The replacement of the G36 has been a long time coming for the Bundeswehr, and at Exercise Reliable Lion on the ranges at Grafenwöhr, Panzergrenadiere of Panzerbrigade 12 "Oberpfalz" are now putting rounds downrange with the rifle that finally closes that chapter: the G95KA1. Or how many optics can you stack on top of each other?
The G95KA1 is the short-barreled variant of the Bundeswehr's new standard assault rifle system, built on the HK416A8 platform by Heckler & Koch and chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO. Its 14-inch barrel makes it the standard-issue configuration for the German Heer, optimized for the close-in work of mechanized infantry operating around and dismounting from vehicles. The operating system is a short-stroke gas piston with a rotating bolt and an adjustable gas regulator to accommodate suppressor use.
Standard fit includes the ELCAN Specter DR 1-4x optic with integrated backup red dot, paired with a VarioRay laser-light module.
At Grafenwöhr, the Grenadiere are working through a progressive live-fire curriculum, from static targets at 15 meters out to 200, building toward the qualification levels required before moving to more advanced drills. The Bundeswehr contracted for up to 118,718 rifles across the G95A1 and G95KA1 variants, with initial deliveries beginning in December 2025 to Panzergrenadierbataillon 122, the same unit now putting the new weapon through its paces at Reliable Lion.
Photo: Bundesvereinigung Kameradschaft Deutsche Artillerie e.V. - Bundeswehr