War in Afghanistan (2001–2021)
Twenty years of ISAF/Resolute Support operations: the evolution of the assault rifle and precision carbine.
Context and course
After 9/11, Operation Enduring Freedom began. The vast Afghan distances and valley fighting brought 7.62 NATO back to prominence: squad-level Designated Marksmen with SR-25, Mk 14 EBR (modified M14), HK417 appeared. British forces adopted the L129A1.
From 2007 USSOCOM standardized the HK416 for DEVGRU (SEAL Team 6). The Marines adopted the IAR M27 (HK416 variant) to replace the SAW. The conflict ended with the U.S. withdrawal in August 2021 and the Taliban's return to power.
Belligerents
USA, NATO + 30 partner countries
Insurgent forces
Iconic weapons of the conflict
- M4A1 SOPMOD Block II
U.S. Army and USMC standard.
- HK416 / M27 IAR
DEVGRU and Marines.
- HK417 / Mk 17 SCAR-H
7.62 NATO battle rifles.
- Mk 11 / SR-25 / L129A1
Squad DMRs.
- M2 .50 BMG, M107 Barrett
Long-range anti-materiel.
- AK-47 / AKM / PKM
Insurgent rifles.
In the ARSENALIS catalog (6)
Doctrinal legacy
Rehabilitated 7.62 NATO as a squad weapon, stabilized the modern DMR concept and set the stage for the NGSW program (XM7/XM250 in 6.8×51).