MKE MPT

After the first prototypes were built in 2008 as the Mehmetçik-1 in 5.56×45mm NATO,{{cite web|url=http://www.thegunzone.com/556dw-18.html |title=The 5.56 X 45mm: 2008 |access-date=27 January 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100104174625/http://thegunzone.com/556dw-18.html |archive-date=4 January 2010 }}{{Cite web|url=http://www.worldpoliticsreview.com/articles/10385/turkeys-procurement-diplomacy-bears-fruit|title=Turkey's Procurement Diplomacy Bears Fruit|website=www.worldpoliticsreview.com|date=19 October 2011 |language=en|access-date=2018-05-31|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150225150138/http://www.worldpoliticsreview.com/articles/10385/turkeys-procurement-diplomacy-bears-fruit|archive-date=25 February 2015|url-status=live}} the rifle was negatively received. Turkish soldiers testing it reported that they preferred the 7.62×51mm NATO round which has far greater stopping power and range, similar to those of the existing G3 service rifles. The proposed Mehmetcik-1 was therefore cancelled after the first prototype and engineers started the redesign process.

The first batch of 200 MPT-76s were delivered on 18 May 2014 and received positive feedback.{{Cite web|url=http://www.teknolojioku.com/haber/tsk-ilk-parti-mpt-76-milli-piyade-tufegine-kavustu-18795.html|title=TSK, ilk parti MPT-76 milli piyade tüfeğine kavuştu|last=Teknolojioku|date=2014-06-18|website=Teknolojioku|language=tr-TR|access-date=2018-05-31|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150206041058/http://www.teknolojioku.com/haber/tsk-ilk-parti-mpt-76-milli-piyade-tufegine-kavustu-18795.html|archive-date=6 February 2015|url-status=live}} The rifle was reported by Turkish soldiers to be extremely accurate and reliable, and outmatched the G3 in all categories.{{cite web |last1=Malyasov |first1=Dylan |title=Turkish military to receive locally made MPT-76 rifles |url=https://defence-blog.com/turkish-military-to-receive-locally-made-rifles/ |website=defence-blog.com |access-date=19 January 2024 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20210625080245/https://defence-blog.com/turkish-military-to-receive-locally-made-rifles/ |archive-date=25 June 2021}}{{cite web |title=Zaptiye |url=https://www.jsga.edu.tr/kurumlar/jsga.edu.tr/IcSite/fakulte/Yayinlar/kitaplar2020/Dergi-ZAPTIYE1A.pdf |website=MPT-76 |publisher=JSGA |access-date=23 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240923100848/https://www.jsga.edu.tr/kurumlar/jsga.edu.tr/IcSite/fakulte/Yayinlar/kitaplar2020/Dergi-ZAPTIYE1A.pdf |archive-date=23 September 2024 |page=45 |language=Turkish}}{{cite news |last1=Savaş |first1=Abdullah |title=Türk mühendisliği ürünü: MPT-76 |url=https://savunmasanayiidergilik.com/tr/HaberDergilik/Turk-muhendisligi-urunu-MPT-76 |access-date=23 September 2024 |work=Savunma Sanayii Dergilik |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240923101007/https://savunmasanayiidergilik.com/tr/HaberDergilik/Turk-muhendisligi-urunu-MPT-76 |archive-date=23 September 2024}} The Turkish Army plans to gradually phase out its G3 and to make the MPT-76 its main service rifle.{{cite web|title=The new Turkish MKEK Mehmecik MPT-76 National Rifle|url=http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2014/05/12/turkish-mkek-mehmecik-mpt-76-national-rifle/|work=The Firearm Blog|date=12 May 2014|access-date=17 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140720121654/http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2014/05/12/turkish-mkek-mehmecik-mpt-76-national-rifle/|archive-date=20 July 2014|url-status=live}} Azerbaijan plans to produce parts of the rifle in cooperation with Turkey.

Serial production began in 2015.{{Cite web|url=http://www.janes.com/article/52866/turkey-to-begin-serial-production-of-mpt-76-rifles|title=Turkey to begin serial production of MPT-76 rifles {{!}} IHS Jane's 360|website=www.janes.com|access-date=2016-04-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160622042523/http://www.janes.com/article/52866/turkey-to-begin-serial-production-of-mpt-76-rifles|archive-date=22 June 2016|url-status=live}} The initial phase of the project will see a total of 35,014 MPT-76s being produced in two tranches. The first tranche of the initial phase, consisting of 20,000 rifles was contracted to the state-owned company Machines and Chemical Industries Board (MKEK) in June 2015.{{Cite web|url=http://www.janes.com/article/56695/turkey-orders-more-mpt-76-service-rifles|title=Turkey orders more MPT-76 service rifles {{!}} IHS Jane's 360|website=www.janes.com|access-date=2016-04-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160530172728/http://www.janes.com/article/56695/turkey-orders-more-mpt-76-service-rifles|archive-date=30 May 2016|url-status=live}} The second tranche, consisting of 15,014 rifles, was contracted with local company Kalekalip in December 2015.

The first batch of rifles was ready for delivery to the Turkish military in January 2017.{{cite web|title=First MPT-76 rifles delivered to the Turkish Military|url=http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2017/01/18/turkish-military-receive-locally-made-mpt-76-rifles/|work=The Firearm Blog|date=18 January 2017|access-date=28 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170301011856/http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2017/01/18/turkish-military-receive-locally-made-mpt-76-rifles/|archive-date=1 March 2017|url-status=live}} Approximately 25,000 MPT-76s have been built by December 2018 and there is 350,000+ firm order for the rifle in 2019.{{Cite web |url=https://www.aa.com.tr/tr/turkiye/milli-piyade-tufegi-mpt-76-asker-ve-polisin-gucune-guc-katti/1337314 |title=Milli piyade tüfeği 'MPT-76' asker ve polisin gücüne güç kattı|date=13 December 2018 |author1=Gökmen, Fatih|access-date=14 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181214142232/https://www.aa.com.tr/tr/turkiye/milli-piyade-tufegi-mpt-76-asker-ve-polisin-gucune-guc-katti/1337314 |archive-date=14 December 2018 |url-status=live |language=tr}}

The design was based on the AR-15, but the gas piston system was influenced by the HK417. It has a Picatinny rail system and mounting options for an under-barrel shotgun and grenade launcher.{{Cite web|url=http://www.armyrecognition.com/eurosatory_2014_show_daily_news_coverage_report/mke_displays_its_new_mpt-76_rifle.html|title=MKE displays its new MPT-76 rifle |publisher=Eurosatory 2014 Show Daily News Coverage Report|agency=Defence and security military army exhibition 2014|website=Army Recognition|language=en-gb|access-date=31 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923190949/http://www.armyrecognition.com/eurosatory_2014_show_daily_news_coverage_report/mke_displays_its_new_mpt-76_rifle.html|archive-date=23 September 2015|url-status=live}} The MPT-76 has some ergonomic deviations from what would be considered traditional AR-10 style rifles: the HK417{{Cite news |date=2013-09-19 |title=The Assault Rifles of the Near Future |language=en-US |work=21st Century Asian Arms Race |url=http://21stcenturyasianarmsrace.com/2013/09/20/the-assault-rifles-of-the-near-future/ |url-status=usurped |access-date=2018-05-31 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150225150008/http://21stcenturyasianarmsrace.com/2013/09/20/the-assault-rifles-of-the-near-future/ |archive-date=25 February 2015}} inspired buttstock must be rotated counter-clockwise about 30 degrees, to adjust the length of pull. It also possesses an angled foregrip-style plastic mount that bridges the transition between the lower receiver and the picatinny handguard. It must be removed for disassembly. The charging handle also possesses the retaining latch on the right side of the weapon, not the left, which is typical of most Stoner-derived weapon systems.{{cite web |last1=Military Arms Channel |title="Shooting the Turkish MPT-76 Infantry Rifle" |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-XV9RbE8IWI |website=www.youtube.com |date=22 July 2015 |access-date=2023-01-12}}

The following variants are in production:{{Cite news|url=http://www.militaryfactory.com/smallarms/detail.asp?smallarms_id=943|title=MKEK MPT (Milli Piyade Tufegi) Assault Rifle / Battle Rifle / Assault Carbine - Turkey|access-date=2018-05-31|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150219142932/http://www.militaryfactory.com/smallarms/detail.asp?smallarms_id=943|archive-date=19 February 2015|url-status=live}}

• Battle Rifle with 16-inch barrel using 7.62×51mm NATO
• Carbine with 12-inch barrel using 5.56×45mm NATO
• Designated Marksman's Rifle with 20-inch barrel using 7.62×51mm NATO

File:160614-A-WU853-043.jpg

The MPT-76-MH is a lightened version of the standard MPT-76. The weight of the rifle has been reduced by {{convert|750|g|lb|abbr=on}}. The MPT-76's unloaded (without magazine) weight is {{convert|4.2|kg}}.{{Cite web |date=2021-02-22 |title=MPT-76-MH Passes Turkish Army Qualification - |url=https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2021/02/22/mpt-76-mh-passes-turkish-army-qualification/ |access-date=2023-05-21 |website=The Firearm Blog |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Yönetmeni |first=Teoman Korkmaz / Genel Yayın |date=2021-02-07 |title=MPT-76 Artık 3 Kilo 750 Gram |url=https://www.savunmasanayi.org/mpt-76-artik-3750-gram/ |access-date=2023-07-13 |website=Savunma Sanayi |language=tr}}

In May 2017, MKEK introduced the MPT-55, chambered in 5.56×45mm NATO. The standard version is {{convert|7.3|lb|kg|abbr=on}} with a {{convert|14.5|in|mm|abbr=on}} barrel, and the shorter MPT-55K is {{convert|6.6|lb|kg|abbr=on}} with an {{convert|11|in|mm|abbr=on}} barrel. Turkey planned to{{update-inline|Ref is a blog from 2017, did they obtain them?|date=October 2024}} obtain 20,000 of the smaller-caliber rifles to replace license-produced HK416s within special forces.{{cite web |url=http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2017/05/22/idef-2017-mkek-introduces-5-56x45mm-mpt-55-rifle/ |title=IDEF 2017- MKEK Introduces 5.56x45mm MPT-55 Rifle|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170524174107/http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2017/05/22/idef-2017-mkek-introduces-5-56x45mm-mpt-55-rifle/ |archive-date=24 May 2017 |website=TheFireArmBlog.com|date=22 May 2017}}{{better|date=July 2024}}

The KNT-76 ({{lang|tr|Keskin Nişancı Tüfeği}}, 'Sniper Rifle', {{lit|Sharp Shooter Rifle}}) is the designated marksman rifle version. KNT-76 are produced in Kırıkkale Arms Factory like the MPT-76. The rifle with the same "Gas Operated Rotary Bolt Action" mechanism can fire semi-automatically. The MPT-76 can fire fully automatic and semi-automatic. Trigger sensitivity in the KNT-76 is reduced by five Newtons which allows the trigger to move with less pressure. This reduction prevents the involuntary movement of the barrel due to trigger movement. The KNT-76 weighs {{convert|500|g|abbr=on}} more that the MPT-76, while the magazine capacity remains the same. The effective range increased from {{convert|600|m|yd|abbr=on}} to {{convert|800|m|yd|abbr=on}} due to the barrel being extending from {{convert|406|mm|abbr=on}} to {{convert|508|mm|abbr=on}}, and accuracy is improved from 4 MOA ({{convert|4|in|abbr=on}} at {{convert|100|yd|abbr=on}}) to 1.5 MOA ({{convert|1.5|in|abbr=on}} at {{convert|100|yd|abbr=on}}).

File:Servicemen of the Turkish Special Forces Command, led by the Captain Harun Ergin 4.jpg

The KAAN-717 is the carbine version, chambered in 7.62x51mm NATO. Designed for the Special Forces, it uses a short-stroke action. The KAAN-717 also comes with a different stock with a cheek rest.{{Cite web|url=https://www.defenceturk.net/kaan-717-karabina-tipi-piyade-tufegi|title=KAAN-717 Karabina Tipi Piyade Tüfeği|first=Ata Ahmet|last=Kökçü|date=23 May 2019}}

• {{flag|Albania}}: 30 MPT-76s and 30 MPT-55s{{Cite web|url=https://raillynews.com/2020/04/turkey-arnavutluka-mpTrim-had-76-and-55-grants-mpTrim/|access-date=2020-06-07|website=raillynews.com|title=Turkey Albania MPT-76 and MPT-55 donated|date=26 April 2020}}{{Cite web|title=Official army site|url=https://aaf.mil.al/english/te-fundit/2955-technical-protocol-signed-between-the-ministry-of-defense-of-the-republic-of-albania-and-the-ministry-of-national-defense-of-the-republic-of-turkey-for-the-donation-of-30-light-infantry-weapons}}{{Cite web|date=2020-04-26|url=https://www.savunmasanayi.org/turkiye-arnavutluka-30-adet-mpt-76-ve-mpt-55-hafif-piyade-tufegi-hibe-etti/|access-date=2020-06-07|website=Savunma Sanayi|language=tr|title=Türki̇ye Arnavutluk'a 30 Adet MPT-76 Ve MPT-55 Hafi̇f Pi̇yade Tüfeği̇ Hi̇be Etti̇ }}
• {{flag|Cameroon}}: MPT-76 adopted by the Rapid Intervention Battalion.https://www.military.africa/2024/10/cameroon-special-forces-adopts-turkish-made-mpt-76-assault-rifles/
• {{flag|Georgia}}: Unknown number of KNT-76s and MPT-55s handed over to Georgian special operations forces in 2025{{Cite web|url=https://mod.gov.ge/ge/news/read/9625/turqulma-mxarem-tavdacvis-dzalebis-specialuri-operaciebis-sardlobas-moierishe-shashxanebi-gadasca|website=mod.gov.ge|title=თურქულმა მხარემ თავდაცვის ძალების სპეციალური ოპერაციების სარდლობას მოიერიშე შაშხანები გადასცა|language=ka|date=16 March 2025}}
• {{flag|Kosovo}}: Kosovo Security Force received PMT-76-57As to mount on SARP equipped armoured vehicles.{{Cite news|url=https://www.savunmasanayist.com/mkeden-kosovaya-pmt-76-57a-ihracati/ |title=MKE'den Kosova'ya PMT-76-57A ihracatı | SavunmaSanayiST |date=21 May 2023 }}
• {{flag|Montenegro}}: 30 rifles donated by Turkey in 2021{{Cite web|url=https://www.aa.com.tr/ba/balkan/turska-donirala-automatske-pu%C5%A1ke-vojsci-crne-gore/2185320|title=Turska donirala automatske puške Vojsci Crne Gore|date=23 March 2020}}
• {{flag|Northern Cyprus}}: Around 2,500 MPT-76s delivered{{cite web |url=https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2017/11/03/somalia-turkish-republic-northern-cyprus-receive-mpt76s |title=Somalia, Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus to Receive MPT76s|website=TheFireArmBlog.com| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180730110335/https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2017/11/03/somalia-turkish-republic-northern-cyprus-receive-mpt76s/ |archive-date=30 July 2018 |date=3 November 2017}}
• {{flag|Senegal}}{{cite web|url=https://www.defenceturk.net/senegal-silahli-kuvvetlerine-knt-76-keskin-nisanci-tufegi-teslimati |title=Senegal Silahlı Kuvvetleri'ne KNT-76 Keskin Nişancı Tüfeği teslimatı |date=26 December 2020|access-date=26 February 2021}}
• {{flag|Somalia}}: 450 rifles delivered, used by Gorgor (Eagle) commandos{{Cite web|url=http://ekonomi.haber7.com/ekonomi/haber/2460971-sinirlari-asti-dunya-pesine-dustu|title=Sınırları aştı! Dünya peşine düştü...|last=Haber7|website=Haber7|language=tr|access-date=2018-05-31|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171031122419/http://ekonomi.haber7.com/ekonomi/haber/2460971-sinirlari-asti-dunya-pesine-dustu|archive-date=31 October 2017|url-status=live}}
• {{flag|Turkey}}: 66,000 MPT-76 and MPT-55s as of 2019

• {{flag|Azerbaijan}}{{Cite web|url=http://news.az/articles/region/94852|title=News.Az - Turkey to start mass production of national infantry rifle|website=news.az|access-date=2018-05-31|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150702161848/http://www.news.az/articles/region/94852|archive-date=2 July 2015|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=http://www.haberler.com/milli-piyade-tufegi-mpt-76-yi-abd-de-istiyor-sili-8277812-haberi/|title=Milli Piyade Tüfeği MPT-76'yı ABD de İstiyor, Şili de|work=Haberler.com|access-date=2018-05-31|language=tr-TR|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160615005630/http://www.haberler.com/milli-piyade-tufegi-mpt-76-yi-abd-de-istiyor-sili-8277812-haberi|archive-date=15 June 2016|url-status=live}}
• {{flag|Chile}}: Expressed interest in fully adopting the rifle for military service{{update-inline|Did they?|date=July 2024}}
• {{flag|Pakistan}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.donanimhaber.com/savunma-sanayi/haberleri/Turkiyeden-Pakistana-milyar-dolarlik-rekor-satis-geliyor.htm|title=Türkiye'den Pakistan'a milyar dolarlık rekor satış geliyor!|access-date=2018-05-31|language=tr|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171029172856/https://www.donanimhaber.com/savunma-sanayi/haberleri/Turkiyeden-Pakistana-milyar-dolarlik-rekor-satis-geliyor.htm|archive-date=29 October 2017|url-status=live}}

• List of battle rifles

{{reflist}}

{{commons category|MPT-76}}

{{ArmaLite AR-10 derivatives}}

{{Turkish Army infantry weapons}}

Category:5.56×45mm NATO assault rifles

Category:7.62×51mm NATO battle rifles

Category:Rifles of Turkey

Category:Assault rifles of Turkey

Category:Designated marksman rifles

Category:Turkish inventions

Category:ArmaLite AR-10 derivatives

Category:Weapons and ammunition introduced in 2014