Portuguese small-arms contest reopened

[Tony Williams]

In 2004 Portugal announced the results of a competition for a new 5.56mm rifle and LMG (plus a 9mm pistol), to replace the 7.62mm G3 rifle and the HK21, MG42-59 and MG3 MGs, plus Walther P38 and PP pistols, and some SIG 543 5.56mm rifles.

Winner of the rifle contest was the HK G36, but following a court challenge the whole contest is to be reopened, with bids expected from all of the usual suspects...should be interesting!

Tony Williams: Military gun and ammunition website (http://www.quarry.nildram.co.uk) and discussion forum (http://forums.delphiforums.com/autogun/messages/)

[Ubar]

What had they previously selected for 5.56 LMG? H&K MG4?

[solidarnosc]

FN has a big factory in Viana do Castelo Portugal so they were probably not pleased when the Portuguese government chose the G36. Ofcourse it's not because FN has a factory in Portugal that they have to buy FN weapons and Portuguese military has bougth HK in the past. We shall see who wins.

[Lancero]

The procurements (opened last 16th November) goes for

26 900 rifles, 5,56 × 45 mm NATO, (Stanag 4172) and acessories
1600 LMG, 5,56 × 45 mm NATO, (Stanag 4172) and acessories
4100 pistols, 9 × 19 mm NATO, (Stanag 4090) and acessories

[Boina verde]

In the past the Aug Steyr won, but because of the lack of funds, this weapon wasn't bought.

In Portugal we are talking about this at least at some decades, and personally I'm only believed that the G-3/Galil and Sig 543 will be replaced when our Armed Forces star receiving them.

[Benny]

I'll miss the G3 but everything has an end...

Benny