This futuristic looking bullpup rifle (magazine behind the trigger) is an Austrian rifle that was pretty anonymous to anyone outside of military circles - until Karl started waving one around looking for revenge in Die Hard...... First appearing in the late 70s it has gained popularity in many armed forces with Australia probably being the biggest amongst them. Uniquely, the carry handle contains a fixed telescopic sight and contributes to the unusual looks. It fires the standard NATO 5.56x45mm or .223 Remingon.

In recent decades, warfare has changed dramatically to suit the most recent technologies and tactics.

But despite advances in technology and the ongoing arms race one fact remains - guns are still the defacto means of arming soldiers, and that doesn't look set to change any time in the near future. Many firearms and cartridges can trace their lineage back over a hundred years which just goes to show that if it ain't broke, don't fix it.

Different countries will always have different views on how to arm their troops - here are just a few that can be seen in a war near you....