This move comes as part of the company's strategy to diversify its product range amidst weak annual performance figures.
Heckler & Koch, known for supplying a range of firearms to Ukraine including pistols (SFP9) and machine guns (MG5) under agreements with the German government and other NATO countries, is looking to expand further by including weapons compatible with ammunition from former Warsaw Pact nations.
"The company is looking to broaden its market by incorporating Eastern bloc calibers into its portfolio. Already developed is the H&K HK132E machine gun, which is designed for the 7.62 mm by 39 mm Kalashnikov cartridge," stated a representative from H&K.
Although the development and conceptual studies for these new products have commenced, production has not yet begun. Despite this expansion, Heckler & Koch emphasizes that weapons in NATO calibers remain a priority in their development efforts.
Welt highlighted that Heckler & Koch is not alone in its approach to cater to both Western and Eastern military needs, noting that other major arms manufacturers like the Czech company CZ (Česká Zbrojovka a.s.) also produce firearms in both NATO and former Warsaw Pact calibers.
