Way back in 2017 the Army decided to purchase just over 6,000 Squad Designated Marksman versions of the M110A1 Compact Semi Auto Sniper System. Specifically, this directed requirement from the Army staff called for the G28E Rifle which CSASS is based upon, and is used by the German Bundeswehr.
Although the First Article Testing was problematic due to the Army attempting to shoot M80A1 ammunition from a Rifle specifically designed to shoot M118 LR, it’s now all been worked out.
But for some reason, manufacturer Heckler & Koch felt compelled to issue a new press release entitled, “Heckler & Koch to supply new US Army Squad Designated Marksman Rifle.” Granted, they added in a bunch of other contracts, but this isn’t anything new. I suppose it was in response to the ridiculous recent claims that they were going out of business.
July 15, 2019
Ashburn, Virginia —Heckler & Koch Defense Inc. is gearing up to deliver between 5,000 and 6,000 complete rifle weapon systems to the US Amy, which plans to deploy them as M110A1 Squad Designated Marksman Rifles (SDMR).
The new HK rifle is a variant of the 7.62 mm G28/HK417. Under terms of the agreement, the rifles, which are manufactured by HK in Oberndorf, Germany will begin to arrive in the HK-USA facility in Columbus, GA early next year. There, HK-USA workers will install scopes and mounts purchased by the Army under a separate agreement. Additionally, HK-USA staff will kit the scoped rifles with additional accessories from 12 other US-based manufacturers to round out the complete SDMR weapon system delivered to the Army. Heckler & Koch will also provide spare parts, support, and training.
“This is a significant achievement for Heckler & Koch,” HK-USA COO/CSO Michael Holley said. “The HK SDMR system will add much-needed capabilities to virtually every squad in the Army. We are honored by this opportunity.”
Holley also added that this award, combined with the recent USMC M27 purchase, as well as several other international contracts, further solidifies Heckler & Koch’s position as one of the world leaders in small arms development.
Beyond the SDMR, recent HK major contracts of record include:
US Marine Corps – M27 Rifle
US Army – CSASS/SDMR Rifle
Berlin Police – SFP 9(VP 9) pistol
Bavarian State Police – SFP 9(VP 9) pistol
French Army – 416 Rifle
British Army – SA80 upgrade
About Heckler & Koch
Heckler & Koch is the world’s premier small arms systems company and a major supplier to global military, law enforcement agencies, and civilian shooters. An innovative leader in design and manufacturing, Heckler & Koch provides technologically advanced firearms, logistical support, training, and specialized services with the highest standards of innovation and reliability to its customer base. Heckler & Koch’s well-known range of products include the USP series pistols, MP5 submachine gun, the MP7 Personal Defense Weapon, the G36 weapon system, the HK416 enhanced carbine, HK45, P30, and most recently VP series pistols.
“I suppose it was in response to the ridiculous recent claims that they were going out of business.”
No doubt about that at all.
Their credit rating is now blocked after it was downgraded to Caa1 it is so bad. All their money has been tied up in the new bundswehr rifle program that they don’t even qualify for anymore due to companies having to be financially stable to compete for contracts. But somehow it’s all just “ridiculous claims”..
There’s a difference between what you want to happen and reality. They aren’t going under.
Purely on a stock and EPS basis it looks ugly- until you remember something like 97% of their shares are privately held. Their ROA is reported as negative but they still have positive cash flow and a good sales pipeline.They are also reporting a positive operating margin. I’ve seen much worse and I think “ridiculous” is indeed the right word.
The Bundeswehr program has been narrowed to 2 rifles for a while.
They would not be going further if HK were not viable.
Which is the other one besides the HK433?
The other competitor is Haenel; the product in question would be a variant of their MK 556 rifle.
They do have a semi-auto .308 version, so I suppose they would also be able to produce a .308 full auto gun if it really came to it (which is another can of worms regarding this project).
IMO the HK433 is the better gun by a good margin, but that is not the primary consideration in this whole mess, is it?
Trite, I know, but I never understood why we didn’t just stick with KAC. It just seemed to me that would have been an easier transition.
Probably has a lot to do with big Army acquisitions usually going for complete firearms systems vs adaptation kits on existing systems. The M4A1 P.I.P. is the only program I can think of where instead of just buying new M4A1s the Army opted to purchase barrels, full auto FCGs, and bilateral safeties.
In other words the selection was made based on fulfilling the requirements for the CSASS at the lowest price per complete weapon system.
The SDMR is not the CSASS.
At least that was the way it was explained to me by an acquisition dude.