VHS-2

The VHS-2 was introduced as the improved second generation of HS Produkt's Croatian assault-rifle family. It retained the compact bullpup concept while addressing many of the handling concerns common to early bullpup rifles, especially controls, ejection management, sight mounting, and stock adjustment. The result was a more mature service and export weapon that could compete with other modern 5.56 mm infantry rifles.

Technically, the VHS-2 is a gas-operated, select-fire 5.56x45 mm NATO assault rifle using rotating-bolt locking. Its key improvements include ambidextrous controls, configurable ejection, improved rail interfaces, and adjustable stock elements despite the bullpup layout. These features make it more adaptable to body armour, optics, night devices, and mixed-handed users than the first-generation VHS.

In operational use, the VHS-2 provides compact infantry firepower for conventional troops, vehicle crews, and close-terrain operations. Its NATO calibre and modern accessory compatibility make it easier to integrate with allied training and logistics. Export and licensed civilian derivatives have also raised its profile, but its core military value remains a nationally supported rifle for Croatia and selected foreign users.