Heckler & Koch mg4
Emerging in the early 2000s from the German arms manufacturer Heckler & Koch, this light machine gun was developed to replace the older, heavier MG3 and provide a lighter, more agile belt-fed weapon for infantry use. Initially known as the MG43 during development, it entered service with the Bundeswehr in 2005 under its current designation.
The weapon operates on a gas-operated, rotating bolt system and fires from an open bolt, which helps manage heat during sustained fire. Its cyclic rate is around 830 rounds per minute, with export versions reducing this slightly to improve control and reduce wear.
Chambered for the 5.56×45mm NATO round, it uses disintegrating M27 belt links. The design includes a quick-change barrel system to allow extended engagements without overheating and downward ejection of spent casings, reducing the risk of interference or injury during use.
This system features a folding stock, built-in bipod, ambidextrous controls, and compatibility with modern accessories via Picatinny rails. While it comes with mechanical sights graduated to 1,000 meters, optical sights are commonly added for enhanced precision.
Effective range for point targets is approximately 400 to 600 meters, and it can suppress area targets out to 800 or even 1,000 meters from a supported position. Its accuracy is notable, especially for a belt-fed weapon, aided by controllable recoil and precise engineering. Weighing around 8.15 kilograms unloaded, it balances mobility with sustained fire capability.
Used primarily by the German military at the squad level, the system has also been adopted by other nations such as Spain, Portugal, Estonia, Albania, and Malaysia. Some special forces units favor the compact variant for close-quarters or vehicle-mounted roles.
Several configurations exist, including an export model with simplified controls and a short-barrel version designed for urban or confined environments. A modernized variant integrates improvements from its heavier counterpart, enhancing optics compatibility and field reliability.
