TEL AVIV — The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced it will retire its aging heavy machine guns and replace them with a new, lighter, and more powerful weapon system.

The upgraded weapon, nicknamed the MG338, is being introduced across infantry units to improve mobility and firepower in combat. While it does not yet have an official Hebrew designation, the MG338 is already being hailed as a major step forward in modernizing the IDF’s arsenal.

Military officials noted that the new platform offers increased accuracy, reduced recoil, and greater operational flexibility compared to the older generation of heavy machine guns. Its lighter weight also allows soldiers to maneuver more effectively in both urban and open-field operations.

The move reflects the IDF’s broader strategy to modernize equipment while preparing troops for evolving battlefield threats. Deployment of the MG338 is expected to expand across multiple units in the coming months.