Lithuania acquires German G-36 automatic rifle for Lithuanian Armed Forces.

As part of an initiative to modernize its forces, Lithuania plans to enhance the arsenal of the Lithuanian Riflemen's Union by acquiring new G-36 automatic rifles, with a total investment amounting to 3.5 million euros. This acquisition underscores Lithuania's commitment to strengthening its defense capabilities in response to the evolving dynamics of global security.
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Lithuania plans to enhance the arsenal of the Lithuanian Riflemen's Union by acquiring new G-36 automatic rifles. (Picture source: Lithuanian MoD)

The decision to equip the Riflemen's Union with the G-36, which is also the primary weapon of the Lithuanian Armed Forces, signals a unified approach to defense procurement, ensuring interoperability and cohesion among different units within Lithuania's defense establishment. This acquisition is part of Lithuania's ambitious modernization initiative, aimed at upgrading its military hardware to effectively meet contemporary and future challenges.

Lithuania's investment in new G-36 automatic rifles for the Lithuanian Riflemen's Union demonstrates its proactive stance on national security. By modernizing its volunteer forces, Lithuania not only strengthens its military readiness but also sends a strong signal regarding its dedication to protecting sovereignty and peace in the region.

This move also reflects the significance of the Lithuanian Riflemen's Union within the country's defense architecture. As a volunteer military organization, the Union plays a crucial role in Lithuania's defense strategy, complementing the professional armed forces during national emergencies and security threats.

The G36 assault rifle, designed and manufactured by Heckler & Koch in Germany, is an iconic example of precision engineering in the field of armament. Designed between 1990 and 1995, this rifle entered service in 1997 and remains in production to this day, with over 260,000 units produced. The G36 has been adopted by more than 40 countries worldwide, attesting to its popularity and reliability in various military conflicts.

Weighing 3.63 kg (8.00 lb) and measuring 999 mm (39.3 in) with the stock extended (and 758 mm or 29.8 in with the stock folded), the G36 stands out for its balanced design, effectively combining maneuverability and efficiency. The barrel length is 480 mm (18.9 in), providing exceptional accuracy, while its overall dimensions, including a width of 64 mm (2.5 in) and a height of 320 mm (12.6 in), make it a relatively compact weapon for its category.

Using the standard NATO 5.56×45mm cartridge, the G36 operates on the principle of a short-stroke piston with a closed rotating bolt, allowing for rapid and reliable firing with a rate of fire of 750 rounds per minute. The muzzle velocity reaches 920 m/s (3,018 ft/s), and the weapon has an effective firing range of 600 meters, with a maximum range of up to 2,860 meters under optimal conditions.

The G36 is equipped with a flexible feeding system, accepting 30-round proprietary detachable box magazines, as well as 100-round C-Mag drum magazines and STANAG magazines via an optional adaptor, thus offering great adaptability in the field. In terms of sighting, it comes standard with a reflex sight with 1× magnification and a telescopic sight with 3× magnification for the export version (the export version also features a 1.5× magnified sight), complemented by a fixed notch sight when necessary. The more recent models are also equipped with Picatinny rails, allowing for the mounting of a variety of additional optics to further increase the weapon's versatility.

The acquisition of new G-36 automatic rifles is a pivotal step in the modernization of Lithuania's defense.