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 raises 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 carried out primarily in Oberndorf, Germany, with additional work taking place in Columbus, Georgia. Completion is expected by April 27, 2028.
Marine Corps Retains M27
The latest contract expansion reflects the service’s continued commitment to the M27, even as the US Army moves toward a new generation of small arms chambered in 6.8×51mm under its Next Generation Squad Weapon program. The army has selected the M7 rifle and the shorter M8 rifle under the initiative.
In February 2026, a US Marine Corps spokesperson confirmed that the service would retain the M27 for its close combat formations, citing its operational requirements and modernization priorities.
“The Marine Corps will retain the M27 for our close combat formations as it best aligns with our unique service requirements, amphibious doctrinal employment of weapons, and distinct modernization priorities, while ensuring seamless interoperability across the Joint force and with coalition partners,” Task & Purpose quoted the spokesperson as saying.
“We will continue to monitor development of the M7 [Next Generation Squad Weapon rifle] to inform future requirements,” the spokesperson added.
M27 Infantry Automatic Rifle
The M27 is a gas-operated, short-stroke piston rifle based on Heckler & Koch’s HK416.
Chambered in 5.56mm NATO, it uses 30-round magazines compatible with those of the M4 and other US military small arms.
The US Marine Corps initially introduced the lightweight, air-cooled weapon 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 some roles, it expanded the M27’s use across infantry, reconnaissance, and light armored reconnaissance units.
