MP5 refers to a series of 9 mm submachine guns featured in ArmA: Cold War Assault, ArmA: Armed Assault and ArmA 2.
ArmA: Cold War Assault
« | The MP5SD6 is a variation of the world-famous MP5 9mm submachine gun with silencer. Used by military and law enforcement units in more than fifty nations, the MP5 is firmly established as the world’s pre-eminent submachine gun. This extremely accurate and controllable weapon is known for its reliability, ease of handling, simple maintenance, and safety. Weapon Description
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MP5SD3 9 mm | |
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Faction | ![]() |
Type | Submachine Gun |
Calibre | 9×19 mm |
Magazine capacity |
30 |
Dispersion | 0.002 rad (semi) 0.004 rad (full) |
Variants | None |
Games |
The MP5SD3 is used exclusively by U.S. military forces in ArmA: Cold War Assault.
Overview
The MP5SD3 is a selective-fire, roller-delayed blowback submachine gun that operates from a closed bolt design. It is chambered to fire the 9×19 mm cartridge.
It loads from 30-round magazines and can attain a fire rate of up to 800 rounds per minute, with a muzzle velocity of 400 m/s. The MP5SD3 is fitted with a (non-functional) flashlight and uses an integrated sound suppressor.
The MP5SD3 is one of the two suppressed firearms wielded by U.S. special forces units, and is the direct American counterpart to the PP-19 Bizon submachine gun used by the Soviet Spetsnaz. The MP5SD3 is designed with an integrated sound suppressor that causes it to be extremely quiet to fire; making it ideal to bring on stealth missions.

U.S. black ops with an MP5SD3. Note the integral suppressor.
In terms of performance, the MP5SD3 has little recoil even when firing on full auto and has decent accuracy at distances of up to 200 metres. Compared to the Soviet Bizon SMG which has very low stopping power even at close ranges, the MP5SD3 is able to kill just as efficiently as the UZI, requiring only 3-4 rounds to take down a target at almost any range.
However, the MP5SD3 does sacrifice some stopping power in exchange for being silent. This is due to firing a slower round and a low muzzle velocity, which is what also limits its range to a maximum of 200 metres.
Ammunition

Base damage value | Initial velocity (m/s) |
---|---|
8 | 400 |
The MP5SD3 only supports one magazine type. It occupies one inventory slot:
HK Mag.
30-round curved magazine.
Trivia
- The MP5SD3's model has a forend-mounted LED "WeaponLight" designed by U.S.-based company SureFire, LLC of Fountain Valley, California. The flashlight is completely non-functional, however.
- Both in-game descriptions and the weapon manual for Operation Flashpoint: Cold War Crisis (the original name for Cold War Assault) alternate between calling the MP5SD3 as either the MP5SD6 or simply HK.
- However, the in-game MP5SD3 appears to be more specifically based on the "MP5SD-N1" variant of the real-life MP5 submachine gun, as it uses a collapsible metal stock and has a Navy trigger group.
- Though not officially used by any of their units, it is possible for the Nogovan Partisans to obtain MP5SD3s from the covert American arms shipments during the events of the Resistance campaign.
Gallery
ArmA: Armed Assault
« | The MP5 is a German submachine gun famous for its great reliability and excellent accuracy for its class. It is the weapon of choice within the international community of military and law-enforcement special forces. Library Description
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MP5A5 9 mm | |
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Faction | ![]() ![]() |
Type | Submachine Gun |
Calibre | 9×19 mm / 9×19 mm SD |
Magazine capacity |
30 |
Dispersion | 0.003 rad (semi) 0.003 rad (burst) 0.003 rad (full) |
Variants | MP5SD6 |
Games |
The MP5A5 is used by both U.S. Army and RACS military forces in ArmA: Armed Assault.
Overview
The MP5A5 is a modernised counterpart of its Cold War-era predecessor.
It continues to use 30-round curved magazines but can now achieve a maximum fire rate of up to 856 rounds per minute, with a muzzle velocity of 400 m/s.
A lightweight and compact weapon to carry, the MP5A5 served as the primary weapon of American and South Sahranian pilots and crewmen. Due to its small size and relative inconspicuousness of its 9 mm round, the MP5A5 is easy to wield in close quarters and difficult to hear being fired.
However, all of these upsides also come with many drawbacks; namely reduced stopping power and pitiful effective firing range. The 9 mm round (both regular and subsonic) are quite lacklustre and suffer significantly from damage drop-off beyond 150 metres.
The MP5A5's ironsights are also quite cumbersome to aim with and are only zeroed for targets at distances of up to 50 metres, which is about the same as the maximum firing range of both the M9 and Makarov pistols. Needless to say, the MP5A5 should be avoided in favour of 5.56 mm/5.45 mm carbines like the M4A1 or AKS-74U instead.
Variants
MP5SD6
« | The MP5SD is a version featuring a very efficient internal sound suppressor, and even its trigger mechanism is designed to be silent, making it the perfect weapon for quick, stealth actions and close quarter battles. Library Description
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MP5SD6 9 mm | |
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Faction | ![]() ![]() |
Type | Submachine Gun |
Calibre | 9×19 mm SD / 9×19 mm |
Magazine capacity |
30 |
Dispersion | 0.003 rad (semi) 0.003 rad (burst) 0.003 rad (full) |
Variants | MP5A5 |
Games |
The MP5SD6 is a modified variant of the baseline MP5A5.
Unlike its parent, it uses an integrated sound suppressor and has a lower muzzle velocity of just 320 m/s. Although the MP5SD6 is chambered to fire the same 9×19 mm round, it is intended to use special 9 mm magazines which have a reduced muzzle velocity.
In all other aspects however, the MP5SD6 remains unchanged from the MP5A5.
Ammunition
Round name | Base damage value | Initial velocity (m/s) |
---|---|---|
9×19 mm | 8 | 400 |
9×19 mm SD | 8 | 320 |
Both variants of the MP5 support being loaded with two types of magazines. They each occupy one inventory slot apiece:
MP5 Mag.

30-round curved magazine loaded with regular 9 mm ball ammunition. Does not contain any tracers.
MP5SD Mag.

Special ammunition with reduced velocity and sound. Has a reduced velocity of 320 m/s, but remains otherwise identical to regular magazines.
Trivia
- Both MP5 variants can be purchased by Black Element PMCs during the intermission shop "missions" in the Royal Flush campaign, though none of the mercenaries have access to either weapon by default.
- Prior to Patch 1.04's release, the 9 mm round fired by both the MP5A5 and MP5SD6 were extremely weak and required almost five rounds to the target's chest in order to inflict a kill.
Gallery
ArmA 2
« | The MP5 is a German submachine gun famous for its great reliability and excellent accuracy in its class. It is the weapon of choice within the international community of military and law-enforcement special forces. Armoury Description
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MP5A5 9 mm | |
![]() | |
Faction | ![]() |
Type | Submachine Gun |
Calibre | 9×19 mm / 9×19 mm SD |
Magazine capacity |
30 |
Dispersion | 0.003 rad (semi) 0.003 rad (burst) 0.003 rad (full) |
Variants | MP5SD6 |
Games |
The MP5A5 is used exclusively by the U.S. Marines in ArmA 2.
Overview
Returning from Armed Assault, the MP5A5 remains largely unchanged from its predecessor.
It retains the same rate of fire and muzzle velocity, but now features the ability to load different types of magazines on top of its usual curved ones (of both pistol and SMG variety). The MP5A5 does not support being fitted with any accessories, but does come in a separate variant that is fitted with an integral sound suppressor instead.
The MP5A5 served as the primary personal defence weapon of USMC helicopter crews during the events of Operation Harvest Red. Excelling in close quarters, the MP5A5 has a decent good rate of fire, accuracy, and low recoil, though it has little stopping power owing to its usage of the 9 mm cartridge.
Unlike the Russian Bizon SMG however, the MP5A5 suffers from having obstructive ironsights that make it more difficult to aim at distant targets. Its smaller magazine size of just 30 rounds versus the Bizon's 64, also makes it less forgiving to use in close quarters compared to its Russian counterpart, as the latter will not need to be reloaded as often as the MP5A5.
In addition, the Bizon is more efficient inventory-wise as up to 768 rounds can be carried by the operator whereas the MP5A5 can only carry a maximum of 360; less than half of what a Bizon user can carry.
Variants
MP5SD6
« | The MP5SD features a very efficient internal sound suppressor and even its trigger mechanism is designed to be silent making it the perfect weapon for quick stealth actions and close quarter battles. Armoury Description
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MP5SD6 9 mm | |
![]() | |
Faction | ![]() |
Type | Submachine Gun |
Calibre | 9×19 mm SD |
Magazine capacity |
30 |
Dispersion | 0.003 rad (semi) 0.003 rad (burst) 0.003 rad (full) |
Variants | MP5A5 |
Games |
The MP5SD6 is a modified variant of the baseline MP5A5. Unlike its parent, it is fitted with an integral sound suppressor for use in stealth missions.
Like in Armed Assault, the MP5SD6 is intended to feed from special 9 mm magazines. Unlike before however, the magazines are no longer interchangeable with each other (the MP5SD6 cannot load non-SD MP5A5 magazines).
Aside from its lower muzzle velocity of 320 m/s and the integrated suppressor making it even more quieter to use, it is virtually identical to its parent in every other way.
Ammunition
Round name | Base damage value | Aerodynamic friction | Initial velocity (m/s) |
---|---|---|---|
9×19 mm | 5 | -0.001513 | 400 |
9×19 mm SD | 5 | -0.001312 | 320 |
Regular MP5A5s are capable of loading up to seven types of magazines, though MP5SD6s are limited to only three of them. They each occupy one weapon inventory slot:
MP5 Mag.

Standard 30-round curved magazine. Does not contain any visible tracers.
MP5SD Mag.

Curved magazine intended specifically for use with the MP5SD6. Rounds fired from this magazine specifically have a lower muzzle velocity of 320 m/s.
PDW Mag.

30-round box magazine intended for use with the PDW. Remains identical in all other aspects.
PDW SD Mag.

Box magazine intended for use with the PDW SD that's loaded with specialised subsonic ammunition.
Rounds fired from this magazine have a lower muzzle velocity of 320 m/s. It is otherwise identical to regular PDW magazines.
This magazine can be loaded by the MP5SD6.
G17 Mag.

17-round pistol magazine used by the G17. Rounds fired from this magazine have a lower muzzle velocity of 360 m/s.
M9 Mag.

15-round pistol magazine intended for use with the M9. Rounds fired from this magazine have a lower muzzle velocity of 398 m/s.
M9SD Mag.

Special 15-round pistol magazine loaded with reduced velocity ammunition. Rounds fired from this magazine have a muzzle velocity of 315 m/s. Remains otherwise identical to regular M9 magazines.
This magazine can be loaded by the MP5SD6.
Trivia
- The models for both ArmA 2 MP5s are simply updated ports of the Armed Assault MP5A5/MP5SD6.
- By the time of the events of Operation Arrowhead, the MP5A5 seems to have been completely replaced in its role by the Mk16 CQC; at least in use by the U.S. Army.
- Following the latest Steam version patches, both MP5 variants can now be manually zeroed starting at a minimum of 50 m up to a maximum of 200 m (rising in 50 m increments).
Gallery
External links
See also
Weapons of comparable role and configuration
- PP-19 Bizon (Soviet/Russian Armed Forces counterpart)
- CZ Scorpion Evo 3 A1 (ACR counterpart, ArmA 2: ACR only)
- Protector (Gendarmerie counterpart, ArmA 3: Apex only)
- UZI (Nogovan Partisans/Alternate U.S. counterpart, ArmA: CWA only)
Weapons of ArmA: Cold War Assault | |
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Handguns | 92F 9 mm • CZ-75 9 mm • Glock 17 9 mm • S&W .357 • Tokarev TT-33 7.62 mm |
Submachine guns | Ingram .45 • MP5SD3 9 mm • PP-19 Bizon 9 mm • Sa-61 Scorpion 7.65 mm • UZI 9 mm |
Shotguns | Kozlice |
Carbines | AK-74 SU 5.45 mm • XM-177E2 5.56 mm (XM-177S) |
Assault rifles | AK-47 7.62 mm (AK-47 GL, AK-47 CZ) • AK-74 5.45 mm (AK-74 GL) • AUG A1 5.56 mm • FN-FAL 7.62 mm • G3A4 7.62 mm • G36 5.56 mm • M16A2 5.56 mm (M16A2 GL) |
Sniper rifles | Hunting Rifle 7.62 mm • M21 7.62 mm • SVD 7.62 mm |
Machine guns | M60 7.62 mm • PK 7.62 mm |
Grenade launchers | 6G30 • MM-1 |
Launchers | 9K32 Strela-2 • AT-4 Spigot • Carl Gustav M2 • FIM-92 Stinger • M72 LAW • RPG-75NH |
Static | M2 |
(Parenthesis) denote variants. |
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Handguns | 92F 9 mm • Glock 17 9 mm • S&W .357 |
Submachine guns | MP5SD3 9 mm • UZI 9 mm |
Carbines | XM-177E2 5.56 mm (XM-177S) |
Assault rifles | AUG A1 5.56 mm • M16A2 5.56 mm (M16A2 GL) |
Sniper rifles | M21 7.62 mm |
Machineguns | M60 7.62 mm |
Grenade launchers | MM-1 |
Launchers | Carl Gustav M2 • FIM-92 Stinger • M72 LAW |
Static | M2 |
(Parenthesis) denote variants. |
Weapons of ArmA: Armed Assault | |
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Handguns | M9 9 mm • Makarov 9 mm |
Submachine guns | MP5A5 9 mm |
Carbines | AKS-74U 5.45 mm • M4A1 5.56 mm (M4A1 GL, M4, M4 GL) |
Assault rifles | AK-74 5.45 mm (AK-74 + GP-25, AKS-74 PSO) • G36 series (G36, G36C, G36K) • M16A2 5.56 mm (M16A2 + M203) • M16A4 5.56 mm (M16A4 M203) |
Designated marksman rifles | Mk12 SPR 5.56 mm |
Sniper rifles | KSVK 12.7 mm • M107 .50 • M24 7.62 mm • SVD Dragunov 7.62 mm |
Squad automatic weapons | M249 SAW 5.56 mm |
Machine guns | M240 7.62 mm • PKM 7.62 mm |
Grenade launchers | 6G30 |
Launchers | 9K32 Strela • FIM-92F Stinger • Javelin Launcher • M136 • RPG-7V |
Static | AGS-30 • D-30 • DShKM • M2 • M119A1 • Mk. 19 • Searchlight |
(Parenthesis) denote variants. Queen's Gambit |
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Handguns | M9 9 mm |
Submachine guns | MP5A5 9 mm |
Carbines | G36 series (G36C, G36K) • M4A1 5.56 mm (M4A1 GL, M4, M4 GL) |
Assault rifles | G36 5.56 mm • M16A4 5.56 mm (M16A4 M203) |
Designated marksman rifles | Mk12 SPR 5.56 mm |
Sniper rifles | M107 .50 • M24 7.62 mm |
Squad automatic weapons | M249 SAW 5.56 mm |
Machineguns | M240 7.62 mm |
Launchers | FIM-92F Stinger • Javelin Launcher • M136 |
Static | M2 • M119A1 • Mk. 19 • Searchlight |
(Parenthesis) denote variants. |
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Handguns | M9 9 mm |
Submachine guns | MP5A5 9 mm |
Carbines | G36 series (G36C, G36K) |
Assault rifles | G36 5.56 mm • M16A2 5.56 mm (M16A2 + M203) |
Machineguns | M240 7.62 mm |
Launchers | FIM-92F Stinger • M136 |
(Parenthesis) denote variants. |
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Handguns | M1911 .45 • M9 9 mm |
Submachine guns | MP5 9 mm |
Shotguns | M1014 |
Carbines | M4A1 5.56 mm (M4A1 M203) |
Assault rifles | M16A4 5.56 mm (M16A4 M203) |
Designated marksman rifles | DMR 7.62 mm • Mk12 SPR 5.56 mm |
Sniper rifles | M107 .50 • M24 7.62 mm (M40A3) |
Squad automatic weapons | M249 SAW 5.56 mm |
Machineguns | Mk 48 Mod 0 7.62 mm • M240 7.62 mm |
Launchers | FGM-148 Javelin • FIM-92F Stinger • M136 • SMAW |
Static | M2 • M252 • Mk19 • M119A1 • Searchlight • Stinger • TOW |
(Parenthesis) denote variants. |