Since the 14th century, the city of Steyr (Upper Austria) has been a center for metal working, and is particularly known for manufacturing firearms. In the middle of the 17th century thousands of muskets, pistols, and carbines were produced annually for the Imperial Army.
In the seventies, Steyr opened up new dimensions in the military firearms development as well, and developed a new assault rifle in a "bull-pup" design, utilizing extensively synthetic materials, and an integrated fixed optic. This example of a new and modern generation of assault rifles was launched in Austria under the name “StG 77."
The export version became the AUG – “Armee Universal Gewehr” (Universal Army Assault Rifle). Remarkable success was achieved by licensing its production in Australia and Malaysia, as well as by exports to Ireland, New Zealand, Tunis, Saudi Arabia, Oman and the USA.
