The Vektor R4 is a South African 5.56x45mm assault rifle derived from the Israeli Galil, designed originally by Yisrael Galili and adapted for production by Lyttelton Engineering Works, now Denel Land Systems. It entered service in 1980 as the standard rifle of the South African Defence Force, replacing the FN FAL derived R1, and remains standard issue for South Africa's National Defence Force today. It has also been used by forces in Burundi, the Central African Republic and Rwanda, as well as by Serbian special forces units. This description is adapted from Wikipedia contributors under CC BY-SA 4.0; changes were made. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/
Facts
Classification
Service Status Weapon Class Introduced Year Weapon Class
Weapon Class (category) FAQs
Why did South Africa adopt a rifle based on the Israeli Galil?
Military Factory states: Long relying on foreign arms to stock its military inventory, the South African national army faced a dilemma of sorts when a UN arms embargo cut the nation off from outside support. The embargo began as a voluntary measure in 1963 and formed into a mandatory restriction by 1977. With no outside procurement of existing rifle stocks possible, the South Africa Defence Force (SADF) looked to within to find its next standard issue assault rifle. After review of various potential assault rifle candidates, South African authorities settled on the Israeli Galil ARM, an assault rifle derived from the famous Soviet-era Kalashnikov AK-47 series.
What did South Africa change from the original Galil design?
Military Factory states: Despite its similarity to the original Israeli design, the SADF featured several notable changes. Among these was a lengthened and reinforced butt to counter the battlefield abuses encountered in "bush country". The sights were also reinforced (as was the bipod) and the gas system improved.
Connections
Used In
Source Wikipedia: Vektor R4
Source Wikipedia: Vektor R4
Source Wikipedia: Vektor R4
In the Other Atlases
Manufactured By
Also in Business Atlas: the manufacturer of this subject.
Source Wikidata: Vektor R4
Sources
1. Wikipedia: Vektor R4
Lead section
The Vektor R4 is a South African 5.56×45mm assault rifle based on the IMI Galil.
Infobox: service
1980-present
Infobox: cartridge
5.56×45mm NATO
- Used In: South African Border War, infobox wars field: 'South African Border War'
- Used In: Rwandan Civil War, infobox wars field: 'Rwandan Civil War'
- Used In: Burundian Civil War, infobox wars field: 'Burundian Civil War'
View the Source2. Wikidata: Vektor R4
Wikidata Q1138052, class allow-list match (w-wdresolver-0926)View the Source Reader Challenges (0)
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