MPT-76, a 7.62x51 mm NATO caliber infantry rifle, stands out as a concrete indicator of Turkey’s goal of nationalization in the defense industry. It was designed and manufactured to replace the G3 rifles in the inventory of the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK).
MPT-76 National Infantry Rifle (MKE)
Technical Specifications
MPT-76 is an infantry rifle designed to meet the requirements of modern combat conditions. It features a gas piston-driven, rotating bolt locking mechanism and can be used in both semi-automatic and fully automatic firing modes. Some of its technical specifications are as follows:
- Caliber: 7.62 x 51 mm NATO
- Operating System: Gas piston-driven, rotating bolt locking
- Firing Modes: Safe, Semi-Automatic, Fully Automatic
- Magazine Capacity: 20 rounds
- Barrel Length: 406 mm
- Overall Length: 900 mm (stock closed) / 1000 mm (stock extended)
- Weight: Approximately 4,180 g (without magazine)
- Muzzle Velocity: 800 m/s
- Effective Range: 600 m
- Rate of Fire: 700 rounds/minute
The rifle has a 6-groove barrel with a 1:10" twist rate, offering high accuracy. In addition, thanks to its MIL-STD-1913 Picatinny rail system, it is compatible with various optical and mechanical sights, laser pointers, and other accessories.
Development Process
The development process of the MPT-76 was initiated in 2008 by MKEK. Initially, the Mehmetçik-1 prototype was designed in 5.56x45 mm NATO caliber, but it was deemed insufficient by the TSK, leading to a transition to 7.62x51 mm NATO caliber. With this change, the rifle’s stopping power and range were increased.
In 2014, the first 200 units of the MPT-76 were delivered to the TSK and received positive feedback. The rifle successfully passed a total of 58 tests, including 42 NATO tests, making it the only infantry rifle in the world to pass so many tests.
Production and Variants
Mass production of the MPT-76 is carried out by MKEK and Kalekalıp. Initially, production of 35,014 rifles was planned, and this number has increased over time. Several variants of the rifle have also been developed:
- MPT-76MH: A lighter version; weighs approximately 3,750 g.
- MPT-76 SH: A version produced by Sarsılmaz; approximately 470 g lighter.
- MPT-55: A lighter and more compact model chambered in 5.56x45 mm NATO.
International Use and Export
The MPT-76 has attracted attention not only in Turkey but also abroad. 450 units were delivered to Somalia, and more than 2,500 units were delivered to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. In addition, joint production plans are underway with Azerbaijan, and countries like Pakistan and Chile have also expressed interest in the rifle.
The MPT-76 stands as a tangible symbol of Turkey’s goal of nationalization in the defense industry. With its technical features, durability, and compliance with international standards, this rifle plays a significant role in the modernization of the TSK. Furthermore, its international interest enhances Turkey’s export potential in the defense sector.
