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Germany’s new MG5 delayed by teething problems – IHS Jane’s 360

Germany’s first production batch of 1,215 new MG5 machine guns has been delayed by technical issues, the German Ministry of Defence (MoD) confirmed.Ordered in June 2013, the MG5 (HK121) manufactured by Heckler & Koch (HK) is to replace the obsolete MG3 in service with the Bundeswehr.First deliveries were scheduled from the end of July, but…

Germany’s first production batch of 1,215 new MG5 machine guns has been delayed by technical issues, the German Ministry of Defence (MoD) confirmed.Ordered in June 2013, the MG5 (HK121) manufactured by Heckler & Koch (HK) is to replace the obsolete MG3 in service with the Bundeswehr.First deliveries were scheduled from the end of July, but this has been pushed back to 2016 because of “irregularities that may require retesting”, the MoD stated.

Source: Germany’s new MG5 delayed by teething problems – IHS Jane’s 360

Huh. H&K has long enjoyed a sterling reputation for quality. But this comes on the heels of news that the Bundeswehr isn’t very happy with the G36, either.

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  1. Esli

    MG3 is awesome. I’d slow down the rate of fire, but other than that, I’m impressed. I like the G36, too, though I only fired it once. Curious where you are seeing that they don’t like it.

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  2. Trevor Thralls

    http://www.janes.com/article/54118/germany-to-replace-g36-service-rifle

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  3. ultimaratioregis

    How is the MG-3 obsolete? It is almost identical in size and weight to the MG-5, and has a quicker barrel change. Range is identical, with the same cartridge, 7.62×51 NATO.

    Or are they worn out and no more can be produced?

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  4. LT Rusty

    There was a pretty big controversy a while back about the materials used in molding the receivers, Esli. Potentially very, very serious ones. Something possibly on the same scale as if your M1’s armor was contracted to be made of … whatever it actually is, and it turned out that they made it out of composite layers of aluminum foil, pot metal and bubble-gum wrappers instead. I can’t remember all the details, though.

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  5. timactual

    My initial question, too. Evidently there have been some improvements. Still, “obsolete” does sound a bit harsh.

    View at Medium.com

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  6. Esli

    Interesting; thanks.

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  7. Quartermaster

    You ask the same question I do. The MG-42 was probably the best GPMG to come out of WW2 where is was known as “Hitler’s Saw.” The MG-3 is just Hitler’s saw rechambered for the 7.62 NATO round.

    Frankly, if the MG-3 is obsolete, then so is Ma Deuce. I can’t see calling something obsolete when it still fulfills it’s role effectively, and The MG-3 does just that. From what I gather, the MG-5 is not a real improvement.

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