Germany's G95 Replaces G36 After Three Decades Of Service

The Heckler & Koch G95A1 and G95KA1

The G95 is manufactured by Heckler & Koch and it is a Bundeswehr-specific variant of the HK416, meaning it is built on the AR-15 pattern that is widely used across NATO, a design lineage shared with the G27 and G28, which are based on the AR-10 pattern. It’s pretty obvious that this shared operating logic will simplify cross-training between the different rifles already in service.

Mechanically, the G95 is a short-stroke gas piston rifle with a rotating bolt. Gas is tapped from the top of the barrel into a piston that drives an operating rod, which unlocks and cycles the bolt carrier group. Cyclic rate is listed at up to 850 rounds per minute.

Construction is predominantly metal rather than polymer, which contributes to durability and to accuracy retention, including when the barrel is very hot. If you remember, this was said to be one of the G36's shortcomings. However, it’s said that the G95 needs more lubrication than the G36. The muzzle devices come in two forms: a standard flash hider that reduces the visible flash, and a signature suppressor that also reduces the sound and most, if not all, of the flash. The latter is reserved for select units, such as special operations forces. There’s no mentioning which suppressor they will use.

The rifle is issued in two standard configurations. The G95A1 carries a 16.5-inch (419mm) barrel, and the G95KA1 has a 14-inch (355mm) barrel. The longer barrel delivers a higher bullet velocity, while the shorter barrel is more practical for use inside buildings and vehicles. As a result, most soldiers will be issued the G95KA1. Both these models are distinct from the G95K, a compact variant already in use by the Kommando Spezialkräfte since 2019.

A STANAG 4694 rail system (NATO Accessory Rail) on the handguard accepts optics and other accessories. Standard issue includes an ELCAN Specter DR 1-4x optic paired with a reflex sight, switchable between 1x and 4x magnification, plus a laser light module for illumination and aiming in low light - Rheinmetall’s LLM-VarioRay Laser-Light-Module.

Folding backup iron sights are mounted at a 45-degree offset in case the primary optics are damaged. The rail also accommodates a hand stop, bipod, additional night vision or thermal optics, and a 40mm grenade launcher attachment for special missions.

Unlike the black G36, the G95 is finished in a green-brown color, RAL 8000, because black has a higher infrared signature and is easier to detect through night vision devices. The stock is length-adjustable to fit different soldiers and the rifle is fully ambidextrous.

Since the buffer and recoil spring are housed in the stock, a departure from the G36's design, the G95's stock slides rather than folds. The Swedish Army is doing a similar transition from their foldable Ak5 ( FN FNC) to the AK M4 and the AK24.

Feedback from the soldiers

Two soldiers from the battalion's 4th Company, identified as Sergeant Major Alex S. and Staff Sergeant Mike K., spoke about their first impressions after live firing the new rifle. Alex S. said the G95 carries its weight more evenly than the G36 and is less front-heavy, which he says lets a shooter hold a firing position longer without the muzzle drifting down. Mike K. noted the rifle and its magazines are narrower than the G36's despite unchanged magazine capacity, which he says makes handling during reloads easier. Both soldiers indicated some retraining is required, particularly for the charging handle, which now sits at the rear of the upper receiver rather than in the G36's configuration.

I have no shooting experience at all with the G36, only the civilian HK243, but as a shooting instructor, I can say that generally the balance of the weapon is more important than the total weight. To compare the design, here’s an image of the G36. (Source)

The German Army increased the order

The Bundeswehr has increased its initial order for 120,000 assault rifles to 250,000. According to Heckler & Koch, they aim to spend another €230 million on “new machinery, modern infrastructure and efficient work processes by the end of 2028” (Source). Training on the new rifle is now underway across the units scheduled to receive it. By the end of the year, approximately 20,000 G95 rifles (KA1 version) are expected to be delivered to the German Armed Forces.

H&K G95 Specs (Bundeswehr Figures - Both versions compared)

• Manufacturer: Heckler & Koch
• Caliber: 5.56x45mm NATO
• Operating system: short stroke gas piston, rotating bolt
• Cyclic rate: up to 850 rounds per minute
• G95KA1 barrel length: 14 in (355mm)
• G95A1 barrel length: 16.5 in (419mm)
• G95KA1 overall length: 31.3 to 34.6 in (796 to 878mm), stock adjustable
• G95A1 overall length: 33.9 to 37.1 in (860 to 942mm), stock adjustable
• G95KA1 weight, bare: 3.3 kg
• G95A1 weight, bare: 3.4 kg
• G95KA1 weight with optic, LLM, loaded magazine: 4.3 kg
• G95A1 weight with optic, LLM, loaded magazine: 4.4 kg
• Effective range: up to 450 m (both variants)
• Standard optic: ELCAN Specter DR 1-4x with reflex sight
• Rail interface: STANAG 4694
• Finish: green brown, RAL 8000