The start of February 2017 did come with some good news that got at the attention of the real steel and airsoft communities. Heckler & Koch has unveiled their new assault rifle, the HK433 that comes with the best features of two of its successful predecessors, the HK416 and the G36 assault rifles. A hybrid, you will say, but if it truly does feature the best of these rifles, then military organisations should pay close attention to the HK433 if they are looking for a new assault rifle to equip their soldiers.

With the Bundeswehr looking for a new rifle to replace the G36 due to problems and ended the contract (which Heckler & Koch won the dispute in court), companies are lining up with their offerings. For the company, they are determined to participate in the bidding a new rifle than offer an older rifle in a report at DW.com:

"Of course, we will take part in the bidding process - assault rifles are our core business," Heckler & Koch CEO Norbert Scheuch told the DPA news agency. "We are very well positioned for the upcoming competition," the CEO said, after presenting the new HK433 assault rifle in Las Vegas as an alternative.

The HK433 is said to have the gas system of the G36 and the AR lower of the HK416 with the handguard showing the use of the KeyMod rail system that allows for a lower and sleeker profile. With the use of the gas system, it eliminates the need for a buffer tube that will allow for the use of a folding stock as well as any other stock that will be compatible with it (like third party accessories makers can build new stocks for it).

Just like the G36 and HK416, the ammo will be 5.56mm, though according to Europäische Sicherheit & Technik there are planned versions that that can take in the 7.62mm NATO and will be called HK231, .300 Blackout, and 7.62mm x 39 Kalashnikov which will be called HK123. The tubing lengths are also selectable: 11 ", 12.5", 14.5 ", 16.5", 18.9 "and 20". This shows the HK433 series will give clients more options to choose from.

It is also said to be cheaper than HK416 as the HK416 is an expensive weapon and that will make it more affordable for militaries looking for the features of the HK416 but are on a budget.

Even with the dispute with the German government over the G36 issue, Heckler & Koch is seen as a front runner for the new assault rifle contract as the G36 will be phased out by 2019. The company will have to win this contract as it will be a big one, and given that they are in debt by several hundred million euros, they will have to work really hard to give what the Bundeswehr wants.

All photos by Heckler & Koch.