Inside information from the French Ministry of Defense has revealed that French commando units will soon be arming themselves with the cutting-edge Sig Sauer MCX Spear LT rifle. This group of special forces is similar to commandos in surveillance roles and for penetrating deep behind enemy lines. It is the latest addition to the esteemed French Parachute Commando Group.
At present, the elite French forces are equipped with weaponry that includes Glock 17 and HK USP automatic pistols, HK LG40 grenade launchers, Minimi 5.56/7.62 mm machine guns, HK MP5 submachine guns, and a range of rifles which include the Sako TRG [precision], SCAR-H [7.62mm], HK-416 [standard across all Army units], and HK-417.
The weaponry upgrade comes alongside the GCP’s introduction of the ‘Operational Landing Aircraft Landing System’ or the ‘SMTCOPS.’ This system, which received partial qualification from the Directorate General of Armaments or the DGA as recently as September 2022, enables jumps from altitudes over 9,000 meters. It also allows for roughly 50 km of coverage under sail, carrying a load of up to 200 kg, which includes the chamber and equipment.
MCX Spear LT is modern equipment
Designed and manufactured by Sig Sauer, the MCX Spear LT rifle is a modern firearm. It boasts a lightweight, multi-caliber adaptability, and exceptionally modular design, excelling in flexibility, precision, and durability.
The operating system of the MCX Spear LT is a gas piston – a novel departure from the traditional direct firing systems of numerous rifles. This mechanism uses the gases generated by the fired round to drive a piston, subsequently pushing the bolt carrier, ejecting the spent casing, and loading a new round. This unique design makes its operation cleaner, significantly reducing the need for regular maintenance and enhancing reliability.
The MCX Spear LT, with its impressive specs, is a top-grade rifle. It is chambered in .277 SIG Fury – a hybrid cartridge that combines elements of traditional and caseless ammunition for optimized performance. The firearm comes equipped with a free-floating, M-LOK grip, an adjustable and side-folding stock, as well as a full-length Picatinny rail for attaching optics and additional accessories. The 16-inch barrel length provides an optimal balance between accuracy and maneuverability.
The dimensions are compact
Constructed with mobility in mind, the MCX Spear LT boasts a slimline design that places it in the lighter-weight class of rifles. Without a magazine, it tips the scales at approximately 7.9 pounds or 3.58 kilograms. With a full extension of its stock, the length of the gun measures around 35.5 inches or 90.17 centimeters, but this shrinks to 26.5 inches or 67.31 centimeters when the stock is folded in. The design lends itself to being highly transportable and easy to handle, making it suitable for a multitude of scenarios.
The accuracy and range of the MCX Spear LT can vary, subject to factors like the type of ammunition used, the precision of the shooter, and certain environmental conditions. Notably, when loaded with the .277 SIG Fury cartridge, its performance excels, even at extended ranges. This potent combo enables the MCX Spear LT to deliver precise hits from distances over 1,000 meters, affirming its standing as an effective weapon for long-range engagements.
GCP
The Groupement de Commandos Parachutistes [GCP], an esteemed operational tracking unit within the French Airborne Forces, holds immense significance. Their primary role involves intelligence gathering and conducting reconnaissance operations in areas characterized by hostility or inaccessibility. The GCP is distinguished by their skills in various combat methods and survival techniques, acquired through rigorous training.
In the realm of warfare, the GCP acts as a pivotal element in the French military strategy. Their modus operandi typically involves leading the way into conflict zones. Here, they are responsible for identifying enemy locations, assessing their strength and capabilities, and communicating this vital information to command. Their contributions directly affect the broader battlefield scenario and influence strategic decisions made by the military hierarchy in France.
Beyond these reconnaissance tasks, the scope of the GCP’s role includes specific actions during conflicts. This includes direct action operations such as sabotage or targeted strikes, counter-terrorism measures, and executing successful hostage rescue operations. Their training in unconventional warfare techniques further enables them to guide local forces in resistance activities.
The GCP’s capabilities are not limited to a particular environment. Whether it’s urban environments, formidable mountainous terrains, or marine conditions, they are equipped to handle them all. This adaptability provides them with the capability to respond to changes on the battlefield, effectively completing their missions in the face of the toughest circumstances.
More often
From mid-March until now, there has been increasing speculation about the likelihood of France deploying military support to Ukraine. The focus of these discussions is mainly centered on the discreet special forces, not the GCP. At this time, it still remains unclear whether these forces will indeed be deployed to Ukraine.
In tandem with this speculation, Russian media reported in mid-March that France was preparing to dispatch an astounding 2,000 troops to Ukraine. Allegedly, this information came directly from Sergey Naryshkin, the head of Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service [SVR]. In a concerning statement posted on the SVR website, Naryshkin claimed that these French soldiers would be prime targets for Russian military attacks.
The timing of Naryshkin’s unverified assertions is significant. He released his statement on the same day that General Pierre Schille, the highest-ranking officer in the French army, declared the French forces were combat-ready. While he didn’t specifically mention a widespread Russian intrusion into Ukraine or the intensification of conflict, he asserted that the crisis was escalating and could potentially spiral out of control. This statement closely followed French President Emmanuel Macron’s refusal in February to rule out the deployment of ground forces to Ukraine in its conflict with Russia.
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