Turkey has developed MPT-76-MH, a lightweight version of its domestic rifle MPT-76. The new version of the MPT-76 increases the mobility and potential ammunition carrying capacity of the soldier. The rifle is now ready for use by security forces.
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"We continue to work for our security forces to use their equipment more effectively in the field. Qualification of the lightened National Infantry Rifle MPT-76-MH designed by MKEK has been completed," Ismail Demir, head of Turkey's Presidency Defense Industry (SSB) said on Sunday.
Serial production of the rifle started in 2016, back then it weighed 4.2 kg, and its weight has been reduced through the recent update by more than 400 grams. Now it weighs about 3,750 kg.
"With the feedback received from the field for the National Infantry Rifle MPT-76, which started mass production in 2016 and continues to be delivered, efforts continue to use the equipment more effectively," said SSB in a statement.
The MPT-76 had successfully passed 42 tests in harsh conditions such as cold, extreme heat, rain, and mud, within the framework of NATO standards.
The MPT is a modular rifle family designed by MKEK and produced by MKEK, Sarsılmaz Arms and Kalekalıp to meet the demands of the Turkish Armed Forces and to replace its aging rifles such as Heckler & Koch G3 and Heckler & Koch HK33 due to most of them being near the end of their service life.
