The US Marine Corps has awarded Heckler & Koch Defense a $45.4-million contract modification to procure additional M27 Infantry Automatic Rifle systems. The modification increases the contract ceiling from $39.23 million to $84.63 million, with funding to be provided through individual task orders as they are issued. Originally awarded in 2018, the contract covered the procurement of up to 15,000 M27 rifles and spare parts, with an initial ceiling of $29.42 million. Work will be performed primarily in Oberndorf, Germany, with additional activities in Columbus, Georgia, and is expected to be completed by April 27, 2028. The latest expansion reflects the Marine Corps’ continued commitment to the M27, even as the US Army transitions toward a new generation of small arms chambered in 6.8×51mm under its Next Generation Squad Weapon program. The Army selected the M7 rifle and shorter M8 rifle as part of the initiative. In February 2026, a Marine Corps spokesperson confirmed that the service would retain the M27 for its close combat formations, citing operational requirements and modernization priorities. The M27 is a gas-operated, short-stroke piston rifle based on Heckler & Koch’s HK416 and chambered in 5.56mm NATO. It uses 30-round magazines compatible with those used by the M4 and other US military small arms. The Marine Corps initially introduced the lightweight, air-cooled rifle to supplement and potentially replace the heavier, belt-fed M249 Squad Automatic Weapon as the infantry squad’s automatic weapon. Fielding began in 2010 and was completed in 2013. Although the service ultimately retained the M249 for certain roles, it expanded M27 deployment across infantry, reconnaissance, and light armored reconnaissance units.
