Heckler & Koch factories are set to be even busier as their sales chalk up another win for their HK416 rifle.  In a recent report, the Netherlands Ministry of Defense just signed a contract last 7 February 2018 for a 7-year contract for the German firearms manufacturer to supply the HK416 A5 worth EUR14 million.

In a report on the Special Ops Magazine website, the contract is with Condor Arnhem and includes an option for an additional 3 years. The report does not mention when the supplier is expected to start delivering the rifles.

It has not been indicated which rifle length of the HK416 A5 the Dutch are adopting, as the rifle is available in 11", 14.5", 16.5", and 20" versions.

The Netherlands’ special forces units are no strangers to the HK416 rifle, as the Korps Commandotroepen or the Special Forces of the Royal Netherlands Army,  the Royal Netherlands Marine Corps’ Maritime Special Operations Forces and the Marechaussee Gendarmerie Brigade Speciale Beveiligingsopdrachten have been using the earlier versions of the HK416 alongside with the Dimaco (Colt Canada) rifles.

In airsoft, there is already a gas blowback version of the HK416 A5 rifle is manufactured by Vega Force Company (VFC) for Umarex and uses the H&K RAL8000 colour scheme. An AEG version is going to be available soon and was on display at the Elite Force Booth at the SHOT Show 2018.

More information on the HK416 A5 as taken from the Heckler & Koch official website:

HK416 A5 | The next evolution in assault rifle technology

The HK416 A5 is a further development of the HK416 assault rifle in 5.56 x 45 mm NATO calibre. The most striking changes compared to its previous versions as well as to market available AR platforms include an improved and tool-less gas regulator for suppressor use, a redesigned, user-friendly lower receiver, which allows complete ambidextrous operation of the weapon and ensures optimised magazine compatibility, as well as numerous technical improvements to maximize the operator safety, reliability, ammunition compatibility and durability under real operating conditions.

Features:

• Modified and tool-less gas regulator for suppressor use
• Safety-/Fire selector lever can be set to safe when the hammer is in the cocked or uncocked position
• Over the beach (OTB) capability
• Completely ambidextrous operating controls (bolt catch-, Magazine release-, safety-/fire selector lever and charging handle)
• "Winter" trigger guard for use with gloves and cold weather clothing
• Non-stop NATO-Stanag 4694 top rail for use of various mechanical and optical sights (incl. night vision/thermal)
• Redesigned ergonomic pistol grip with storage compartment for field stripping tool
• Enlarged Bolt catch lever and protective barrier against accidental discharge
• "Slim line" Telescopic buttstock
• Optimised receiver geometry, modified assembly interfaces and improved receiver connections
• Receiver extension to stabilise and accomplish drop test criteria under real conditions
• Increased magazine compatibility in accordance with NATO-STANAG-DRAFT 4179 (M4/M16 Magazines)
• 40 mm Low velocity GLM/M320 interface

Variants | Options:

• 11“, 14.5“, 16.5“ and 20“ barrel lengths available
• Black and green brown colour scheme
• Compatible with HK 40 mm low velocity GLM/M320
• Compatible with HK steel and polymer magazines
• Distinctive features of the variants
• The 20" Variant has a long handguard with a gas regulator window
• Handguard with integrated flip up sight on 11" Variant
• Modular interface for Bayonet and foldable front sight on barrel of the 14.5", 16.5" and 20" variants