Croatian VHS-2 In Syria and Iraq

VHS-2 in Iraq

One of the hallmarks of the conflicts in Syria and Iraq is that odd weapons show up. From guns from World War Two to new productions, there is a good chance it will show up in the hands of a fighter. The Croatian VHS-2 bullpup rifle has shown up originally in 2013 and 2014 in Syria in the hands of Pro Government militant, and has been seen in the hands of Syrian Regime forces and rebels, Kurds and Iraqi Government force and the black-market.

 

One rifle posted on the black-market social media account.  For $8500 anyone could own it.

The rifle design is fairly new, having entered service in Croatia in 2009 and the upgraded VHS-2 in 2014. It is a replacement for the HK G36 and can accept STANAG magazines and G36 magazines. The manufacturer  HS Produkt supplied the Iraqi government and Kurdish forces with the rifles and some have made their way into Syria.

Technical Specifications

Caliber: 5.56 x 45 mm
Overall length: 765 mm
Barrel length: 500 mm
Width: 55 mm
Weight (unloaded): 3.52 kg (standard frame) / 3.54 kg (Picatinny rail frame)
Rate of fire: 860 rounds per minute
Magazine capacity: 30 rounds

The rifle in Iraq. The man in the middle is wearing ATACS

Iraqi SOF resting with the rifle and a M4.

The rifle in Iraq with an EOTech sight

Not sure of the location, possibly Syria. He is using coupled G36 magazines.

Pro Government fighter in Syria. Possibly the first image of the rifle in Syria, 2014.

Hezbollah fighter with the Syrian government. The rifle has an ACOG, foregrip, laser and G36 magazine.

Pro Government fighter with an ACOG somewhere in Syria

Another one for sell in Iraq

Kurdish Peshmerga in Iraq