The German Army are now testing their new light machine gun as posted on the Official Bundeswehr’s Facebook Page. The MG4A3 is the latest variant of the MG4 series or the Heckler & Koch HK123 general purpose machine gun. First adopted in 2005, the MG4A3 is the latest evolution in the series and is fitted with 40x30 riflescope.

In the photos posted on Facebook, which was posted on 29 May,  the Luftlandebrigade 26 or the 26th Airborne Brigade were testing the MG4A3 at the Baumholder Traning area which is the third largest troop training area in Germany that is located in the south-west of Rheinland-Pfalz.

Weighing 8.6kg, the M4A3 can be mounted with vertical grip and bipod for stable shooting as well as easier in shifting shooting positions. Also, it still maintains the proven barrel change just like the earlier versions. The 40x30 rifescope can allow target acquisition of up to 1,000 metres and also has a red dot for easier to acquire targets in low light conditions.

For three weeks, the troops shot targets up to 600 metres in distance, expending 7,000 rounds. The results are being evaluated. Improvements will be implemented by the Office for Army Development and Heckler & Koch and if all goes well, the MG4A3 will be delivered to the troops next year.

More photos below and we know you wish that Umarex will plan for an airsoft version of this next year.

All photos: Bundeswehr/Maximilian Schulz.