List of weapons of West Germany
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This is a list of weapons utilized by the armed forces of West Germany. West Germany was formed as a result of the division of Germany following World War II. Following a 10 year period of demilitarization, the Federal Republic of Germany rearmed and joined NATO in 1955. As a frontline state bordering the Iron Curtain, West Germany's Cold War arsenal drew on both domestically developed weaponry as well as extensive imports from NATO allies, particularly the United States.
Rifles
- FN FAL[1]- Adopted in 1956 following the beginning of West Germany's rearmament in 1955 and designated G1. Replaced by the G3 beginning in 1959.
- Heckler & Koch G3[2]- West Germany's primary service rifle from its entry into service in 1959 until its replacement in the 1990s.
Sniper rifles
- G3SG/1 - Developed in 1972 and based on the G3 battle rifle, this served as Germany's primary sniper rifle. Replaced by the MSG90 beginning in 1990.
Sidearms
- Walther P38[3]- Reintroduced from WWII in 1957 and saw service until 1963. Replaced by the P1, an improved variant that served as the West Germany's standard-issue sidearm for the remainder of the Cold War.
Submachine guns
- Walther MP - Developed in 1963. Largely outclassed and replaced by the MP5.
- Heckler & Koch MP5 - Developed in 1966, this would go on to serve as West Germany's primary submachine gun.
Machine guns
- Rheinmetall MG 3[4]- Modernized variant of the WWII-era MG 42. Served as West Germany's primary general-purpose machine gun from the late 1950s onward.
- Heckler & Koch HK21 - A general-purpose machine gun developed in 1961 based on the G3 battle rifle.
Grenade launchers
- Heckler & Koch HK69A1 - A 40 mm standalone grenade launcher created in 1979 and adopted into service with the German Army in the 1980s.
Anti-tank weapons
Artillery
Towed
Self-propelled
- M7 Priest - M7B2 variant.[9]
- M44 self-propelled howitzer[9]
- M52 self-propelled howitzer[9]
- M55 self-propelled howitzer[9]
- M107 self-propelled gun[10]
- M109 self-propelled howitzer[11]
- M110 self-propelled howitzer[12]