| AOR M21 | |
| Origin: | Greece |
| Type: | Assault rifle Battle rifle (M21-7) Designated marksman rifle (M21-5 DMR Sniper) |
| Is Ranged: | yes |
| Used By: | Hellenic Army |
| Design Date: | 2019 |
| Manufacturer: | AOR |
| Production Date: | 2020-Present |
| Number: | Unknown |
| Cartridge: | 5.56×45mm NATO 7.62×51mm NATO |
| Caliber: | 5.56mm 7.62mm |
| Feed: | 30 round STANAG magazine |
| Sights: | Iron |
The AOR M21 is a new assault rifle developed by the AOR design team for the Hellenic Army, mainly to replace the aging G3.[1]
The design was started in September 2019 and completed by March 2020. However, the pandemic started by this time meaning that the official presentation to the Army General Staff was in July 2020.[2]
The rifle has been observed to be in use with 1st Raider–Paratrooper Brigade (Greece) in 2021. [3]
The AOR is available in two variants; the M21-5 which uses the 5.56×45mm NATO round, and the M21-7 which uses the 7.62×51mm NATO. [4] [5]
Then, there are four sub-variants for the M21-5:
This makes the rifle flexible to meet the needs of various operational needs.
The rifle is ambidextrous meaning that the control leavers such as the magazine release and safety catch are ergonomic to both left and right-handed users.
The rifle is made of durable metal alloys as well as plastics. Furthermore, the rifle has surface treatments such as phosphating to increase its durability, as well as anti-IR paint.
The legislation given by the state requires that the rifle is made completely in Greece.[6]