KMG556
Kale Kalip · Machine Gun · In Production · 2021
Also known as: Kalekalip KMG556, KMG-556
Overview
The KMG556 is a Turkish 5.56x45mm NATO light machine gun developed by Kale Kalip as a clone of the FN Minimi (M249). It is a gas-operated, belt-fed weapon firing from an open bolt, fed from 50, 100, or 200-round disintegrating metallic-link belts, and uses a quick-change barrel. Unlike the original Minimi, it feeds only from belts and not from STANAG magazines. The KMG556 features newly designed polymer furniture including an adjustable buttstock and forend, and was Turkey's first NATO-qualified domestic 5.56mm light machine gun.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 7800 g (275.1 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1000 mm (39.37") |
| Barrel Length | 406 mm (15.98") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated |
| Firing Mechanism | Open Bolt |
| Magazine Capacity | 200 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Belt |
| Muzzle Velocity | 915 m/s (3002 fps) |
| Effective Range | 800 m (875 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 850 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
| Finish | Phosphate |
Calibers
- 5.56x45mm NATO · primary · 5.56 NATO — also known as .223 Remington, 5.56mm NATO
Features
- Firing modes: Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Disintegrating Metallic Link Belt
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety
- Features: Quick Change Barrel, Adjustable Polymer Buttstock, Polymer Forend, Bipod, Picatinny Rail, Linked Belt Feed
Variants
- KMG556CL — Compact
Service history
Operators
- Turkish Armed Forces
- National Police of Ukraine (Lyut Brigade) · adopted 2024
Conflicts
- Russian invasion of Ukraine (2024-present)
Production
Production years: 2023-present
Design announced 2021; serial production began in summer 2023, later also produced under license in Slovenia.
Origin
Country of origin: Turkey
Designer: Kale Kalip
Notes
Marketed as the first and only Turkish-made 5.56x45mm light machine gun qualified to NATO test standards. Standard barrel is 16 inches (406 mm), with 14.5-inch and 18-inch barrel options offered.
Background
First documented in combat in Ukraine in mid-2024 with the National Police's Lyut Brigade, the KMG556 became one of the more visible Turkish-made support weapons of the Russo-Ukrainian War.