Steyr AUG

Steyr AUG
Steyr AUG A1 with 508 mm (20.0 in) barrel
Type	Bullpup assault rifle Carbine Light machine gun Submachine gun
Place of origin	Austria
Service history
In service	1978–present[1]
Used by	See Users
Wars	See Conflicts
Production history
Designer	Horst Wesp Karl Wagner Karl Möse
Designed	1977
Manufacturer	Steyr Mannlicher Thales Australia, Lithgow Facility SME Ordnance
Produced	1978–present (Standard)[1] 1988–present (Para)[1] 2004–present (A3) 2007–present (A3 SF)
Variants	See Variants
Specifications
Weight	3.6 kg (7.9 lb) (Standard) 3.3 kg (7.3 lb) (Carbine) 3.2 kg (7.1 lb) (Subcarbine) 3.9 kg (8.6 lb) (HBAR) 3.3 kg (7.3 lb) (Para)[1]
Length	790 mm (31.1 in) (Standard)[1] 690 mm (27.2 in) (Carbine) 630 mm (24.8 in) (Subcarbine) 900 mm (35.4 in) (HBAR) 665 mm (26.2 in) (Para)[1]
Barrel length	508 mm (20.0 in) (Standard)[1] 407 mm (16.0 in) (Carbine) 350 mm (13.8 in) (Subcarbine) 621 mm (24.4 in) (HBAR) 420 mm (16.5 in) (Para)[1]
Cartridge	5.56×45mm NATO[1] 9×19mm Parabellum[1]
Action	Gas-operated, rotating bolt
Rate of fire	680–750 rounds/min[2]
Muzzle velocity	Standard rifle: 970 m/s (3,182 ft/s)
Effective firing range	300 metres (980 ft)
Maximum firing range	500 metres (1,600 ft)
Feed system	5.56×45mm NATO: 30- or 42-round detachable box magazine,[1] 9×19mm Parabellum: 25 or 32-round detachable MPi 69 box magazine[1]
Sights	Swarovski 1.5x telescopic sight, emergency battle sights, various optics

The Steyr AUG is an Austrian bullpup 5.56×45mm NATO assault rifle, designed in the 1960s by Steyr Mannlicher GmbH & Co KG (formerly Steyr-Daimler-Puch). The AUG (Armee-Universal-Gewehr—"universal army rifle") was adopted by the Austrian Army as the StG 77 (Sturmgewehr 77) in 1978,^[3] where it replaced the 7.62×51mm StG 58 automatic rifle (a licence-built FN FAL).^[4] In production since 1978, it is the standard small arm of the Austrian Bundesheer and various national police units.

The rifle and its variants have also been adopted by the armed forces of Argentina, Australia, Bolivia, Ecuador, Ireland, Luxembourg, Malaysia, New Zealand, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, Pakistan, the Falkland Islands Defence Force and the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Design details

The Steyr AUG, a bullpup 5.56×45mm automatic rifle, is a selective-fire weapon with a conventional gas-piston-operated action that fires from a closed bolt.^[5] Designed as a family of rifles that could be quickly adapted to a wide variety of roles with the change of the barrel to a desired length and profile, the AUG is a modular configuration rifle that employs a high level of polymer and advanced alloy components.

The primary variant of the rifle, designated the AUG A1, consists of six main assemblies: the barrel, receiver with integrated telescopic sight, bolt and carrier, trigger mechanism, stock and magazine.^[5]

The AUG uses the 5.56×45mm NATO cartridge and the standard 1:9 rifling twist will stabilize both SS109/M855 and M193 rounds. Some nations including Australia and New Zealand use a version with a 1:7 twist optimised for the SS109 NATO round.

Features

The rifle features an Spz-kr type progressive trigger (pulling the trigger halfway produces semi-automatic fire, pulling the trigger all the way to the rear produces fully automatic fire) and a safety mechanism (cross-bolt, button type), located immediately above the hand grip.^[5] In its "safe" position (white dot) the trigger is mechanically disabled; pressing the safety button to the left exposes a red dot and indicates the weapon is ready to fire. Some versions have an ALO or "automatic lockout", a small projection at the base of the trigger. This was first included on the Irish Defence Forces variant of the rifle, and soon after, the Australian Defence Forces variant. In the exposed position the ALO stops the trigger being squeezed past the semi-automatic position. If needed, the ALO can be pushed up to permit automatic fire.^[6]

The rifle is fed from translucent, double-column box magazines (molded from a high-strength polymer) with a 30-round capacity and an empty weight of 130 g (4.6 oz). The light machine gun version of the AUG uses an extended 42-round magazine. An Argentine version of the FN FAL chambered in 5.56 mm NATO and known as the FALMP III Type 2 also used the AUG magazine.

Integrated with the receiver casting is a 1.5x telescopic sight made by Swarovski Optik.^[5] It contains a simple black ring reticle with a basic rangefinder that is designed so that at 300 m (984.3 ft) a 180 cm (5.11 ft) tall man-size target will completely fill it, giving the shooter an accurate method of estimating range. The sight cannot be set to a specific range but can be adjusted for windage and elevation for an initial zero and is designed to be calibrated for 300 m. When so set, aiming at the centre of a target will produce a hit at all ranges out to 300 m. The rifle also has a back-up iron sight with a rear notch and front blade, cast into the top of the aluminium optical sight housing, used in case of failure or damage to the primary optical sight. The sight is also equipped with a set of three illuminated dots (one on the front blade and two at the rear) for use in low-level lighting conditions. In order to mount a wide range of optics and accessories, a receiver with a NATO-standard Picatinny rail and detachable carry handle was also developed and introduced in December 1997.

Three-pronged, open-type flash suppressors were used on the 350 mm (13.8 in), 407 mm (16.0 in) and 508 mm (20.0 in) length barrels, whereas the 621 mm (24.4 in) light machine gun barrel received a closed-type ported muzzle device (combination flash suppressor and compensator) and an integral, lightweight folding bipod. The flash suppressors are screwed to the muzzle and internally threaded to take a blank-firing attachment.

The rifle comes standard with four magazines, a muzzle cap, spare bolt for left-handed shooters, blank-firing adaptor, cleaning kit, sling and either an American M7 or German KCB-77 M1 bayonet.

Operating mechanism

The rotating bolt features 7 radial locking lugs and is unlocked by means of a pin on the bolt body and a recessed camming guide machined into the bolt carrier. The bolt carrier itself is guided by two guide rods brazed to it and these rods run inside steel bearings in the receiver. The guide rods are hollow and contain the return springs. The bolt also contains a claw extractor that forms the eighth locking lug and a spring-loaded "bump"-type casing ejector.

The gas cylinder is offset to the right side of the barrel and works with one of the two guide rods. The AUG uses a short-stroke piston system where the right guide rod serves as the action rod, transmitting the rearward motion of the gas-driven piston to the bolt carrier. The left-hand rod provides retracting handle pressure when connected by the forward assist and can also be used to remove fouling in the gas cylinder by utilizing the left-hand guide rod as a reamer. The firearm uses a 3-position gas valve. The first setting, marked with a small dot, is used for normal operation. The second setting, illustrated with a large dot, indicates fouled conditions. The third, "GR" closed position is used to launch rifle grenades (of the non-bullet trap type).

The AUG is hammer-fired and the firing mechanism is contained in the rear of the stock, near the butt, covered by a synthetic rubber shoulder plate. The hammer group is made entirely of plastics except for the springs and pins and is contained in an open-topped plastic box which lies between the magazine and the buttplate. During firing the recoiling bolt group travels over the top of it, resetting the hammer. Since the trigger is located some distance away, it transmits its energy through a sear lever which passes by the side of the magazine. The firing pin is operated by a plastic hammer under pressure from a coil spring.

Engineering

The quick-change barrel used in the AUG is cold hammer-forged by GFM-GmbH of Steyr Austria for increased precision and durability, its bore, chamber and certain components of the gas system are chrome-plated. The standard rifle-length barrel features 6 right-hand grooves and a rifling twist rate of 228 mm (1:9 in). An external sleeve is shrunk on to the barrel and carries the gas port and cylinder, gas valve and forward grip hinge jaw. There is a short cylinder which contains a piston and its associated return spring. The barrel locks into a steel insert inside the receiver through a system of eight lugs arranged around the chamber end and is equipped with a folding, vertical grip that helps to pivot and withdraw the barrel during barrel changes. The most compact of the barrels has a fixed vertical grip.

The receiver housing is a steel-reinforced aluminium extrusion finished with a baked enamel coating.^[5] It holds the steel bearings for the barrel lugs and the guide rods. The non-reciprocating plastic cocking handle works in a slot on the left side of the receiver and is connected with the bolt carrier's left guide rod. The cocking handle has a forward assist feature—alternatively called a "silent cocking device"—used for pushing the bolt shut without recocking the rifle.^[5][7] A bolt hold-open device locks the bolt carrier assembly back after the last round has been fired.^[7] The newer AUG A3s possess a bolt release button, prior to this development all AUGs and the USR required the cocking handle being retracted to release the bolt group after a new magazine has been inserted. Older versions of the AUG can be upgraded to use the newer A3 stock and in turn the button release; however, it requires they also upgrade other key parts as well including the hammer pack.

The rifle's stock is made from fiberglass-reinforced polyamide 66. At the forward end is the pistol grip with an enlarged forward trigger guard completely enclosing the firing hand that allows the rifle to be operated with winter gloves.^[5] The trigger is hung permanently on the pistol grip, together with its two operating rods which run in guides past the magazine housing. Behind that is the locking catch for the stock group. Pressing this to the right will separate the receiver and stock. The magazine catch is behind the housing, on the underside of the stock. Above the housing are the two ejector openings, one of which is always covered by a removable strip of plastic. The rear of the stock forms the actual shoulder rest which contains the hammer unit and the end of the bolt path. The butt is closed by an endplate which is held in place by the rear sling swivel. This swivel is attached to a pin which pushes in across the butt and secures the plate. There is a cavity under the buttplate that holds a cleaning kit.

Modularity

Austrian models

Stock

While the rifle is not fully ambidextrous, it can be configured for use by left- or right-handed operators by changing the bolt with one that has the extractor and ejector on the appropriate side, and moving the blanking plate to cover the ejection port not in use. However, there is also a right-hand-only stock that allows for the use of M16 type STANAG magazines.^[8][9]

Firing mechanism

The AUG's firing mechanism may also be changed at will, into a variety of configurations, including; semi-auto & full-auto, semi-auto & three-round-burst, semi-auto-only, or any other combination that the user may desire.^[10] It may also be converted into an open-bolt full-auto-only mode of fire, which allows for improved cooling and eliminates cook off problems when the AUG is used as a light machine gun or squad automatic weapon.^[10]

Barrels

All AUG's are equipped with quick detachable barrels; including compact 350 mm (13.8 in) barrels, 407 mm (16.0 in) carbine barrels, 508 mm (20.0 in) standard rifle-length barrels and 621 mm (24.4 in) light machine gun barrels.^[5] Rifles equipped with 508 mm (20.0 in) pattern barrels produced for military purposes are also equipped with bayonet lugs. The 407 mm (16.0 in) and 508 mm (20.0 in) barrels are capable of launching NATO STANAG type 22mm rifle grenades from their integral flash hiders without the use of an adapter. AUG barrels can also mount 40 mm M203 or AG36 grenade launchers. Steyr also offers 508 mm (20.0 in) barrel configurations fitted with a fixed, post front-sight used on the standard rifle version with aperture iron sights.

Receivers

The AUG's receiver may also be changed from the standard model with a carrying handle and built-in 1.5x optical sight,^[10] to the "T" model receiver which has a universal scope mount to allow for the use of a variety of scopes and sights.^[10] The AUG also has several different types of receivers with Picatinny rails.^[11] The AUG has proven to be an effective sniper or designated marksman rifle when configured with the 621 mm (24.4 in) light machine gun barrel, the universal scope mount fitted with a Kahles ZF69 6×42 optical sight and the semi-auto-only trigger group.

Irish Army upgrades

In 2014 the Irish Army began issuing upgraded Steyr AUG rifles to its operational units. The modularity of the AUG allowed the Irish AUG A1 model rifles to be modernised without any gunsmithing, by replacing the original A1 housing/receiver group (with 1.5x optical sight) with an A3 housing/receiver group (with MIL-STD-1913 Picatinny rail on top and right side) allowing a modern optical sight to be fitted. The Trijicon ACOG 4x sight was selected as the new sight. The upgraded rifles are called the Steyr Aug Mod 14.

Australian models

The Australian F88 version of the AUG was tested with a new grenade launcher specifically designed for it called the ML40AUS GLA (Grenade Launcher Assembly), one of the lightest underbarrel grenade launchers at less than 1 kg (2.2 lb) due to steel, aluminium, and synthetic parts. The GLA is mounted on the rifle's bottom accessory rail with the trigger moving through a removable plug in the trigger guard that allows for operation of the launcher inside of it, moving it further back than other launchers to maintain center of balance and improve handling. The ML40AUS differs from the M203 by having a side-opening breech to allow for longer grenade rounds, a cross-bolt safety, and a new quadrant sight that mounts to the top rail alongside the rifle's optics.^[12] On 21 January 2014 however, Thales announced they had instead selected the Steyr SL40 grenade launcher due to "significant" engineering concerns with the ML40AUS. The SL40 is a derivative of the Steyr GL40 launcher designed specifically for the EF88. It weighs 1.025 kg (2.26 lb) and has a 180 mm (7.1 in) long barrel. Though marginally heavier than the ML40AUS, it has the same attachment, firing mechanism, and control layout.^[13]

Variants

A semi-automatic version of the rifle known as the AUG P is available to the civilian and law enforcement markets. It features a shorter, 407 mm (16.0 in) barrel and a modified bolt, carrier and trigger assembly that will only allow semi-automatic fire. The rifle also has a slightly different optical sight that features a reticule with a fine dot in the center of the aiming circle, allowing for more precise aiming.

The light machine gun variant can be modified to fire from an open bolt (called the AUG LMG in this configuration). To accomplish this, a modified bolt carrier, striker and trigger mechanism with sear are used.

Based on the AUG, Steyr developed the 9 mm AUG submachine gun that fires the 9×19mm Parabellum pistol cartridge. It is an automatic, blowback-operated model that fires from a closed bolt. Unlike the rifle variants, this SMG has a unique 420 mm (16.5 in) barrel with six right-hand grooves at a 250 mm (1:9.8 in) rifling twist rate, ended with a recoil compensator, a slightly different charging handle and a magazine well conversion insert enabling the use of standard 25-round box magazines from the Steyr MPi 81 and TMP submachine guns. A conversion kit used to transform any rifle variant into the submachine gun is also available. It consists of a barrel, bolt, adapter insert and magazine.

Austrian variants

• AUG A0: Standard version introduced in 1978.
• AUG A1: Improved version introduced in 1982. Available with a choice of olive or black furniture.^[14]
• AUG A2: Similar to the AUG A1, but features a redesigned charging handle and a detachable telescopic sight which can be replaced with a MIL-STD-1913 rail.^[14] Introduced in December 1997.
• AUG A3: Similar to the AUG A2, but features a MIL-STD-1913 rail on top of the receiver, and an external bolt release.^[15] Modified shaft allows also the use of STANAG magazines instead of the original magazine.
• AUG A3 SF (also known as the AUG A2 Commando): Similar to the AUG A2, but features MIL-STD-1913 rails mounted on the telescopic sight and on the right side of the receiver, and includes an external bolt release.^[16] It was adopted by the Austrian Special Forces in late 2007.^[17] The sight is offered in 1.5x or 3x magnification.
• AUG A3 SA USA: Semi-automatic AUG A3 with a 407 mm (16.0 in) barrel, made available for the U.S. civilian market in April 2009.^[18][19]
• AUG P: Semi-automatic AUG A1 with a shorter, 407 mm (16.0 in) barrel.
• AUG P Special Receiver: Similar to the AUG P, but features a MIL-STD-1913 rail on top of the receiver.
• AUG Para (also known as the AUG SMG or AUG 9mm): Chambered in 9×19mm Parabellum and produced since 1988.^[1] Differs from A1 model in barrel, bolt, magazine and a magazine well adapter, which allows the rifle to feed from Steyr MPi 69 magazines. This version operates as a blowback firearm, without use of the rifle's gas system.^[20] For some time a kit of the above components was available to convert any AUG into a 9 mm variant.^[21]
• AUG A3 Para XS: 9mm version of the AUG A3, similar to the AUG Para. Features a 325 mm (12.8 in) barrel and Picatinny rail system.^[22]
• AUG M203: An AUG modified for use with the M203 grenade launcher.
• AUG LSW (Light Support Weapon): A family of light support versions of the AUG.
• AUG HBAR (Heavy-Barreled Automatic Rifle): A longer, heavier-barreled version for use as a light machine gun or Squad Automatic Weapon.
• AUG LMG (Light machine gun): Based on the AUG HBAR, fires from an open bolt to allow sustained fire, has 4x rather than 1.5× optic of the base AUG.
• AUG LMG–T: Same as LMG, but has rail similar to the AUG P Special Receiver.
• AUG HBAR–T: A designated marksman rifle based on the HBAR with a universal scope mount cast into the receiver and fitted with a Kahles ZF69 6×42 optical sight.
• AUG Z: Semi-automatic version, somewhat similar to the A2, intended primarily for civilian use.
• AUG SA: Semi-automatic version of the A1 variant; built for civilian use and import to the US before being banned from importation in 1989.
• USR: An AUG A2 modified to meet the former Federal Assault Weapons Ban (AWB) (or Public Safety and Recreational Firearms Use Protection Act) regulations. The primary difference is the omission of the flash hider.
• AUG A3 SA NATO: Uses a right-hand-only, NATO STANAG magazine stock assembly.^[8][9]
• AUG A3 M1: Semi-automatic version, somewhat similar to the A3 SF but with a detachable optical sight which can be replaced with MIL-STD-1913 rails, manufactured in the US by Steyr Arms since October 2014.^[23]

Australian variants

• F88 Austeyr: The Australian Army's modified version of the Steyr AUG A1. Changes for the Australian version include a bayonet lug, a 1:7 in rifling pitch as found in the M16A2 rifle, optimised for the heavier 62-grain NATO-standard SS109/M855 round and an "automatic lockout" selector that can physically disable the fully automatic position of the two-stage trigger mechanism found on the standard AUG. Both the Australian & New Zealand issued F88 Austeyr incorporate a cross hair donut sight. The F88 won a competition against the prototype of what would become the Bushmaster M17S. The components are built under licence at the Thales Lithgow Small Arms Factory.
• F88C Austeyr: A carbine version of the Austeyr F88 featuring a shorter, 407 mm (16.0 in) barrel. The F88C is generally used as a personal defensive weapon where manoeuvrability is an issue, such as in armoured vehicles.
• F88S-A1 Austeyr: A version of the Australian Austeyr F88 with an integrated Picatinny rail in place of the standard optical sight that allows the attachment of various other sighting devices (night vision scopes, magnified and non-magnified optics such as the ELCAN C79, Trijicon ACOG or Aimpoint).
• F88S-A1C: The Austeyr F88S-A1C is a compact variant of the F88 fitted with a Picatinny rail. The rifle has a 407 mm (16.0 in) barrel. Typically issued to front-line combat infantry units with room and weight constraints such as cavalry, Military Police, reconnaissance, light horse, paratroopers and airfield defence guards (RAAF).
• F88 GLA: Australian Army version with an M203 grenade launcher. It features an Inter-bar (armourer attached) interface, an RM Equipment M203PI grenade launcher, and a Knight's Armament quadrant sight assembly to which a Firepoint red dot sight is attached. The bayonet lug and forward vertical grip are not present in this model.
• F88T: ADI has developed a .22-calibre training rifle for use by the Australian Army. The rifle provides an economical training alternative, with very low ammunition cost, which can be used in environmentally sensitive training areas and ranges where "overshooting" is an issue, and there is a lower risk of injuring instructors and other persons.^[24]
• F88S-A2: An evolutionary upgrade of the current rifle to fulfil an operational capability gap. Deliveries of several thousand were completed in late-2009 to selected units for overseas service. (Afghanistan) Technical improvements in the F88SA2 include: Modified gas system for increased reliability and increased interoperability with U.S ammo. An enlarged ejection port. A longer Picatinny Rail on top of the weapon, a modified sight housing, a side rail mount for a torch and Night Aiming Device (NAD). Colour of the barrel, sight and barrel assembly has been changed to khaki to reduce the recognition signature.^[25]
• DSTO Advanced Individual Combat Weapon: Experimental weapon combining the barrel, action and magazine of an Austeyr F88 with an enlarged receiver and stock/body that also incorporates a multiple-shot 40 mm grenade launcher.
• Enhanced F88 Austeyr: Part of the LAND 125 Soldier Combat System project, the EF88 is a significant upgrade to the F88-A2. Final design and testing is expected to end in 2013. Upgrades include the following:

1. Longer top rail and introduction of side and bottom rails.

2. Length of Pull has been shortened by 15mm.

3. Modular Lower Forend.

4. Floating Barrel – increases accuracy.

5. Fluted Barrel – dissipates heat from automatic fire.

6. Folding Cocking Handle.

7. Improved Butt design – increased strength, ejection port cover recessed to improve reliability.

8. Provision for Electronic Architecture – to allow centralised control and power management of ancillary devices.

9. Bolt-together Butt – for easier disassembly.

10. Improved Grenade Launcher Mount – improves balance of the weapon.

11. Side-Loading Grenade Launcher (Steyr-Mannlicher SL40) – can fire all currently available 40mm low velocity grenades

12. Improved Grenade Launcher safety. The KORD RIC (Rifle Input Control) is Thales new electronic control system, and will also be integrated into the rifle.^[25][26][27]

• F90: The intended for export version of the EF88, Thales debuted the F90 at the Eurosatory military exhibition in Paris, June 2012. Key additions include a bottom rail and a detachable side rail, optional compatibility with STANAG magazines, weight savings over the F88SA2 with a base weight of 3.25 kg (7 lb) and the large trigger guard has been reshaped to serve as a vertical foregrip. Thales in partnership with Steyr-Mannlicher are pursuing small arms procurement programs such as the planned replacement of FAMAS rifle used by the French military. F90 variants include Grenadier, Marksman (508 mm (20 in) barrel) and Close Quarters Battle (360 mm (14 in) barrel).^[28] Low Rate Initial Production of the F90 began in September 2014.^[29]

AUG clones

• MSAR STG-556: Introduced at the 2007 SHOT Show, the MSAR STG-556 was manufactured by Microtech Small Arms Research Inc. (a subsidiary of Microtech Knives) a AUG A1 clone significantly re-engineered in its working system and principle as it features a bolt hold-open device as seen on the M16 rifle; otherwise the MSAR STG-556 retains the original AUG features, such as feeding from proprietary translucent plastic magazines and having the quick-change barrel option. The STG-556 rifle can be converted from either having a telescopic sight or a MIL-STD-1913 rail. It is available in either civilian (semi-automatic only) and military/law enforcement (selective fire) variants.^[7][30]
• TPD USA AXR: Revealed at the 2007 SHOT Show, manufactured by Tactical Products Design Inc. as an AUG A2 clone capable of semi-automatic only fire, aimed for both the civilian and law enforcement markets, and fed by STANAG magazines; the manufacturer sells clear plastic magazines which are STANAG 4179 compliant and will readily fit in any rifle with a compatible magazine catch.^[31] The rifle does not have the integral scope, allowing users to use any kind of scopes or laser sights on the Picatinny railing.^[32]
• Type 68:^[33][34] Taiwanese copy of the AUG with notable differences including a smaller trigger guard and the use of iron sights instead of the original's telescopic sight, but it ultimately did not enter service.^[35][36]

Conflicts

The Steyr AUG has been used in the following conflicts:

• East Timor
• War in Afghanistan
• Iraq War
• Syrian Civil War

Users

•  Argentina: Argentine Armed Forces.^[37]
•  Australia: Entered service in 1989 as the new issue weapon of the Australian Defence Force to replace the M16A2 and the L1A1 Self Loading Rifle.^[38] The first regular unit to be issued with the F88 was 6RAR, who received them in January 1989. Rifles are built locally by Thales Australia under licence from Steyr Mannlicher.^[39]
•  Austria: Standard service weapon of the Bundesheer, serving as the StG 77 in official army nomenclature.^[3] Also used by EKO Cobra.^[40]
•  Bangladesh:Bangladesh Army In limited numbers. Less used due to unfamiliarity with the Bullpup configuration.
•  Belgium: SMG variant is used by the Federal Police.^[41]
•  Bolivia^[33]
•  Brazil: In use by Agência Brasileira de Inteligência since November 2011.^[42]
•  Bulgaria: SOBT (counter-terrorist unit) only.^[43]
•  Cameroon^[33]
•  Croatia: Special forces.^[44]
•  Djibouti^[45]
•  Ecuador^[33]
•  Gambia^[33]
•  Germany: Bavarian SWAT-units ^[46]
•  Hong Kong: A1 variant used by Special Duties Unit of the Hong Kong Police Force.
•  Hungary
•  Indonesia: Komando Pasukan Katak (Kopaska) tactical diver group and Komando Pasukan Khusus (Kopassus) special forces group.^[47] Also used by Brigade Mobil special forces group of the Indonesian National Police, including Detasemen Khusus 88 counter-terrorist unit.
•  Ireland: Standard service rifle of the Irish Defence Forces. Army Ranger Wing special forces use Steyr AUG A2 and A3.^[48][49][50]
•  Italy: Carabinieri special forces: Gruppo di Intervento Speciale and 1st "Tuscania" Regiment^[51]
•  Kazakhstan: Used by SWAT teams.^[52]
•  Lithuania: Used by Lithuanian police anti-terrorist unit ARAS. Steyr AUG A1/P
•  Luxembourg: Standard infantry rifle of the Luxembourg Army. The HBAR version is also employed as the section support weapon.^[53] The Unité Spéciale de la Police intervention unit of the Grand Ducal Police employs the AUG A2 variant.^[54]
•  Malaysia: Made under license from Steyr by SME Ordnance.^[55] Local production of the AUG rifle series started in 1991^[56] with a joint production with Steyr that started in 2004.^[57][58] Lawsuits from Steyr emerged when Malaysia decided to withdraw from joint production.^[59] Also used by 69 Commando of Pasukan Gerakan Khas counter-terrorist unit of the Royal Malaysia Police.^[60]
•  Morocco^[33][45]
•  Netherlands^[1] (trials only, the C7 won the contest)
•  New Zealand: In service since 1988. The first 5,000 weapons delivered were manufactured in Austria by Steyr Daimler Puch. The majority of weapons now in service are the Australian ADI-made Austeyr F88 variant. It is called the IW Steyr (Individual Weapon Steyr) in service of the New Zealand Defence Force.^[61] On 12 August 2015 it was announced the Lewis Machine Tools 5.56mm CQB16 Rifle will replace the Steyr AUG after concerns about its performance in Afghanistan.^[62]
•  Oman^[33][50]
•  Pakistan: Used by Special Services Group,^[63][64] Special Services Group Navy, Frontier Constabulary,^[65][64] and Airport Security Force (ASF).^[66]
•  Papua New Guinea: F88 variant.^[33]
•  Philippines: Used by the Scout Rangers.^[67]
•  Poland: JW Grom special forces group.^[68][69]
•  Saudi Arabia^[45][50]
•  Serbia: 72nd Reconnaissance-Commando Battalion.^[44]
•  Republic of China^[33]
•  Thailand: Used by special forces.
•  Tunisia^[33][50] AUG was chosen since 1978 to be the Primary weapon of the Tunisian Army, The first regular unit to be issued with the AUG A1 was the GTS, later on, the leadership started to arming the National Guard with Sturmgewehr 58 (FN FAL) and the Army with the AUG A1/A2/A3 variants, including the Army's Special Forces.
•  Turkey: Maroon Berets and Police Special Operations Department.^[70]
•  Ukraine: AUG H-BAR is used by the Sokil Special Forces.^[71]
•  United Kingdom
  •  Falkland Islands: Falkland Islands Defence Force.^[72]
•  United States: U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (weapon replaced by Colt M4).^[73]
•  Uruguay: Received 7,000 Steyr AUG A2UR rifles (with the A1 model sight and Picatinny rail) to be used by the Uruguayan infantry battalions.^[74]
•  Venezuela: Used by SEBIN.^[75][76]

Non-State Actors

• Free Syrian Army: fighters have acquired AUG rifles.^[77]

See also

• List of bullpup firearms
• List of assault rifles

References

Bibliography

• Ezell, Edward Clinton (1993) [1983]. Small Arms of the World. Thomas M. Pegg, research assistance (12th rev. ed.). New York: Barnes & Noble. pp. 75–77. ISBN 978-0-88029-601-4. 

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Steyr AUG.

• Steyr Mannlicher—military and law enforcement
  • Steyr AUG A1/A2
  • Steyr AUG A3
  • Steyr AUG A3 SF
  • Steyr AUG 9mm
  • Steyr AUG 9mm XS
• Operators manual – Steyr-Mannlicher
• REMTEK
• Steyr-AUG.com
• Buddy Hinton Collection
• Modern Firearms
• The Steyr AUG in the Austrian Army
• Overview of the Steyr AUG on YouTube
• Video of operation on YouTube (Japanese)
• MSAR STG-556 Pictorial
• "Australia ready to sign EF88 Austeyr rifle contract by Julian Kerr, Sydney for IHS Jane's Defence Weekly"