CLMG 556
Caracal International LLC · Machine Gun · In Production · 2023
Also known as: CLMG556, Caracal Light Machine Gun
Overview
The Caracal CLMG 556 is a 5.56x45mm NATO belt-fed light machine gun and the first machine gun developed and manufactured in the United Arab Emirates. Unveiled at IDEX 2023, the CLMG 556 operates from an open bolt using a long-stroke gas piston system. It features a quick-change hammer-forged chrome-lined barrel available in three lengths (13", 16", and 18"), a built-in adjustable bipod, and a five-position telescopic stock with adjustable cheekpiece. Fed from 200-round ammunition boxes, it delivers a cyclic rate of 700-950 rounds per minute.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 7800 g (275.1 oz) |
| Barrel Length | 406 mm (15.98") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated Long Stroke |
| Firing Mechanism | Open Bolt |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 200 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Belt |
| Muzzle Velocity | 915 m/s (3002 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 1676 J (1236 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 600 m (656 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 3600 m (3937 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 825 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 178 mm (7.01") |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
| Finish | Phosphate |
Calibers
- 5.56x45mm NATO · primary · 5.56x45mm NATO — also known as 5.56 NATO, .223 Remington, 5.56x45mm
Features
- Firing modes: Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Belt Fed
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety
- Features: Belt Fed, Quick Change Barrel, Hammer Forged Chrome Lined Barrel, Three Barrel Length Options, Built In Bipod, Three Position Adjustable Bipod, Five Position Telescopic Stock, Three Position Adjustable Cheekpiece, Picatinny Rail Top, Open Bolt Firing, 200 Round Ammunition Box
Service history
Operators
- United Arab Emirates Armed Forces
Production
Production years: 2023-present
First UAE-manufactured machine gun.
Origin
Country of origin: United Arab Emirates
Notes
Based on the FN Minimi platform architecture. The three interchangeable barrel lengths allow the weapon to be configured for different roles: 13" for vehicle/CQB, 16" for standard infantry, and 18" for sustained fire support. Rate of fire varies from 700 to 950 RPM depending on barrel length and gas setting.
Background
The CLMG 556 represents a historic milestone for the UAE defense industry as the first machine gun designed and manufactured in the country. Its unveiling at IDEX 2023 demonstrated that Caracal and the EDGE Group have achieved the capability to produce the full spectrum of infantry small arms domestically, from pistols to belt-fed machine guns.