In late 2015, Pakistan Army Chief Gen. Raheel Sharif pays a second detailed visit to POF and acknowledged its efforts for meeting requirements for an ongoing operation against insurgents, Zarb-e-Azb. During this visit, some international weapons were also seen which drew attention towards publicized competition for a new generation and conventional rifle for the battle to replace the infantry rifle HK-G3.
This competition included a variety of international rifles including Belgian FN-SCAR (7.62x51mm), Czech Republic’s CZ-BREN (5.56x45mm), Italian Baretta ARX-200 (7.62x39mm), Russian AK-103 (7.62x39mm) series and US Zastava M-21 (5.56x45mm). The focus was not only to upgrade the already present designs but to stay updated with the modern standard ensuring autonomy for arms in the 21st century.
Sadly, Pakistan Army (PA) couldn’t select any of the 7.62x51mm rifle for standard military use. Eventually, POF was signalled green for the production of a conventional rifle. In addition to POF, other private firearm firms including Global Industries and Defense Solutions (GIDS) and Cavalier Group produced 7.62x51mm rifles.
POF surfaced its newly produced prototype BW-20 for the first time in three different variants which differ in barrel length at World Defense Show (WDS) conducted during March 6-9, 2022, at Riyadh.
December 5, 2022
Source: Defensetalks
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