combat capability is utilized in space surveillance.

The MG5 S (Special Forces) is intended as armament for the fleet of vehicles of the Special Forces Command. It has a dual aiming grip and is therefore likely to be used as onboard armament for helicopters. There are special brass catchers for this purpose.

The MG5 A1 (Installable), as a fixed installed weapon for the FLW 100 (Remotely controlled Light Weapon Station) and on the SPz Puma as coaxial armament.

The rapid introduction of the MG5 provides soldiers with a valuable tool for current and future tasks. This simultaneously increases the ability to assert and endure against unconventionally acting forces.

It remains to be seen when the first so-called knowledgeable representatives of the media landscape will find fault. First approach: the MG5 scatters. The streets have already been cleared so that the next commotion can be driven through the village with much noise and fanfare, and then blown up into a scandal, an affair, or even a conspiracy. Depending on the need.