HS Produkt VHS

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	Weapon: HS Produkt VHS Type: Assault Rifle Country of Origin: Croatia Year Adopted: 2009 Caliber: 5.56x45 NATO Action: Select Fire Overall Length (mm): 700.0 Weight (kg): 3.00 Effective Range (m): 500

The HS Produkt VHS is a bullpup-configured assault rifle designed and manufactured in Croatia by HS Produkt. Developed as a modern replacement for the Yugoslavian-era Zastava M70 in the Croatian Armed Forces, the VHS features a compact design, lightweight polymer construction, and chambering in 5.56x45mm NATO. The bullpup configuration allows for a shorter overall length without sacrificing barrel length, enhancing maneuverability in confined spaces. The rifle incorporates ambidextrous controls, modular components, and compatibility with NATO-standard STANAG magazines.

First introduced in 2007, the VHS entered production shortly after and was officially adopted by the Croatian military in 2009. The initial model, VHS-D, was followed by the VHS-2 in 2013, which included significant upgrades such as an adjustable cheek rest, a redesigned trigger system, and improved ergonomics. Production figures are estimated in the tens of thousands, with the rifle not only serving domestically but also seeing limited exports to countries such as Iraq and several African nations.

The VHS has gained notoriety as a symbol of Croatia's domestic arms industry, reflecting the country's ability to produce a competitive modern rifle. The VHS-2 in particular has been well-received for addressing the shortcomings of the earlier design, earning praise for its reliability and user-friendly features. While its global adoption has been relatively limited compared to other assault rifles, it has carved out a niche for itself as a robust and innovative weapon suited for both military and law enforcement applications.