After a demanding selection process lasting several years, the Haenel MK 556 emerged as the winner in the tender for the new assault rifle for the German Bundeswehr, beating well-known national and international competitors. This is the company's first statement:

The product best meets the requirements defined in the tender by the Bundeswehr Procurement Office; it convinces through a combination of practical testing, product performance, and the most economical overall offer. C. G. Haenel Managing Director Olaf Sauer points out that variants of this weapon have already been successfully introduced to German police authorities and special units and have proven themselves in practice.

Haenel, the development specialist

The C. G. Haenel company specializes in the development of firearms. As part of the Merkel Group, Haenel manufactures at the Suhl location in an equally efficient and modern production facility with high manufacturing depth. The business group covers all core competencies of firearms production with 120 specialized and highly qualified employees. Olaf Sauer: "Especially the barrel production, as one of the essential factors for high-quality, is available at the Suhl location within the Merkel Group with the necessary capacities." C. G. Haenel and the Merkel Group enjoy an excellent reputation in official circles for product quality, reliability, and responsible handling of weapon laws and exports. Haenel has been demonstrating these qualities to the Bundeswehr for years.

The Merkel Group has a company history dating back to the 19th century; Merkel hunting and sport firearms and C. G. Haenel are now the last industrial producers left in the historic firearms city of Suhl. At the same time, the company group maintains the tradition of gunsmithing for hunting with sophisticated, handcrafted hunting rifles and innovative hunting weapon concepts.

High investments since 2007 in the Suhl location

In the post-reunification period, the company group went through many challenges and ultimately found a secure, long-term perspective only with the acquisition by Caracal LLC from the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Since 2007, significant investments have been made in the Suhl location: building infrastructure, machinery, and product portfolio (hunting and official business) have been expanded and continuously improved to ensure long-term competitiveness and to guarantee the company's growth. The companies within the Merkel Group still work economically self-sufficient and independently "Made in Germany," a fact that was detailed proven as part of the tender.

MK 556 is 90 Percent Made in Germany

The company's long-term oriented strategy, combined with high investments in the location, secures and creates industrial jobs in Suhl. The manufacturing of the assault rifle for the Bundeswehr is carried out with a production share of around 90 percent in Germany and will also benefit the economic region of Southern Thuringia.

C. G. Haenel, a historical brand from the portfolio of the Suhl-based Merkel Group, started its business operations in 2008 with the development and production of hunting rifles. Due to increasing export restrictions for hunting weapons, Haenel expanded its business strategy to include the authorities market. This was inevitable to secure the sustainable development of the company and the associated jobs. Haenel quickly built a good reputation in this specific business field as well.

HAENEL DEFENCE on the Internet: www.cg-haenel.de/defence_de

The Bundeswehr on the Internet: www.bundeswehr.de

MORE HAENEL MK556 ON SPARTANAT

HERE we introduce the Haenel MK556 on SPARTANAT.

HERE the Bundeswehr confirms the decision.

This is how Heckler & Koch responds to the Bundeswehr's decision.