DI MA-1

The Tatmadaw was armed with the BA63 (Burma Army 63), the Myanma-made version of the Heckler & Koch G3A3 battle rifle{{cite web|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20081020114157/https://www.hrw.org/reports/2002/burma/Burma0902.htm|url=https://www.hrw.org/reports/2002/burma/Burma0902.htm|author=Human Rights Watch|accessdate=2018-08-03|archivedate=2008-10-20|title=Burma Government and Army}} made under license agreement with West Germany under the Ka Pa Sa factories in partnership with Fritz Werner Industry Ausrustungen-Gmbh (FRG) and the German Technical Corporation Agency.{{cite web|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180725063328/http://www.bits.de/public/articles/kleinwaffen-nl11-07eng.htm|url=http://www.bits.de/public/articles/kleinwaffen-nl11-07eng.htm|title="Strong and Fast": German Arms in Burma|author=Roman Decker|archivedate=2018-07-25|accessdate=2018-08-03|date=November 2007}} However, it was considered too heavy for Myanma soldiers to use in jungle warfare.

A team of engineers from IMI reportedly visited Yangon in 1991, helping with preparing the foundation to manufacture the MA-1s.{{cite web |url=https://specialadvisorycouncil.org/fatal-business/critical-supplies/ |title=Critical Supplies - Special Advisory Council for Myanmar |date=14 January 2023}}https://web.archive.org/web/20230412025211/https://openresearch-repository.anu.edu.au/bitstream/1885/216586/1/136_Burma%E2%80%99s_secret_military_partners_%28Canberra_papers_on_strategy_and_defence%29_Andrew_Selth_86p_0731527755.pdf Reports cite Israel's support of Myanmar in developing the MA-1 despite repeated denials by Israeli officials based in Myanmar, Singapore and Thailand.{{cite web |author=William Ashton |date=2000-03-01 |title=Myanmar and Israel develop military pact |url=https://peoplesgeography.files.wordpress.com/2007/10/ashton-myanmar-and-israel-develop-military-pact.pdf |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160205184743/https://peoplesgeography.files.wordpress.com/2007/10/ashton-myanmar-and-israel-develop-military-pact.pdf |archivedate=2016-02-05 |accessdate=2018-08-06 |publisher=Jane's Intelligence Review}}

According to William Ashton, Israel sought Myanmar out in order to gain international allies due to the constant threat of being surrounded by hostile states in the Middle East.

The MA-series was first spotted in the early 2000s at numerous Tatmadaw Armed Forces Day parades and demonstrations,{{cite book |author=Ian McCollum, Rob Stott, Larry Vickers |url=https://www.vickersguide.com/kalashnikov-vol-2 |title=Vickers Guide: Kalashnikov (Volume 2) |date=January 1, 2019}}{{page needed|date=June 2024}} replacing the previous Heckler & Koch G3 rifles that were in service.

By 2009, it was reported that the Tatmadaw was almost fully equipped with the MA series. From 2014, the Mk II variant is being used by the Tatmadaw as their standard rifle. Plans were made to fully adopt the DI MA-1 Mk. III, but plans are halted due to quality issues.{{cite web |date=2020-10-22 |title=無托步槍真香？緬甸山寨97式大批量裝備部隊，亞洲兩國幫了大忙 |url=https://twgreatdaily.com/uF_IT3UBLq-Ct6CZ4dQb.html |language=Chinese}}

In May 2023, MA-1 and MA-3s are used by the PDF in the civil war, captured from Myanma soldiers and police officers.{{cite web |date=19 May 2023 |title=Myanmar PDFs getting the guns to turn the war |url=https://asiatimes.com/2023/05/myanmar-pdfs-getting-the-guns-to-turn-the-war/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240227030049/https://asiatimes.com/2023/05/myanmar-pdfs-getting-the-guns-to-turn-the-war/ |archive-date=2024-02-27}}

MA rifles have also been seen usage by the insurgent groups, captured from Tatmadaw forces{{Cite web |title=KAREN NATIONAL LIBERATION ARMY SITUATION REPORT |url=http://www.dictatorwatch.org/KNLA/KNLAapr2to7.pdf |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20231108195954/http://www.dictatorwatch.org/KNLA/KNLAapr2to7.pdf |archive-date=November 8, 2023 |page=2}} or from defecting soldiers.{{Cite web |year=2008 |title=Burma Human Rights Handbook |url=http://www.burmalibrary.org/docs08/HRDU_YB-2008/pdf/ethnic.pdf |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20221007102114/https://www.burmalibrary.org/docs08/HRDU_YB-2008/pdf/ethnic.pdf |archive-date=October 7, 2022 |page=14}}

File:President Duterte Arrives in Myanmar and Meets with the Filipino Community 11.jpg{{See also|IMI Galil}}

The DI MA-1 series are based on the IMI Galil with some localised modifications produced with assistance from Israel.

Serial production started in 2002 after signing an agreement with IMI. The assault rifles were mostly made at Ka Pa Sa No 1 or DI-1,{{Cite web |title=Toys for the Boys |url=http://asia-pacific-solidarity.net/asiapacific/focus/at_toysfortheboysinmyanmar_060911.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160623173548/http://asia-pacific-solidarity.net/asiapacific/focus/at_toysfortheboysinmyanmar_060911.htm |archive-date=2016-06-23 |access-date=2018-07-26 |website=Asia Pacific Solidarity Network}} a factory located near Inya Lake that serves as the main factory.{{Cite web |title=BURMA'S WMD PROGRAMME AND MILITARY COOPERATION BETWEEN BURMA AND THE DEMOCRATIC PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF KOREA |url=http://www.asiapacificms.com/papers/pdf/burma_dprk_military_cooperation.pdf|page=60|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20231108195657/http://www.asiapacificms.com/papers/pdf/burma_dprk_military_cooperation.pdf|archive-date=November 8, 2023}}

The MA-1 rifles are made with ventilated handguards and horizontal charging handles, unlike the Galil which has a vertical charging handle.{{sfnp|Roodhorst|2015|p=1399}} Early models (Mk. I) have curved cheekpieces in the buttstocks with later models (Mk. II) omitting this. MA rifles are compatible with Galil magazines,{{sfnp|Roodhorst|2015|p=1399}} although they can use polymer magazines.

Any MA rifle can use a clone of the Type 81 bayonet if a bayonet lug is present.

They were initially introduced with wooden handguards; early models were made with brown polymer furniture and rounded, smooth pistol grips. Later versions were produced with black furniture and clear cut Galil grips, designated as the Mk II.{{cite web|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180729111929/http://soha.vn/quan-su/sung-truong-myanmar-tu-lam-xuat-hien-tai-viet-nam-20141123170313522.htm|url=http://soha.vn/quan-su/sung-truong-myanmar-tu-lam-xuat-hien-tai-viet-nam-20141123170313522.htm|title=Súng trường Myanmar tự làm xuất hiện tại Việt Nam|author=Duong Minh|date=2014-11-23|accessdate=2018-08-03|archivedate=2018-07-29|language=Vietnamese|publisher=Soha}} It also uses synthetic alloys and plastics in its construction.{{cite web |author=Thứ Ba |date=2014-11-25 |title=Súng trường MA-1 Mark II của Myanmar vượt trội M16 của Mỹ?, Page 3 |url=http://baodatviet.vn/anh-nong/sung-truong-ma-1-mark-ii-cua-myanmar-vuot-troi-m16-cua-my-3211745/?p=3 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141228125847/http://baodatviet.vn/anh-nong/sung-truong-ma-1-mark-ii-cua-myanmar-vuot-troi-m16-cua-my-3211745/?p=3 |archivedate=2014-12-28 |accessdate=2018-06-08 |publisher=Bao Dat Viet |language=Vietnamese}}

An indicator for a MA rifle that is optimized to fire rifle grenades is the presence of tall iron sights.{{cite web | url=https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2018/08/17/burmese-rifle-grenades-of-the-infantry-ma-series-of-rifles/ | title=Burmese Rifle Grenades of the Infantry MA Series of Rifles | date=17 August 2018 }} The rifles can use the MG-2 rifle grenade.https://www.info-res.org/myanmar-witness/guides/mg-2/

The selectors consist of safe, semi-auto and full-auto mode.{{cite web | url=https://smallarmsreview.com/burmese-small-arms-development/ | title=BURMESE SMALL ARMS DEVELOPMENT - Small Arms Review | date=26 August 2009 }}

In an interview back in 2009 with Sai Sheng Murng, the deputy spokesman of the Shan State Army (RCSS), he mentioned that foreign-made 5.56 NATO ammo cannot be used in the MA rifles while Myanma-made ammo can work with foreign assault rifles chambered in the same caliber.

Standard assault rifle with a bayonet lug for the option to have a bayonet mounted.{{sfnp|Roodhorst|2015|p=1399}} The bipod was not made standard with the MA-1s with the cleaning kit stored in a hollow space in the buttstock. The MA-1s are not equipped with a pistol grip-type safety system.{{sfnp|Johnson|Nelson|2016|p=215}}

It's reported by convicted porters under the Tatmadaw that Myanma soldiers would write the battalion number on its stock.https://www.ecoi.net/en/file/local/1176422/1788_1311008144_burma0711-onlineversion.pdf

Light machine gun version with a heavy barrel and a bipod mounted.{{sfnp|Roodhorst|2015|p=1400}}

It was originally developed without the idea of using a drum magazine, relying on standard capacity magazines,{{Cite web|title=这款轻机枪在缅甸战争中使用最为广泛 供弹却常用步枪弹匣而不是弹鼓 |url=https://item.btime.com/m_9fea8a04a0c80ef29|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180803104414/https://item.btime.com/m_9fea8a04a0c80ef29|archive-date=2018-08-03|access-date=2018-08-03|language=zh}} but it can be used with drum magazines.

The handguard has two rows of ventilation holes that are parallel to the barrel.{{sfnp|Johnson|Nelson|2016|p=215}} It has a carry handle, long/heavy barrel and bipod. The bipods used are thin-based for Mk. I versions, but the Mk. II versions are seen with bipods that are cloned from those used for the M60 GPMG.

Carbine version with a folding metal buttstock.{{sfnp|Roodhorst|2015|p=1401}} The stock is rarely used due to great difficulty in moving it{{sfnp|Johnson|Nelson|2016|p=215}} and to fully depress the lock in order to unfold it.

Early models were badly made due to the materials used in its manufacture before they were fully resolved through the Mk II variant.

A version of the MA-1 equipped with an underbarrel grenade launcher (UBGL),{{sfnp|Roodhorst|2015|p=1401}} known as the BA203 (Burma Army 203).

It is an unlicensed clone of the MKEK T-40.{{cite web | url=https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2018/07/24/the-kachin-kalashnikov-in-myanmar/ | title=The Kachin Kalashnikov in Myanmar | date=24 July 2018 }}{{efn|Other sources mention that it's an unlicensed clone of the M203.{{cite web | url=https://www.sohu.com/a/217264246_100103668 | title=设计奇葩却很实用的缅甸Ma-4步枪 | website=Sohu }}}} The UBGL is permanently fixed, which cannot be removed.

Known as Myanmar Army Sniper, a designated marksman rifle variant based on the MA-2.{{Cite web |title=不可忽视的战场幽灵 缅甸自制MA-S狙击步枪 |url=https://item.btime.com/m_9a10718e420438dc6 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180729111846/https://item.btime.com/m_9a10718e420438dc6 |archive-date=2018-07-29 |access-date=2018-07-29 |language=zh}}

It's chambered in 7.62x51 NATO caliber and fires from a 10-round magazine. There are reports indicating that production may have started as early as 2011 to 2012.{{cite web | url=https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2018/09/13/ma-sniper-development-continues-production-and-issue/ | title=MA-Sniper Development Continues: Production and Issue | date=13 September 2018 }} It has a total weight of 5.3 kg, a total length of 1140 mm and a barrel length of 620 mm. The rifle has a muzzle velocity of 852 m/s and an effective range of 1000 meters.

The MA-S consist of a Mk. I and Mk. II version. The Mk. I resembles a Dragunov that can take 10-round magazines with a PSO-1 scope.{{cite web | url=https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2018/08/30/the-ma-sniper-early-burmese-army-designated-marksman-rifle-development/ | title=The MA-Sniper: Early Burmese Army Designated Marksman Rifle Development | date=30 August 2018 }}

The Mk. II resembles Zastava-based rifles that can take 20-round magazines. It has a picatinny rail under the gas block to install a bipod. It comes in two colors; green or black furniture. A version of the Mk. II in a camo finish was on display at the 2019 Defence and Security arms fair.

There is a MA-S variant made for Tatmadaw soldiers participating in overseas shooting competitions such as the ASEAN Armies Rifle Meet.{{cite web | url=https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2018/09/10/burmese-ma-sniper-modified-for-aarm-marksmanship-competition/ | title=Burmese MA-Sniper Modified for AARM Marksmanship Competition | date=10 September 2018 }}

The Mk. II variant saw the use of polymer to replace the black stock of the Mk. I.

It was also often equipped with polymer stocks, pistol grips, and fore-ends as standard issue.

The newer Mk II variants were shown overseas at the 2019 Defense and Security exhibition in Bangkok, Thailand, which was visited by Min Aung Hlaing.{{cite web | url=https://weibo.com/ttarticle/p/show?id=2309404751338751000817 | title=或将在缅甸第77个武装部队日亮相的缅军新式Ma突击步枪 }}

This variant was publicly shown in 2022 with the Tatmadaw with a telescopic stock and picatinny rail on the upper receiver. It was supposed to be shown in public in 2020, but was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The new Mk II magazine is based on the South African polymer Vektor R4 magazine. The black moulds used in the newer Mk II variants were allegedly based on moulding materials provided by CAA Industries.{{cite web | url=https://www.justiceformyanmar.org/stories/israels-caa-industries-ltd-suspected-to-have-aided-and-abetted-the-myanmar-militarys-war-crimes-and-crimes-against-humanity | title=Israel's CAA Industries Ltd suspected to have aided and abetted the Myanmar military's international crimes | Justice for Myanmar }}

By the Myanmar Civil War of 2021, all Mk. I variants were replaced by the Mk. II.

• {{flag|Myanmar}}
• 22px Tatmadawhttps://www.washingtonpost.com/world/interactive/2021/myanmar-crackdown-military-coup/
• 22px Myanmar Police Force

• 22px Karen National Liberation Army
• 22px Karenni Army{{cite web |title=Inside Myanmar's Armed Uprising |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/world/article-myanmar-civil-war-karenni-army-photos/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20221207161019/https://www.theglobeandmail.com/world/article-myanmar-civil-war-karenni-army-photos/ |archive-date=2022-12-07 |website=The Globe and Mail}}
• 22px People's Defence Force (Myanmar)
• 22px Shan State Army (RCSS)
• 22px Ta'ang National Liberation Army{{Cite web |title=Burma Conflict Blog |url=http://www.dictatorwatch.org/burmadeathwatch.html |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20231108195941/http://www.dictatorwatch.org/burmadeathwatch.html |archive-date=November 8, 2023 |website=www.dictatorwatch.org}}

{{Notelist}}

{{reflist}}

• {{cite book |last1=Johnson |first1=Gary Paul |last2= Nelson |first2=Thomas B. |date= 2016-12-15|title= The World's Assault Rifles |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=z3O6DQAAQBAJ |location= |publisher=Ironside International Publishers |page= |isbn=9781619846012 |author-link= }}
• {{cite book |last1=Roodhorst |first1=Cor |date= 2015|title=The Kalashnikov Encyclopedia: Recognition and Weapon Forensic Guide for Kalashnikov Arms and Derivatives II: Italy–Russia |location=Netherlands |publisher=Roodhorst Publications |isbn=978-90-9027549-9}}

{{commons category|MA-1}}

{{AK47 derivatives}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:MA-1 Assault Rifle}}

Category:7.62×51mm NATO firearms

Category:5.56×45mm NATO assault rifles

Category:5.56×45mm NATO machine guns

Category:Post–Cold War weapons of Myanmar

Category:Assault rifles of Myanmar

Category:Carbines

Category:Light machine guns

Category:Kalashnikov derivatives

Category:Designated marksman rifles

Category:Weapons and ammunition introduced in 2002