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The Turkish forces receive first MPT-76 rifles
Anadolu Agency (AA) reports that the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) received their first 500 MKEK MPT-76 battle rifles from the Mechanical and Chemical Industry Corporation (MKEK)
Chambered for 7.62×51 mm NATO rounds, the production of the MPT-76 began in 2015 at MKEK’s small-arms manufacturing factory at Kırıkkale in central Turkey. AA states that the MPT-76 has “an effective range of up to 600 metres and is caable of firing 600 rounds per minute at a muzzle velocity of 800 metres per second.” The MPT-76 will gradually replace the Turkish Army’s Heckler & Koch (HK) G-3 battle rifles.
Notes & Comments:
MKEK markets the MPT-76 for being “as effective as the G-3, [but as] reliable as the AK-47 and practical as [the] M-16.” As per the Daily Sabah, the MPT-76 was chosen in May 2014 after it had successfully done 50 tests – firing a total of 1.1 million rounds during the tests.
In December 2015, the Undersecretariat of Defence Industries (SSM) ordered 15,014 MPT-76 rifles for USD $18 million. With a unit cost of nearly USD $1,200, the MPT-76 sits in an affordable price range, which bodes well for the TSK considering the Turkish Army alone requires approximately 600,000 rifles.
In parallel, the Turkish defence industry is also developing – if not already producing – a range of optics and other accessories. 3E EOS and Aselsan are Turkey’s leading vendors in this regard. Combined, these aspects position Turkey as a strong prospective small arms vendor, which will bode well with Ankara’s aim to be a defence exporter.
8 Comments
by Shakeel
A competitive assault rifle. It will serve Turkey & other nations well.
Has Pak assault rifle been finalized yet?
by John John Slade
Yes. The Czech CZ Bren 2 is a winner according to news. Any news.
by Shakeel
The CZ Bren 2 807 is an attractive proposition should Pak decide to adopt it.
Too many people are at presently giving conflicting statements. My knowledge is limited. Nevertheless, the Bren 2 model is a real ‘Whistler’ when it come to firing cartridge rounds, & it’s ergonomic features look great. Can you confirm your statement with an authentic source for pleasant reading. Thanks John!
by Bilal Khan
I don’t think matters are set in stone, but a ‘letter-of-understanding’ (LoU) was signed between POF and CZ for small arms production with ToT. To the best of my knowledge, the only relevant gun (i.e. what the Army tested) was the BREN. However, an LoU isn’t a final agreement, but an agreement to negotiate. In other words, this could fall through and result in POF and the Army speaking to another supplier.
by Shakeel
Is there a time frame for perliminary negotiations to be concluded with BREN, before the substitute vendors decide not to go ahead with their tender or vice versa?
Many thanks Bilal.
by Bilal Khan
If an MoU isn’t signed by the end of 2017, talks will another supplier will begin.
by John John Slade
Here ya go:
https://www.strategypage.com/htmw/htweap/articles/20161221.aspx
by Shakeel
Sweet John. Thank you.