Heckler & Koch for the entire Marine Corps

The Marine Corps (USMC) has initiated a procurement process that could result in the complete replacement of the M4 with the M27 IAR from Heckler & Koch. At the moment, they are looking for 11,000 M27 IAR – which is nothing more than a modified version of the HK416 and will replace the M249 as the light machine gun in the USMC. The automatic rifleman (AR) differs from other members of his team only by carrying 20 magazines in addition to the M27 IAR. When the IAR was introduced, there were already rumors that the Corps was keen on the HK416 and that they were acquiring it indirectly, as the HK416 is only used by DEVGRU and DELTA. Last fall, a whole battalion was temporarily equipped with M27 IAR. The results seem to have been convincing, prompting the Marine Corps to start the procurement process, which theoretically could involve other companies besides Heckler & Koch. Overall, the USMC needs a total of 45,000 rifles. You can read the full story HERE on SOLDIERSYSTEMS.

Visit the U.S. MARINE CORPS online: www.marines.mil

Visit HECKLER & KOCH online: www.heckler-koch.com