Heckler & Koch MG5

{{hatnote|For the MG5 car known in China as the Roewe i5, see [[MG 5]].}} {{Infobox weapon | name = Heckler & Koch MG5 | image = Heckler & Koch MG5.jpg | image_size = 300 | caption = Heckler & Koch MG5 general-purpose machine gun with Hensoldt ZO 4×30 Intermediate Range Targeting Optic of the ''Bundeswehr'' | origin = Germany | type = [[General-purpose machine gun]]  | is_ranged = YES  | service = 2015–present | used_by = See ''[[#Users|Users]]'' | wars =  | designer = | design_date = 2001–2018 | manufacturer = [[Heckler & Koch]] | unit_cost = 16,000 [[EUR]] | production_date = 2010–present | number = | variants = See ''[[#Variants|Variants]]''  | spec_label = | weight = | length = | part_length =  | cartridge = [[7.62×51mm NATO]] | cartridge_weight = | caliber = 7.62 mm | barrel = | action = [[Gas-operated reloading|Gas-operated]], [[rotating bolt]] | rate = 640/720/800 rounds/min | velocity = MG 5 A1: {{convert|840|m/s|ft/s|0|abbr=on}} MG 5 & MG 5 S: {{convert|810|m/s|ft/s|0|abbr=on}} MG 5 A2: {{convert|785|m/s|ft/s|0|abbr=on}} | range = {{convert|100|-|1000|m|yd|0|abbr=on}} sight adjustments | max_range = {{convert|600|-|1000|m|yd|0|abbr=on}} (bipod) {{convert|1200|-|1500|m|yd|0|abbr=on}} (tripod mounted) {{convert|3750|m|yd|0|abbr=on}} (terminal) | feed = Disintegrating [[M13 link|DM60/M13]] [[Belt (firearm)|belt]] in 50-round ''Gurttrommel'' or 120-round in separate belt box or from stand-alone ammunition boxes | sights = [[Diopter sight]]<ref>{{cite journal |last=Weisswange |first=Jan-Phillipp |author2=u. a |title=Handwaffen, Kampfmittel und Ausrüstung für den infanteristischen Einsatz |journal=Wehrtechnischer Report 4/2010 |date=April 2010 |publisher=Report Verlag |location=Bonn und Sulzbach |language=de}}</ref> or optical sights }}

The '''Heckler & Koch MG5''' (in the development phase also known as the '''HK121''') is a [[Belt (firearms)|belt-fed]] [[7.62×51mm NATO]] [[general-purpose machine gun]] manufactured by German firearm manufacturer [[Heckler & Koch]]. The MG5 resembles the [[5.56×45mm NATO]] [[Heckler & Koch MG4]] light machine gun. It was adopted into German military service in 2015.

==History== Work on the MG5 began, under the HK121 designation, shortly after the development of the MG4 light machine gun that Heckler & Koch initially presented as the HK MG43 at the MILIPOL 2001 trade show in Paris. A prototype of the HK121 was presented to a larger public by Heckler & Koch on the 14th day of the infantry in July 2010 in Hammelburg.

In June 2013, it was announced that Germany was testing and evaluating 65 samples and planned to buy at least 7,114 of the machine guns for the ''[[Bundeswehr]]'' during 2014–2017, in a deal that over time could grow to 12,733 MG5s.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.wiwo.de/politik/deutschland/ruestungsauftrag-heckler-und-koch-gewehre-fuer-die-bundeswehr/8314234.html |title=Heckler & Koch-Gewehre für die Bundeswehr |trans-title=Heckler & Koch guns for the Bundeswehr |last1=Ramthun |first1=Christian |last2=Kiani-Kreß |first2=Rüdiger |name-list-style=amp |date=2013-06-08 |newspaper=[[Wirtschaftswoche]] |language=de |access-date=2013-07-27 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130609193155/http://www.wiwo.de/politik/deutschland/ruestungsauftrag-heckler-und-koch-gewehre-fuer-die-bundeswehr/8314234.html |archive-date=2013-06-09 |quote=...will der Bund von 2014 an bis zum Jahr 2017 mindestens 7114 Gewehre des Typs MG5 im Wert von 118 Millionen Euro kaufen. ... Später kann die Order laut Rahmenvertrag sogar auf bis zu 12.733 Maschinengewehre in einem Gesamtwert von rund 240 Millionen Euro anwachsen. [...the federal government wants to buy at least 7,114 MG5 guns worth 118 million euros from 2014 to 2017. ... According to the framework agreement, the order can later grow to up to 12,733 guns with a total value of around 240 million euros.]}}</ref>

The MG5 is designed to be modular, was intended to replace the [[MG3 machine gun]] that had been in German service since 1959, and started doing so in 2015. According to the ''Bundeswehr'', the MG5 is more accurate than the MG3. The effective range on bipod is therefore greater. The MG5 reduced cyclic rate uses less ammunition and the user can adjust the [[Stock (firearm)|stock]] to individual ergonomic preferences.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bundeswehr.de/de/aktuelles/mediathek/mg5-neues-maschinengewehr-der-bundeswehr-108162 |title=Das MG5 – das neue Maschinengewehr der Bundeswehr |trans-title=The MG5 – the Bundeswehr’s new machine gun |website=Bundeswehr |language=de }}{{Dead link|date=January 2026 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}</ref> By 2022 the MG5 should replace the MG3 in ''Bundeswehr'' service.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.presseorgane.de/2019/06/mg5-ersetzt-mg3-panzergrenadierbataillo.html |title=MG5 soll bis 2022 das betagte MG3 ersetzen |trans-title=MG5 is scheduled to replace the aging MG3 by 2022 |last=Baumann |first=Matthias |date=8 June 2019 |website=BTB concept Presseorgane |language=de}}</ref>

For the development and use of a special bolt for training cartridges the German Federal Government has allocated a budget of 7.3 million Euro.<ref name="Nr.2">{{cite web |url=http://dipbt.bundestag.de/doc/btd/18/064/1806491.pdf |title=18/6491: Beschaffung der Gewehre MG5 und G27 |trans-title=18/6491: Procurement of the MG5 and G27 rifles |date=2015-01-28 |website=Deutscher Bundestag |language=de |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180320090731/http://dipbt.bundestag.de/doc/btd/18/064/1806491.pdf |archive-date=20 March 2018}}</ref> The costs to integrate the MG5 in various tripod and weapon stations mountings in German use are estimated around 60 million Euro.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://augengeradeaus.net/2019/10/lafetten-fuers-neue-maschinengewehr-noch-ein-bisschen-teurer/ |title=Lafetten fürs neue Maschinengewehr: Noch ein bisschen teurer |trans-title=Mounts for the new machine gun: A little more expensive |last=Wiegold |first=T. |date=14 October 2019 |website=Augen geradeaus! |language=de}}</ref>

In 2024, Heckler & Koch introduced a lightweight derivative of the MG5 called '''HK421'''.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-09-15 |title=DSEI 2023: Heckler & Koch introduces new 7.62 mm machine gun |url=https://www.janes.com/osint-insights/defence-news/weapons/dsei-2023-heckler-koch-introduces-new-762-mm-machine-gun |access-date=2025-01-26 |website=Default |language=en}}</ref>

==Design details==

===Operating mechanism=== The MG5 uses a [[gas-operated reloading#Long-stroke|long-stroke gas piston]] to cycle the conventional rotary bolt action. The design employs a number of concepts that have proven successful in other firearms. The locking mechanism, feed and [[Trigger (firearms)|trigger mechanism]]s are derived from the MG4 light machine gun. The MG5 fires from an [[open bolt]].

===Features=== The MG5 is gas-operated and chambered in 7.62×51mm NATO. The weapon's operation is almost identical to that of the [[Heckler & Koch MG4|MG4 light machine gun]]. Unlike the [[Stamping (metalworking)|stamped]] sheet metal receiver of MG4 light machine gun the receiver of the MG5 is made out of two steel receiver shell castings and a connection block that are connected by a patented process. The safety is ambidextrous, the butt stock is field adjustable for [[length of pull]] and features a user height adjustable cheek-piece and can be folded depending on the variant. It also features a visible and tactile [[loaded chamber indicator]] to alert its operator that there is a round present in line with the chamber. Three-position adjustment of the gas port allows selecting the cyclic rate of fire (640, 720 or 800 rounds per minute) and subsidiary can adjust the gas system for various types of cartridge loadings or use in the presence of heavy fouling. The gas port can be field adjusted by sliding the base of a 7.62×51mm NATO cartridge into machined slots to select one of the three possible settings. The MG5 features STANAG 4694 [[NATO Accessory Rail]]s that are backwards-compatible with the STANAG 2324/MIL-STD-1913 [[Picatinny rail]]s allowing installation of optical sights and other accessories.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://soldat-und-technik.de/2021/03/bewaffnung/26408/mg5-bundeswehr-erhaelt-zusaetzliche-maschinengewehre/ |title=MG5 – Bundeswehr erhält zusätzliche Maschinengewehre |trans-title=MG5 – Bundeswehr receives additional machine guns |last=Weisswange |first=Jan-Phillipp |date=2021-03-25 |website=Soldat und Technik |language=de |access-date=2021-09-23}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.all4shooters.com/en/shooting/pro-zone/heckler-koch-mg5-machine-gun-german-army/ |title=Heckler & Koch MG5 machine gun on the way for the German Army |last=Weisswange |first=Jan-Phillipp |date=2021-03-07 |website=Soldat und Technik |language=en |access-date=2021-09-23 |via=All4shooters.com}}</ref>

===Barrel=== The quick-change cold hammered [[Chrome plating#Hard|chrome-lined]] barrel is an integral part of the barrel assembly and has a heat shield and a carrying/barrel exchange handle, gas port and front sight attached. After around 300 rounds of [[Rate of fire#Sustained or rapid rate|rapid fire]], the gun operator has to replace the hot barrel with a new cool(er) one. Non-observance of this technical limitation renders the barrel prematurely unusable. A hot barrel can be replaced with its carrying and barrel exchange handle without using protective gloves or other heat protection. The MG5 takes zero shifts between barrel assemblies into account by making the front sight of the assemblies mechanically adjustable.

===Feeding=== [[File:MG3 Zerfallgurt.jpg|thumb|disintegrating metal [[M13 link]] belt (designated DM60 by Germany)]]

The MG5 uses M13 (designated DM60 by Germany) disintegrating belts for feeding ammunition from the left side. It can be fed with a ''Gurttrommel'' (belt drum) which contains a 50-round disintegrating belt and is fitted to the receiver on the left side. The ''Gurttrommel'' is not a true magazine but holds a curled 50-round belt preventing it from snagging, twisting and getting stuck during mobile assaults. Alternatively, the MG5 can be fed with 80-round cloth ammunition pouches or a ''Gurtkasten'' (belt box) containing 120 rounds and fitted to the left side of the receiver or from stand-alone ammunition boxes. The feeding system is based on the direct push-through of the cartridge out of the belt link into the gun's chamber. Feed is performed in two steps by a pawl-type feeding mechanism that continues to move the belt during both the rearward and forward cycles of the reciprocating bolt, producing a smooth belt flow. The ejection of empty M13 links is to the right side, and spent cartridge cases are ejected downwards through an ejection port located at the base of the receiver.

===Sights=== In its standard form, the MG5 is equipped with closed type [[iron sight]]s with range settings on the receiver mounted compact rear sight element up to {{convert|1000|m|yd|0|lk=on|abbr=on}} in {{convert|100|m|yd|0|lk=on|abbr=on}} increments. The folding self-illuminating front sight element is mounted on the barrel assembly and is adjustable mechanically for both windage and elevation. The sight line radius is {{convert|602|mm|in|1|sp=us}}. The MG5 was expressly designed to use various types of receiver mounted optical sights as its primary sighting option. Therefore achieving a negligible zero change in practical use between barrel assembly changes was a major design requirement that was not easily met. The originally agreed ''Bundeswehr'' zero change requirements were relaxed by the German government for which a corresponding price reduction was agreed upon. In single fire the mean point of impact may shift by a maximum of 3.44 [[Minute and second of arc#Firearms|MOA]]/10 [[Milliradian|mrad]] (previously 1.72 MOA/5 mrad) after a barrel change with a barrel of the same length. In burst fire the mean point of impact may shift by a maximum of 5.16 MOA/15 mrad (previously 3.44 MOA/10 mrad) after a barrel change with a barrel of the same length.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2015/11/07/hk-mg5-accuracy-reqt-doubled-to-allow-guns-acceptance-says-parliament |title=H&K MG5 Accuracy Req't Doubled to Allow Guns' Acceptance, Says Parliament Doc |last=F. |first=Nathaniel |date=2015-11-07 |website=The Firearms Blog }}{{Dead link|date=January 2026 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}</ref> Optical or [[Night-vision device|night sights]] or [[laser]] pointers can be mounted on a length of STANAG 4694 NATO Accessory Rail located on the receiver feed tray cover. ''Bundeswehr'' models are generally equipped with Hensoldt ZO 4×30 Intermediate Range Targeting Optic combined with a [[Red dot sight|red dot]] as optical day sights with 4× magnification to promote accuracy of fire.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.deutschesheer.de/portal/a/heer/start/technik/waffen/!ut/p/z1/hVDBToNAEP0arjtThZZ6AxsJBhuVxJa9mIUdAYO7ZFnAGD_eJU160cY5zGTevHnzMsDhCFyJqa2FbbUSnesLvn5db_00ucrxATdhiE9JlqW3UYQu4AUO_1G4G-OFiBBySVA4jc1ljQBy4MDfxSQ-Wa-N7cgyUS0eoWiEkh096io6AY4oiVVaOY7LlpRtXa6NsNqct6vRGDdhrYQCV7sYg7On1Xd0SLY89n1_l8bPcA-87nR5-kakyuuwBm7ojQwZNhoHN9b2w42HHs7zzMpRSRpmagyT5OFyUXQeCg_LeQEGK4x1Zawa-kuy0YOF4y8l6D_uwv0-mL4yOvwAqVQWQg!!/dz/d5/L2dBISEvZ0FBIS9nQSEh/#Z7_694IG2S0M07880QGLLICAA0005 |title=Maschinengewehr MG5 |website=Deutsches Heer |language=de}}{{dead link|date=February 2023|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> The ZO 4×30 Intermediate Range Targeting Optic can be augmented by night-vision attachments.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.hensoldt.net/products/optronics/4x30i-intermediate-range-targeting-optic/ |title=4x30i Intermediate Range Targeting Optic |website=[[Hensoldt]] |access-date=28 December 2019 |archive-date=28 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191228105322/https://www.hensoldt.net/products/optronics/4x30i-intermediate-range-targeting-optic/ |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://dam.hensoldt.net/m/7e4f7b323be86131/original/4-x-30-4-x-30i-English.pdf |title=ZO4x30 FAMILY/6x36i Intermediate Range Targeting Optic |website=Hensoldt}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2012/02/21/zeiss-zo-4x30i-combat-gunsight-a-shot-show-optic-preview/ |title=Zeiss ZO 4x30i Combat Gunsight: A SHOT Show Optic Preview |last=Johnson |first=Steve |date=2012-02-12 |website=The Firearms Blog}}</ref>

===Safety=== With the ambidextrous lever-type safety placed in the ''safe'' setting, the firing mechanism is disabled regardless of the position of the bolt and the arm can be cocked by the non-reciprocal T-shaped cocking handle with the safety engaged. The MG5 can be loaded with the bolt forward or cocked as the cam roller is spring-loaded, pushing down when the feed cover is closed and then automatically snapping up to properly engage and operate the feed camming track. When a cartridge is in line with the feedway and the cover is closed, an indicator tab is pushed upward on the cover, providing visual as well as tactile warning in low light conditions.

===Bipod and tripod=== For the light machine gun role a quick-detachable user adjustable folding bipod weighing {{convert|0.70|kg|lb|2|abbr=on}} is provided. Alternatively a [[vertical forward grip|"Grip Pod"]], a type of vertical grip that has a deployable bipod inside the handle, can be mounted to increase mobility.

In a stationary, heavy machine gun role the MG5 can also be mounted on the ''[[Rheinmetall MG 3#Tripod|MG3 Feldlafette]]'' buffered field tripod by using additional adapters.

The ''Bundeswehr'' use a [[List of RAL colors#Brown|RAL 8000]] green brown surface finish on their MG5s and has chosen to use a {{convert|550|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} barrel instead of a {{convert|663|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} barrel for their mounted guns to promote parts uniformity.

Various side-folding and fixed polymer buttstocks are available as well as a folding fore end forward grip positioned under the gas tube.

=== Use with turrets ===

* Valhalla Turrets with the Loki MG-5 Remote Weapon Station<ref>{{Cite web |last=admin |date=2025-05-22 |title=Valhalla Turrets and Heckler & Koch Showcase Loki MG-5 Remote Weapon Station at Enforce Tac 2025 - MilitaryLeak.COM |url=https://militaryleak.com/2025/05/22/valhalla-turrets-and-heckler-koch-showcase-loki-mg-5-remote-weapon-station-at-enforce-tac-2025/ |access-date=2025-05-27 |language=en-US}}</ref> * [[FLW remote weapon station|KNDS FLW 100]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=KNDS Group |url=https://knds.com/en/flw-100 |access-date=2025-05-27 |website=KNDS Group |language=en }}{{Dead link|date=January 2026 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}</ref> * [[FLW remote weapon station|KNDS FLW 200]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=KNDS Group |url=https://knds.com/en/flw-200 |access-date=2025-05-27 |website=KNDS Group |language=en }}{{Dead link|date=January 2026 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}</ref>

==Variants== {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center; vertical-align:center;" !Variant !Overall length<ref group="A">Overall length: ''Stock unfolded'' (''Stock folded'')</ref> ''mm/in'' !Barrel length ''mm/in'' !Height ''mm/in'' !Width ''mm/in'' !Weight<ref group="A">Weight: ''Weapon'' (''Barrel assembly'')</ref> ''kg/lb'' |- |'''MG5''' (Universal) |{{convert|1160|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} ({{convert|960|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}) |{{convert|550|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} |{{convert|239|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} |rowspan="3"|{{convert|120|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} |{{convert|11.20|kg|lb|1|abbr=on}} ({{convert|3.00|kg|lb|1|abbr=on}}) |- |'''MG5 A2''' (Infantry) |{{convert|1160|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}<ref group="A" name="fixed">Fixed stock</ref> |{{convert|460|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} |{{convert|285|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} |{{convert|9.90|kg|lb|1|abbr=on}} ({{convert|2.50|kg|lb|1|abbr=on}}) |- |'''MG5 A1''' (Mounted) |{{convert|1055|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}<ref group="A" name="fixed" /> |{{convert|663|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} |{{convert|195|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} |{{convert|10.00|kg|lb|1|abbr=on}} ({{convert|3.24|kg|lb|1|abbr=on}}) |- |'''MG5 S''' (Special Forces) |{{convert|1012|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}<ref group="A" name="fixed" /> |{{convert|550|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} |{{convert|239|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} |{{convert|171|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} |{{convert|12.10|kg|lb|1|abbr=on}} ({{convert|3.00|kg|lb|1|abbr=on}}) |- |colspan="8" style="text-align:left;"| <references group="A" /> |}

===Derivatives=== The '''HK421''' is a 7.62×51mm NATO chambered reduced-weight machine gun, Heckler & Koch based on their more durable constructed MG5 general-purpose machine gun product line. Beside weight-reduction by using a [[Stamping (metalworking)|stamped]] sheet metal receiver, the feeding, internal hydraulic buffer recoil mitigating, [[suppressor]] capability and ergonomic features were revised or added to better suit (specialized) infantry uses.<ref>https://militaryleak.com/2024/06/21/heckler-koch-introduces-hk421-7-62-mm-machine-gun/ Heckler & Koch introduces HK421</ref> The HK421 uses M13 disintegrating belts for feeding ammunition from the bottom side and ejects empty M13 links and spent cartridge cases to the right side.

==Users== [[File:Fallschirmjäger des FschJgRgt26 DSCF4087 (49444483698).jpg|thumb|German soldier at the back armed with an MG5]] [[File:FLW 100 with MG 5 2022.jpg|thumb|MG5 A1 armed [[FLW remote weapon station#FLW 100|FLW 100]] remote weapon station mounted on a ''Bundeswehr'' [[ATF Dingo]]]] [[File:Heckler & Koch MG5 Users.png|thumb|Map with Heckler & Koch MG5 users in blue]] * {{flag|Albania}}: Used by the [[Albanian Land Force]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.mod.gov.al/index.php/politikat-e-sigurise/te-tjera-nga-mm/modernizimi-i-forcave-te-armatosura |title=Modernizimi i Forcave tё Armatosura |trans-title=Modernization of the Armed Forces |website=[[Ministry of Defence (Albania)|Ministria e Mbrojtjes]] |language=Albanian}}</ref> *{{Flag|Chile}}: Acquired by the [[Chilean Marine Corps]] in 2014.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.infodefensa.com/texto-diario/mostrar/3077421/infanteria-marina-chile-exhibe-concon-modernos-fusiles-ametralladoras |title=La Infantería de Marina de Chile exhibe en Concón sus más modernos fusiles y ametralladoras |trans-title=The Chilean Marine Corps exhibits its most modern rifles and machine guns in Concón |last=García |first=Nicolás |date=1 July 2017 |website=Infodefensa.com |language=es |access-date=22 July 2022}}</ref><ref name=":0" /> * {{flag|Germany}}: Fifteen ''[[Bundeswehr]]'' pre-production guns designated as MG5.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.schwarzwaelder-bote.de/inhalt.oberndorf-a-n-heckler-koch-grossauftrag-fuer-bundeswehr.0912db36-5077-47d0-8592-7d23d7a06151.html |title=Heckler & Koch: Großauftrag für Bundeswehr |trans-title=Heckler & Koch: Major order for the Bundeswehr |first=Karin |last=Zeger |work=[[Schwarzwälder Bote]] |date=2013-07-15 |access-date=2013-07-20 |language=de}}</ref> First batch of 1,215 MG5s ordered on 15 March 2015 for about €20 million.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2015/06/10/hk-troubles-continue-mg5-under-scrutiny-by-german-mod/ |title=H&K Troubles Continue: MG5 Under Scrutiny By German MoD |last=F. |first=Nathaniel |date=2015-06-10 |website=The Firearms Blog }}</ref> The procurement process of 12,733 units, with a price tag of about €200 million, has been delayed due to accuracy concerns.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2015/09/09/delays-beset-german-mg5-program-outlets-report-7-62mm-gpmg-lacks-accuracy/ |title=BREAKING: Delays Beset German MG5 Program, 7.62mm GPMG May Lack Accuracy |last=F. |first=Nathaniel |date=2015-09-09 |website=The Firearms Blog}}</ref> In September 2018 about 4,400 MG5s were delivered to the ''Bundeswehr''.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://augengeradeaus.net/2018/09/neues-maschinengewehr-mg5-4-400-stueck-an-die-truppe-ausgeliefert/ |title= Neues Maschinengewehr MG5: 4.400 Stück an die Truppe ausgeliefert |trans-title=New MG5 machine gun: 4,400 units delivered to the troops |last=Wiegold |first=T. |date=2018-09-18 |website=Augen geradeaus! |access-date=2021-04-24 |language=de}}</ref> By the end of 2019 nearly 7,000 MG5s were expected to be delivered.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.bundeswehr.de/de/aktuelles/mediathek |title=Mediathek |access-date=2021-04-24 |website=Bundeswehr |language=de }}{{Dead link|date=January 2026 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}</ref> ''[[Federal Police (Germany)|Bundespolizei]]'' designated as MG5 A1 used on 42 ordered [[FLW remote weapon station|FLW 100]] remote weapon stations for its armored vehicles.<ref name="Nr.3">{{cite web |url=http://dipbt.bundestag.de/doc/btd/19/081/1908109.pdf |title=19/8109: Berichte über Materialmangel bei der Bundespolizei |trans-title=19/8109: Reports of a shortage of materiel by the Federal Police |date=2019-03-04 |website=Deutscher Bundestag |language=de |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180320090731/http://dipbt.bundestag.de/doc/btd/19/081/1908109.pdf |archive-date=20 March 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://esut.de/2018/11/meldungen/innere-sicherheit/7462/fernbedienbare-leichte-waffenstationen-fuer-die-bundespolizei/ |title=Fernbedienbare leichte Waffenstationen für die Bundespolizei |trans-title=Remotely controlled light weapon stations for the federal police |last=Heiming |first=Gerhard |date=2018-11-01 |website=ESUT - Europäische Sicherheit & Technik |access-date=2021-04-24 |language=de-DE}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2018/08/09/german-federal-police-to-install-762-mm-machine-guns-in-vehicles/ |title=German Federal Police to install 7.62 mm Machine Guns in vehicles |last=B. |first=Eric |date=2018-08-09 |website=The Firearm Blog|language=en-US |access-date=2021-04-24}}</ref> In June 2021 German media reported the ''Bundeswehr'' had 7,472 MG5s available and over 11,000 additional MG5s were ordered in a €175 million procurement. At the end of 2024 two thirds of these additional guns should be delivered, with the remainder to be delivered by 2025 and Germany strives to purchase nearly 19,000 MG5s with an option for nearly 4,000 additional units in the future.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://soldat-und-technik.de/2021/06/bewaffnung/27446/heckler-koch-mit-der-lieferung-von-mg5-fuer-die-bundeswehr-beauftragt/ |title=Heckler & Koch mit der Lieferung von MG5 für die Bundeswehr beauftragt |trans-title=Heckler & Koch commissioned to supply MG5 for the Bundeswehr |last=Geiger |first=Waldemar |date=2021-06-15 |website=Soldat und Technik |language=de |access-date=2021-09-23}}</ref> * {{flag|Indonesia}}: Used by [[KOPASKA|Kopaska]] and [[Taifib]] unit of the [[Indonesian Navy]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.tnial.mil.id/berita/17812/PENYEMPURNAAN-%E2%80%9CAGAS%E2%80%9D-MOUNTING-SENJATA-MESIN-RINGAN-MULTIGUNA--SATKOPASKA-KOARMADA-III/ |title=Penyempurnaan Mounting "AGAS" Senjata Mesin Ringan Multiguna Satkopaska Koarmada III |trans-title=Improvements to the Mounting of "AGAS" Multipurpose Light Machine Guns for Satkopaska Koarmada III |date=2021-01-09 |website=Indonesian National Armed Forces |access-date=2022-03-08 |language=id}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Edy Effendi |first= |date=2020-11-26 |title=Letkol Marinir Edy Effendi dengan MG5 |url=https://archive.org/details/letkol-marinir-edy-effendi-dengan-mg-5 |url-status=live |archive-url= |archive-date= |access-date=2025-04-29 |website=archive.org}}</ref> *{{Flag|Malaysia}}: Used by [[Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency]].<ref name=":0">{{cite web |url=https://www.militaryfactory.com/smallarms/detail.asp?smallarms_id=1247 |title=Heckler & Koch MG5 (HK121) General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG) |website=Military Factory |access-date=10 October 2020}}</ref> *{{PRT}}: Used by [[Portuguese Air Force]] ([[Polícia Aérea|NOTP, Core of Tactical Operations of Protection]]).<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.operacional.pt/g-28-mg-5-na-unidade-de-protecao-da-forca-i/ |title=G-28 & MG-5 na Unidade de Proteção da Força (I) |trans-title=G-28 and MG-5 in the Force Protection Unit (I) |last=Machado |first=Miguel |date=2015-10-11 |website=Operacional |access-date=2021-01-17 |language=pt-PT}}</ref> *{{flag|Spain}}: [[Special Operations Command (Spain)|Army's Special Operations Command]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.defensa.com/espana/mg5-sera-nueva-ametralladora-fuerzas-especiales-ejercito-espanol |title=La MG5 será la nueva ametralladora de las fuerzas especiales del Ejército de Tierra español |trans-title=The MG5 will be the new machine gun for the special forces of the Spanish Army |date=2020-02-05 |website=Defensa.com |language=es}}</ref> *{{flag|Ukraine}}: 350 as of July 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-07-08 |title=Military support for Ukraine {{!}} Federal Government |url=https://www.bundesregierung.de/breg-en/news/military-support-ukraine-2054992 |access-date=2024-07-12 |website=Website of the Federal Government {{!}} Bundesregierung |language=en}}</ref>

==See also== * [[HK MG4]] * [[FN EVOLYS]] * [[FN MAG]] * [[FN Minimi#Minimi 7.62|FN Minimi 7.62]]/[[Mk 48 machine gun]] * [[Negev NG7|IMI Negev NG7 series]] * [[QJY-201]] * [[XM250|SIG LMG 6.8]]

==References== {{reflist}}

==External links== {{Commons category|HK MG5}}

* {{Official website|https://www.heckler-koch.com/en/Products/Military%20and%20Law%20Enforcement/Machine%20guns/MG5}} * [https://s3.amazonaws.com/hkusa/20181015142317/HK-USA-Combined-Catalog-OCT-15-2018spread.pdf Heckler & Koch Product Catalog 2018] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200414025535/https://s3.amazonaws.com/hkusa/20181015142317/HK-USA-Combined-Catalog-OCT-15-2018spread.pdf |date=14 April 2020 }} * [https://www.bundeswehr.de/de/ausruestung-technik-bundeswehr/ausruestung-bewaffnung/mg5 Das Maschinengewehr MG5]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Heckler and Koch HK121}} [[Category:7.62×51mm NATO machine guns]] [[Category:General-purpose machine guns]] [[Category:Heckler & Koch machine guns|HK121]] [[Category:Machine guns of Germany]] [[Category:Medium machine guns]] [[Category:Post–Cold War weapons of Germany]] [[Category:Military equipment introduced in the 2010s]] [[Category:Long stroke piston firearms]]