What makes it the weapon of choice of many elite units?

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The Navy SEALS and many other elite counter-terrorist units around the world – to include the British SAS, Germany’s GSG 9, and Spain’s GEO — use the MP5  compact submachine gun. There are no indications that it is being used by Israeli units but sources say that “Some examples” may be in the arsenal.

The Heckler &Koch  MP5 was first used by GSG-9 in action against terrorists who hijacked a Lufthansa aircraft on October 17, 1977 and flew it to Mogadishu, Somalia. It was also prominently displayed in pictures of the SAS takedown of the terrorist-held Iranian Embassy in 1980. The MP5 has also seen action in U.S. operations such as the Grenada and Panama invasions.

The MP5N Navy Model, developed by H&K especially for the U.S. Navy SEALs,

The MP5 fires a 9mm parabellum round in single shot fire, three-round bursts, or full automatic at 800 rounds per minute. It has a retractable buttstock, a removable suppressor, and illuminating flashlight operated by a pressure switch that is custom-fitted to the pistol grip.

The SEALs primarily use the MP5 for Counterterrorism, Close Quarters Combat, hostage rescue, and personal protection operations. It is compact, concealable, durable, maneuverable and hard-hitting. It is easily controllable and the recoil is extremely smooth, allowing the shooter to obtain highly accurate shot placement. Specifications:

• Caliber: 9×19 NATO
• Weight: 6.47 lbs
• Barrel Length: 8.85 in.
• Overall Length:
• Stock Extended: 27.25 in.
• Stock Retracted: 21.00 in.
• Cyclic Rate: 800 rpm

i-HLS Israel Homeland Security