h&k xm8
A lightweight assault rifle system developed from the late 1990s to early 2000s. The rifle was designed by German small arms manufacturer Heckler & Koch, and shares design and engineering with their G36 rifle.
The XM8 is a selective-fire 5.56×45mm NATO assault rifle, firing from a closed rotary bolt. Its design and functioning is similar to that of the G36, of which it is a derivative.
The materials used to build the XM8 are almost entirely composites, with the notable exception of the cold-hammer-forged steel barrel. Preliminary tests in desert and arctic conditions have shown the XM8 to be a rugged weapon, though some complaints arose.
While the XM8 fell out of favor with the US military, Heckler & Koch sought to market the rifle globally. In the meantime, the Malaysian Armed Forces expressed interest in using the rifle and by 2007 openly stated its intention to purchase the XM8 rifle. By 2010, the Royal Malaysian Navy special unit PASKAL began using the XM8 along with other Heckler & Koch assault rifles including the HK416 and G36.
