On Thursday, Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner, in the presence of Chief of Armaments Lieutenant General Harald Vodosek (-> Chief of Armaments Harald Vodosek promoted to lieutenant general) and Brigadier Georg Kollmann from Directorate 5 – Procurement handed over the new Nightfighter assault rifles to the 3rd Jäger Brigade. This variation of the assault rifle 77 (StG77) from Steyr Arms were modified for fighting at night. They also feature a red dot sight for rapid target acquisition and optics for engaging targets at longer ranges.
The cost of the modification amounted to 10.7 million euros, according to a recent press release from the Austrian Armed Forces states.
“Today I am delighted to be able to hand over the new StG77 A1 MOD Night Fighter assault rifle – a modern further development of our tried-and-tested standard weapon, which significantly increases the operational capability and safety of our soldiers with improved camouflage and new optics,” said Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner.
The four land brigades, the Guards, Jäger Battalion 8, the Army Troop School and the Theresian Military Academy will receive a total of 4,000 of the 77 Nightfighter assault rifle.
In addition to the modifications to the optics, the surface finish has also been changed. This reduces the effectiveness of the enemy’s night vision devices. The upgrade is supplemented by 4,000 night vision goggles from Theon. This significantly increases the units’ night vision and reconnaissance capabilities. The total value of both investments amounts to 70.7 million euros.
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The 77 assault rifle was introduced to the armed forces in the 1970s and has been used in various versions ever since. With the night vision goggles from Theon, the 77 Nightfighter assault rifle sets new standards in the operational capability of soldiers.
Here for more army news and here to further news about Steyr Arms.
