German Defense Ministry May Have Manipulated G36 Rifles Report

Sputnik News

20:19 13.05.2015

The G36 assault rifle has been part of the standard equipment of German soldiers since 1996, but a number of serious shortcomings have been recently revealed.

Germany's Defense Ministry recently denied the allegations that the G36 rifles' investigation report for the Bundestag had been manipulated, Focus reported.

The 'Bild' newspaper had reported on Wednesday that the Ministry had omitted the report's foreword which contained the key statements.

The statement concerning the assessment of the G36 accuracy issue had been relativized.

'The G36 […] continues to be a functional and reliable weapon,' it said.

The Ministry confirmed the existence of the omitted passage. The document was made by the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw), which was a part of the investigative commission of experts, it said.

However, a ministry spokesman claimed the document was not announced and agreed with other members of the working group, which is why allegedly it was not included in the full report.

Previously, the German parliament cancelled G36 rifle orders due to significant defects and their unsuitability for hot climate conditions.

A German arms expert who warned about the defects of G36 rifles years ago was considered crazy and forced to resign.

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