UK MoD Orders More Grenade Machine Guns for Front Line Troops

Released on Friday, February 08, 2008

 

Since its introduction into service last year the Grenade Machine Gun (GMG) has proved to be an effective and popular asset with front line troops. Now, as part of the MOD's Fire Support Weapon programme, more of these battlefield dominating weapons will soon be in theatre.

The Ministry of Defence has ordered a further batch of GMGs to equip the front line infantry, adding to the significant numbers which have already proven to be hugely effective on operations; particularly in Afghanistan. The latest batch brings to an end the purchase programme of an impressive and lethal piece of kit.

GMGs have a rate of fire of up to 340 rounds a minute, and fire 40mm diameter high explosive grenades out to ranges of two kilometres in either single shot or automatic modes. The ammunition is dual purpose and can be used against enemy troops in defensive positions.

The Fire Support Weapon programme includes the procurement of a full suite of the latest weapons optics to support the GMG, including a telescopic day sight, image intensifying and thermal night sights and a laser rangefinder, which allow the weapon to be effective day and night in all environments. The total value of the programme, which also includes the development of simulated training systems to allow training on the weapon without firing live ammunition, is more than £18m.

Grenade Machine Gun.

Colonel Peter Rafferty, who leads Defence Equipment & Support's Dismounted Close Combat project team, said:

"This contract completes our planned buy of the equipment, a large proportion of which has been delivered ahead of schedule to meet the urgent requirements of the men on the ground.

"Reports from the front line have been extremely favourable, with the weapon's effectiveness allowing infantry company commanders to engage and defeat the enemy at range, providing overmatch of the enemy and the ability to achieve mission success more rapidly.

"The grenade machine gun, whether mounted on vehicles or on a tripod, has given our troops a major boost in the firepower they can bring to bear on the enemy.

"It's extremely effective – especially when teamed up with the powerful 0.5in calibre machine gun – and does the job that was intended. It's so accurate that a well-trained user can put a grenade through the window of a building over a kilometre away."

Colonel Rafferty added:

"The grenade machine guns were needed both to support infantry in difficult terrain, and to completely dominate the battlefield when in open terrain.

"While this programme will deliver the system mainly for use in a tripod-mounted role from the ground, it can also be mounted on several in-service vehicles, including armoured Land Rovers and the Mastiff protected patrol vehicle."

Before entering service, the entire system completed a rigorous testing process, including a series of user trials run by the Infantry Trials and Development Unit in jungle, desert and Arctic conditions, which demonstrated that it was the best available system to meet the requirements of the military users.

The final batch of weapons will be delivered in spring 2008 to equip men in the Royal Marines, the RAF Regiment and Mechanised Light and Air Assault Infantry Battalions.

 

Source: More Grenade Machine Guns for front line troops