MG-4 / -43

The Heckler & Koch MG4, designated the MG43 during its initial development phase, originated in the late 1990s. The manufacturer first presented the firearm publicly in September 2001. The weapon was developed to replace the MG3 at the squad support level within the Bundeswehr and to serve as secondary armament for the Puma infantry fighting vehicle.

The MG4 utilizes an air-cooled, gas-operated system with a positively locked rotary bolt. Its receiver is constructed from stamped sheet metal. The weapon is fed from the top left using disintegrating belts via a two-stage enhanced pawl mechanism. Spent cartridge cases eject downwards, while belt links are expelled to the right. The firearm features a hammer-forged quick-change barrel with an integrated carrying handle that facilitates replacement without protective equipment. Mechanical adjustments for windage and elevation are located on the front sight of each barrel assembly. Safety components include a manual selector that blocks the trigger and locks the bolt when cocked, plus an internal mechanism to prevent accidental firing from an incomplete bolt cycle. The buttstock folds to the left, housing a field cleaning kit, and the receiver includes a MIL-STD-1913 rail for optical systems. Supporting interfaces allow for mounting on standard tripods.

Entering service in 2005, the MG4 is the standard platoon-level support weapon for the German Army. Several variants exist, including the MG4E export model, which features a modified gas assembly to reduce the cyclic rate and was adopted by the Spanish Army in 2007. The MG4K and MG4KE are short-barrel versions, while the MG4 Vehicle Weapon is configured for coaxial or remote operation without a stock, handguard, or manual sights. The modernized MG4 A3 variant incorporates elements from the MG5 and utilizes a RAL 8000 surface finish. International operators include the armed forces or law enforcement agencies of Albania, Brazil, Chile, Estonia, Malaysia, Portugal, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Ukraine. The weapon has been utilized in the Yemeni Civil War and associated regional conflicts.