The Irish Defence Forces have chosen the Heckler and Koch G28E as their new designated marksman rifle after the German firm won a public tender announced on 22 September. The 7.62x51mm NATO semi-automatic weapon follows a June 2024 request covering as many as 374 rifles and related gear, with a contract ceiling of 8 million euros.

Heckler and Koch already supplies Ireland with USP pistols and GMG grenade launchers, while Army Rangers operate HK416 and HK417 rifles in both standard and marksman roles. Late in September a G28E appeared in a social-media clip of the 103rd officer cadet class opening ceremony, carried by a female cadet and fitted with a RAL800 finish, Picatinny handguard, Schmidt and Bender 3-20×50 optic still bearing its factory label, and an Aimpoint red-dot sight mounted on top.