A NEW ASSAULT RIFLE For the South African National Defence Force (SANDF)?

A NEW ASSAULT RIFLE FOR THE SANDF? By EEBEN BARLOW
The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) is looking at procuring a new assault rifle as the current R4-series of rifles are rapidly approaching their use-by date, and the costs to maintain these rifles have become outlandish at best.

Tucked away in a quiet industrial park close to the OR Tambo International Airport, Africa Defence Group (ADG) has been silently working on a new series of assault rifles that combine the best of the R4/Galil, AK-47, and AR-series of weapons, and have come up with an innovative design that could certainly be the answer to the SANDF’s hopes for a new assault rifle.
ADG was motivated by the fact that the SANDF will soon need to replace its aging R4-series (Galil variant) rifles, and the company believes the military and law enforcement agencies would be looking for a high-quality, well-designed, well-made rifle other than the ubiquitous AK-series of rifles.
Although none of the weapons have, as yet, been bought by the SANDF, a large amount has already been exported to other interested armed forces.
There has been a flicker of interest from DENEL though, but such interest is merely that―and interest does not translate into sales of any kind. It is unfortunate that our national, tax-payer funded, yet ailing state-owned defence supplier has opted not to support the private defence design and manufacturing industry as much as possible, and instead appears to be looking outward to procure the SANDF’s new assault rifle.
ADG’s entire development and production has been internally (self) funded, proof that the company―along with its steadily-growing foreign client base―has great faith in its products.

The ADG series of assault rifles uses the tried and tested (and very much improved) chassis of the US M4 assault rifle. Although similar in appearance to the M4-series of rifles, ADG’s products include many innovative designs and features, making them unique―and multi-roled.
Currently, the company manufactures the following rifles:

1. ADG CQR (Close Quarter Rifle) with either a 7-inch or 10-inch barrel
2. ADG Commando: A 12-inch barrel
3. ADG Carbine: a 14-inch barrel
4. ADG SF: A unique piston-driven system for Special Forces
5. ADG DMR (Dedicated Marksman Rifle) – a 16-inch barrel
6. ADG SO: For Special Operations. These weapons can be purchased with an optional suppressor (silencer), but if used with a suppressor, sub-sonic ammunition will be required.
   The above weapons can be chambered for either 5, 56mm NATO or 7,62x39mm―depending on the client’s requirements. African clients will invariably be looking at the 7, 62 x 39mm versions for obvious reasons.
   Due to their incredible versatility, as well as the fact that they were designed, tested, and built for harsh African combat conditions―from desert to jungle and everything in-between―the ADG series of rifles have already attracted large interest from several foreign defence contractors and manufacturers.
   ADG’s development did not end with assault rifles. The company also produces the following precision (sniper) rifles:
7. 30 B, bolt-action rifle chambered for 7,62 x 51mm
8. 338 B, bold action, chambered for ,338 Lapua
9. 50 B: bolt action, chambered for 12,7 x 99mm
   Optics will be client specified.
   Insofar as new developments are concerned, ADG are in the process of finalising a new belt-fed ‘Light Support Weapon’ (LSW). The LSW is not a substitute for the Light Machine Gun (LMG) and is aimed at complimenting the LMG―significantly increasing the firepower of the infantry stick or section―and will, depending on the client’s requirements, be chambered for either 5, 56mm or 7, 62 x 39mm.
   The company is also in the process of finalizing two pistols―one with a polymer frame and steel slide, and the other an alloy frame and steel slide. Watch this space!
   Africa Defence Group have developed a unique series of assault and precision rifles that are perfect for numerous applications in the defence, law enforcement and private security environments.
   Having had the opportunity to recently visit the factory and test fire these weapons, all I can say with great sincerity―and a BIG smile―is “If only…!”
   
10. South Africa has in the past been a world leader in military hardware and weapon systems development. ADG has once again proven that we still are world leaders on many fronts―if only…
    For more information, please contact info@africadefence.com