TheFN MAG (French:Mitrailleuse d'Appui Général, English: General Purpose Machine Gun) is a Belgian7.62 mmgeneral-purpose machine gun, designed in the early 1950s atFabrique Nationale (FN) by Ernest Vervier. It has been used by more than 80 countries and it has been made under licence in several countries, including Argentina, Canada (as theC6 GPMG), Egypt, India, and the United Kingdom.[7]
The MAG is available in three primary versions: the standard, infantryModel 60-20 machine gun, theModel 60-40 coaxial machine gun forarmoured fighting vehicles, and theModel 60-30 aircraft variant.
After World War II theSwedish Army, who used two6.5×55mm versions of theBrowning Automatic Rifle (BAR) since the 1920s, wanted to replace them with a belt-fed version.FFV-Carl Gustaf tried to design a derivative, but their belt feeding mechanism (placed below the action, like on the BAR) did not pass military trials.[8] ThereforeFN Herstal was approached, and Belgian designers came up with the idea to flip the BAR action upside down and mate it with the provenMG 42 belt-feeding mechanism.[9] The work was started in the late 1940s byDieudonné Saive and finished by Ernest Vervier in 1953, with Swedish trials beginning in 1955.[10]
The MAG served as a complement to theFN FAL battle rifle.[11] It first entered production in 1958 (Ksp 58 chambered in 6.5×55mm), and it is sometimes referred to as the MAG-58.[12]
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The MAG Model 60-20 is an automatic, air-cooled,gas-operated machine gun, firingbelt-fed7.62×51mm NATO from anopen bolt. The MAG uses a series of proven design concepts from other successful firearms, for example the locking mechanism is modeled on that of theBrowning M1918 (BAR)automatic rifle, which FN produced under license with some adaptions, and the feed andtrigger mechanisms are from theWW II-eraMG 42 universal machine gun.[13]
The MAG operates via along-stroke piston system, which utilizes the ignited powder gases generated by firing vented through a port in thebarrel to propel a gas piston rod connected to the locking assembly. The barrel breech is locked with a vertically tilting, downward locking lever mechanism that is connected to the bolt carrier through an articulated joint.
The locking shoulder and camming surfaces that guide the locking lever are located at the base of thereceiver. The unlocking sequence starts after 15 mm (0.6 in) rearward gas piston rod movement to keep the breech block fully locked until the bullet has left the gun barrel and the high-pressure propellant gas pressure has dropped to a safe level.
The MAG fires from anopen bolt. Both the spring-powered extractor and ejector are contained in the bolt. After firing, spent cartridge casings are removed downwards through an ejection port normally covered by a spring-loaded dust cover at the bottom of the receiver. The machine gun has a striker firing mechanism (the bolt carrier acts as the striker as it contains a channel that houses the firing pin, which protrudes out from the surface of the bolt upon firing), an automatic-only trigger assembly and a manual cross-bolt push-buttonsafety, which is located above thepistol grip.[13]
The MAG's receiver is constructed from sheet metal stampings reinforced by steel plates andrivets. The front is reinforced to accept the barrel nut and gas cylinder which are permanently mounted. Guide rails that support the bolt assembly and piston extension during their reciprocating movement are riveted to the side plates. The bolt's guide rails are shaped downward to drive the locking lever into engagement with the locking shoulder, which is also riveted to the side plates. The rear of the receiver has been reinforced and slotted to accept the butt stock.[13] The MAG is also equipped with a fixed woodenstock (later production models feature polymer furniture), pistol grip, and carrying handle.
A user-adjustable gas valve allows regulating thecyclic rate of fire from 650 up to 1,000 rounds per minute, and subsidiary can adjust the gas system for various types of cartridge loadings or use in the presence of heavy fouling. A high cyclic rate of fire is advantageous for use against targets that are exposed to a general-purpose machine gun for a limited time span, like aircraft or targets that minimize their exposure time by quickly moving from cover to cover. For targets that can be fired on by a general-purpose machine gun for longer periods than just a few seconds, the cyclic firing rate becomes less important.
The quick-change barrel has a slottedflash suppressor. The barrel's chamber and bore arechrome-lined orstellite-lined for increased service life and the barrel has four right-hand grooves with a 305 mm (1:12 in) rifling twist rate. Also attached to the barrel is the front sight base, carry handle and gas block (equipped with an exhaust-type gas regulator valve with three settings).[13][14][15] The barrel assembly weighs 3,050 g (6.72 lb) and of the 630 mm (24.80 in) long barrel a portion of 487.5 mm (19.19 in) is rifled.[16] The MAG takes zero shifts between barrel assemblies into account by making the front sight of the assemblies adjustable with the help of tools.
The weapon feeds from the left side from open-link, metalammunition belts: either the American disintegratingM13 linked belt (NATO standard) or the non-disintegrating segmented German DM1 belt, whose 50-round sections can be linked through acartridge. The DM1 belt is based on the last version of theGurt 34/41-family used in World War II in MG 34 and MG 42 machine guns.[17] After firing, the separated M13 link or emptied DM1 belt section is cleared out on the right side of the receiver through an ejection port normally covered by a spring-loaded dust cover.[13]
In order to adapt the weapon to feed from one belt type to the other, several components of the feed mechanism need to be reconfigured since the position of the feed tray's cartridge stop and pawl angles in the top cover are different. The MAG features a pawl-type feeding mechanism that continues to move the feed link during both the rearward and forward cycles of the reciprocating bolt carrier, producing a smooth belt flow.[13]
The feeding mechanism's three pawls are actuated by a roller connected to the bolt carrier. The feed channel rail, feed link, both feed slides and the feed tray arechrome plated. The top cover body is an anodizedaluminumcasting. In the infantry assault role, the weapon can be fitted with asheet metal container that houses a 50-round belt and is attached to the left side of the receiver.[13]
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The MAG is equipped withiron sights that consist of a forward blade (adjustable mechanically for both windage and elevation) and a folding leaf rear sight with an aperture in the down position for firing distances from 200 to 800 m (219 to 875 yd) in 100 m (109 yd) increments and an open U-notch for ranges from 800 to 1,800 m (875 to 1,969 yd) graduated every 100 m (109 yd). The rear sight is hinged to a base with protective ears that is integral with the receiver's upper forging. The iron sight line has a 848 mm (33.4 in) sight radius.
The top of later production model receivers often feature aMIL-STD-1913 rail as a mounting platform for firearm accessories like (low light) optical sights andnight-vision devices.
With the safety placed in thesafe setting, thesear mechanism is disabled. The safety can only be engaged with the weapon cocked.[13]
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For the light machine gun fire support role, the gun is fitted with a foldingbipod (attached to the end of the gas cylinder) that can be adjusted for height. For carrying or use as a forearm, the aluminum legs can be folded back and secured in slots under the receiver by hooks and a spring-loaded catch. When firing from the hip, the bipod legs remain extended and the left leg is gripped for support. The bipod can be removed from the gas cylinder by tapping-out a roll pin in the gas cylinder head until it is flush and the bipod can be rotated enough to clear the gas cylinder's retaining lugs.[13]
In the static medium machine gun sustained fire support role, the weapon is mounted on atripod that offers a higher degree of accuracy and control than the bipod, for example the FN 360° tripod, which features an elevation adjustment mechanism that enables the weapon's bore axis to be maintained from 300 mm (11.8 in) to 600 mm (23.6 in), has a 30° to +15° elevation change and a 360° traverse range.
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Variants of the FN MAG were manufactured by at least ten companies: FN Herstal,Fabricaciones Militares, Changfeng Machinery,Indian Ordnance Factories, Carl Gustaf Stads Gevärfaktori, the Ordnance Development and Engineering Company of Singapore, Canadian Arsenals Limited, theRoyal Small Arms Factory,Heckler and Koch,U.S. Ordnance,Barrett Firearms Manufacturing, Manroy Engineering, Yunnan Xiyi Industry Company Limited, and Egypt's Maadi Company for Engineering Industries.[18][19][20][21][22]
| Designation | Description |
|---|---|
| MAG 60.20 | Standard infantry version with pistol grip, fixed buttstock and bipod; Many subvariants including the T3 (L7A1) and T6 (L7A2) |
| MAG 60.30 | Fixed aircraft version, firing from a solenoid trigger; Capable, at least in some subvariants, of left and right hand feeding |
| MAG 60.40 | Coaxial version forarmoured fighting vehicles; Many subvariants including the T3 (M240) |
| MAG 10.10 | Jungle version with shorter barrel and buttstock. |
The vehicle-mounted variant of the MAG lacks a stock, bipod, carry handle, pistol grip, ejection port dust cover and a mount for optical sights. It does, however, have a new closed-type gas regulator. Depending on the weapon's employment, the machine gun can also be fitted with an extended charging handle linkage, standard trigger group (with a pistol grip), or a specialized trigger assembly with an electrically fired trigger.
The pintle-mounted aircraft model is fed from either the right- or left-hand side exclusively with the M13 belt. Thus configured, weapons typically lack standard iron sights and are equipped with electrically powered triggers.
| Designation | Description |
|---|---|
| L7A1 | 7.62×51mm NATO FN MAG 60.20 T3 machine gun. |
| L7A2 | L7A1 variant; FN MAG 60.20 T6; Improved feed mechanism, hammer forged barrels and provision for 50 round belt-box. |
| L8A1 | L7A1 variant; For mounting insideAFVs. No buttstock. Barrel fitted with fume extractor. Solenoid-triggered, but with folding pistol grip for emergency use. |
| L8A2 | L8A1 variant; improved feed mechanism. |
| L19A1 | L7A1 variant; extra-heavy barrel. |
| L20A1 | L7A1 variant; for remote firing in gun pods and external mountings. |
| L20A2 | L20A1 variant; improved feed mechanism. |
| L37A1 | L8A1 variant; L8A1 breech & L7 barrel for mounting on AFVs. Conventional pistol grip and trigger, plus kit allowing dismounted use. |
| L37A2 | L37A1 variant; L8A2 based. As above. |
| L43A1 | L7A1 variant; for use as aranging gun on theScorpion light tank |
| L44A1 | L20A1 variant; forRoyal Navy |
| L112A1 | L7A2 variant; for mounting on Lynx Helicopter |
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TheL7general-purpose machine gun is used by theBritish Army.[23] TheL7 and the relatedL8 are license-built derivatives of the MAG. The official British Army designation for the current version is theL7A2 GPMG (General Purpose Machine Gun).
The L7 was adopted by the British forces as a replacement for the long-servingVickers machine gun (in the medium role) and theBren (in the light assault role), following trials in 1957. Built under license originally by Royal Small Arms Factory, Enfield Lock and currently by Manroy Engineering,[24] it serves in the British Army, theRoyal Marines and other services. There have been two main variants, the L7A1 and L7A2, developed for infantry use, with the L7A2 having superseded the earlier variant. Several other variants have been developed, notably the L8 (produced in the L8A1 and L8A2 versions), modified for mounting inside armoured vehicles (the L37 variant was developed for mounting on armoured vehicles). Although intended to replace the Bren entirely, that light machine gun (re-chambered for 7.62×51mm NATO and re-titled as the L4) continued in use in jungle terrain (especially in the Far East), where there was no requirement for the medium machine gun role, and with secondary units, until the adoption of theL86A1 Light Support Weapon (LSW). The LSW was intended to replace both the L7 and the L4 in the light machine gun role, but dissatisfaction with the L86's sustained fire capabilities and reliability resulted in combat units continuing to utilize the L7 whenever possible (although neither it, nor its 7.62×51mm NATO ammunition was supposed to be issued to infantry platoons). The British Army and Royal Marines were issued with the L110A2 (FN Minimi Para) to replace the LSW as the light section support or fire support weapon. This uses the same NATO-standard5.56×45mm ammunition as theL85 assault rifle. However a review of requirements led to the withdrawal of both the L110A2 LMG and L86A2 LSW from service in 2018, with the 7.62 mm L7A2 resuming its place in the British Army infantry section. Other variants continue to be used in mounted roles on many British military vehicles, naval vessels and aircraft.
In 1961, theRoyal Small Arms Factory, Enfield (nowBAE Systems) in the United Kingdom, undertook licence production of the MAG in the following versions: L7A2, L8A2, L37A2, L20A1 and the L43A1. These models all use the M13 ammunition belt.
TheL7A2, general-purpose machine gun, replaced the L7A1 in service with theBritish Army. Compared to the MAG Model 60-20, it features, among other minor changes, an improved feed mechanism, a 10-position gas regulator valve, a polymer butt-stock, a provision for 50 round belt-box and a bracket, used to mount optical day- and night-vision sights, mounted to the left side of the receiver. In the sustained fire role, the L7A2 can be mounted on the L4A1 tripod in conjunction with a C2A2 Support Weapons Sight or the sight unit used on theFGM-148 Javelin anti-tank missile system. Fired by a two-man team who are grouped in a specialistMachine Gun Platoon the L7A2 in conjunction with a C2A2 Support Weapons Sight can provide battalion-level direct support fire at ranges up to 1,800 m (1,969 yd) and indirect map and range table predicted support/harassment fire out to 2,500 m (2,734 yd). The indirect firing method exploits the 7.62×51mm NATO useful maximum range, that is defined by the maximum range of a small-arms projectile while still maintaining the minimum kinetic energy required to put unprotected personnel out of action, which is generally believed to be 15 kilogram-meters (147 J / 108 ft⋅lbf).[25] With the tripod and FGM-148 Javelin sight unit indirect fire configuration, British troops inAfghanistan used the L7A2 at ranges of and over 2,700 m (2,953 yd).[26] The average 1,884 m (6,181 ft)[27]elevation of Afghanistan and accompanying lowISAair density[28] significantly contribute to extending the useful maximum range of small-arms projectiles.
TheL8A2coaxialtank machine gun (replaced the L8A1) has a different gas valve switch (closed, single-position) when compared to the analogous Model 60-40, a different flash hider and a modified cocking handle. The weapon also has a trigger group that accepts electrical input and a lever in the feed tray that enables the belt to be removed without lifting the feed tray cover.
Another tank machine gun is theL37A2 (succeeded the L37A1) designed to be mounted on tank turrets, in the commander's position, on wheeled armoured vehicles and onarmored personnel carriers. It differs from the L8A2 primarily in its trigger, which was adapted from the L7A2 GPMG. The machine gun can be used in the ground role for self-defense, by dismounted vehicle crew members, theegress kit consists of an L7A2 barrel, bipod and buttstock.
TheL20A1 aircraft machine gun was based on the L8A2, from which it differs by having an electrical trigger and a slotted flash suppressor. The L20A1 can be converted to right-hand feed by changing several components in the feed mechanism.
TheL43A1, also developed from the L8A2, is a coaxially mounted tank machine gun used to sight-in the vehicle's main gun by firing ballistically matchedtracer ammunition at the target to confirm the trajectory visually. The weapon's barrel, fitted with a flash hider, has a reinforced and heavier structure that increases the weapon's accuracy especially during sustained fire.'
The C6 was first used in Canada for use as a coaxial MG in the Leopard C1 main battle tank. Since then, it has been used in the Canadian Forces with the designation theC6 GPMG,[29] it is used primarily as a platoon level support weapon.[30] One C6 machine gun is assigned to each Rifle platoon. The C6 GPMG is also mounted on a variety of vehicles, including the G-Wagon LUVW, LAV III, Coyote, Leopard C2, and CH-146 Griffon helicopter. In these vehicles, the C6 GPMGs are co-axially and pintle-mounted and used to provide fire support to the infantry or for local defence of the vehicle itself. In September 2018, Canada began fielding an improvedC6A1 FLEX version; changes include a polymer buttstock which is more durable and easier to decontaminate in a CBRN scenario than the original wooden stock, M1913picatinny rails for the attachment of pointing devices and optical sighting systems, and an adjustable gas tube regulator to control the rate of fire.[31][32][33][34][35][36] The C6A1 is manufactured byColt Canada, with the company having earlier provided support for the original C6 fleet, and is the first support machine gun to have been manufactured in Canada since the Second World War.[33]
An unlicensed version is made for export by Norinco and made by Changfeng Machinery Co., Ltd as the CQ, 7.62 × 51 (Copy Version) (Now renamed CS/LM1 as of 2006)[37] with an adjustable butt.[38][20] The weapon was officially produced in 2006[39] and it was showcased in various foreign military expo conventions.[37]
The XY, 7.62 × 51 is a true copy of the FN MAG made with a wooden stock by Yunnan Xiyi Industry Company Limited.[19][21]
The German arms manufacturer,Heckler & Koch, whose 1999 to 2002 ownerBAE Systems — as the result of a 1999 merger between British Aerospace and Marconi Electronic Systems, Heckler & Koch was owned by the resulting BAE Systems — had executed a midlife improvement program of the L7A1 (FN MAG 60.20 T3) to the upgraded L7A2 (FN MAG 60.20 T6) version under contract for the British Ministry of Defence, attempted to make their own variant of the FN MAG. It was designated the HK 221.
This version is equipped with an iron sight line that consist of a rotary rear drum and hooded front post and Picatinny rail atop the receiver. It was meant to compete in the machine guns trials held by the German and French military between 2007 and 2008. The trials concluded with the French military selecting the original FN MAG in 2010, while the German military selected theHeckler & Koch MG5 in 2015.[40]
Indonesian arms manufacturerPT Pindad license produced FN MAG in 2003 as SM2.[41][42] SM2 V1 variant comes with integrated bipod, with a total length of 1275 mm and a weight of 11.6 kg (including stock and bipod). The second variant is called SM2 V2 which is modified as a coaxial gun. The stock is removed by changing the trigger mechanism to the rear of the weapon as in theM2 Browning. This variant has a higher rate of fire of 700-1200 rpm. It is shorter at only 1070 mm in length with a weight (plus coaxial) of 12 kg.[41]
In 2020, Iranian nuclear scientistMohsen Fakhrizadeh was killed byMossad with an FN MAG, redesigned to fire from a remote control. The modified MAG was powered by artificial intelligence, and weighed over a ton.[43][44]
All versions are licence-manufactured byFFV-Carl Gustaf.The Swedish abbreviation forkulspruta (machine gun, lit. "bullet sprayer") isKsp.Strv is the abbreviation ofStridsvagn (battle tank).
Kulspruta 58: Ksp 58, adopted in 1958 using the6.5×55mmrifle cartridge which at that time was the standard cartridge in the Swedish Army.
Kulspruta 58 B: In the early 1970s, the weapon was modified with a new gas regulator and at the same time the barrels were replaced to the new standard7.62×51mm NATO, same as used by theAk 4. Ksp 58 replaced the considerably heavierKsp m/42B in the infantry units. It can be fed with non-disintegrating DM1 or disintegratingM13 linked ammunition belts.
Kulspruta 58 C: OnCombat Vehicle 90, this version replaced the previously usedKsp m/39 in the third quarter of 2004.
Kulspruta 58 Strv: stripped variant mainly used for fixed mounting in tanks. Phased out along withStridsvagn 103.
Kulspruta 58 D: Reserved designation for the renovated and modified Ksp 58B. The trial version is referred to as 'Ksp 58 DF', where the 'F' stands for 'Försök' (Experimental).Some of the modifications:[45]
On January 14, 1977, the US Army awarded a contract to FN Herstal for the delivery of a modernized Model 60-40 variant tank machine gun designated theM240. Initially, the firearms were produced in Belgium. Currently they are manufactured in the US by FN's US wholly owned subsidiary FNMI (FN Manufacturing Inc.) located inColumbia,South Carolina, and byU.S. Ordnance in McCarran, Nevada.
The M240 is built in several versions:
The Turkish military equipment producerMKEK announced in 2017 a licensed version of the MAG designatedPMT-76/57A to be made under theNational Machinegun Project (Turkish:Milli Makineli Tüfek Projesi - MMT).[47] The 57 name was inspired by the57th Infantry Regiment.[48] Twelve PMT-76 prototypes were tested in 2017 and an order of an undisclosed number was placed.[49] The PMT-76/57A entered Turkish service in 2021[50] and was exported to Kosovo in 2023.[51]
Argentina: The MAG is in use in theArgentine Army as the7,62 Ametralladora Tipo 60-20 MAG after being purchased in the 1960s.[52] The MAG saw action during theFalklands War. Argentine MAGs were license-manufactured by the state-ownedDirección General de Fabricaciones Militares (DGFM) arsenal.[53][54]
Australia: The MAG is the standard GPMG of theAustralian Defence Force, in particular theAustralian Army, where it is known as theMAG 58.[55] It is also used by theAustralian Border Force.[56]
Austria: The MAG is used by theAustrian Army as the7,62 mm MG FNMAG/Pz and is used in theSchützenpanzer Ulan and theLeopard 2A4.[6][57] It's also used as the armament of theS-70A-42 Black Hawk helicopters.[6]
Bangladesh[58]
Bahrain[58]
Barbados[58]
Belgium: DesignatedMAG M2 andMAG M3 for the coax version.[58][59]
Belize[58]
Bolivia[58]
Botswana[58]
Brazil: Standard support weapon of theBrazilian Army, known as theM971.[60] Used by theCoordenadoria de Recursos Especiais (from theCivil Police ofRio de Janeiro), theFederal Police,[61] and theBrazilian Marine Corps (Mod B60-20).[62]
Brunei[58]
Burkina Faso[58]
Burundi[58]
Cameroon[58]
Canada
Central African Republic[63]
Chad[58]
Chile[64]
Colombia[58]
Democratic Republic of Congo[58]
Denmark: Used as armament in EH101.[65]
Djibouti[58]
Dominican Republic[58]
Ecuador[58]
El Salvador[66]
Egypt: Made under license by the Maadi Company for Engineering Industries.[7][53][67] Egyptian-made MAGs known as Helwan 920.[68]
Estonia: The Swedish-made version known as the Ksp 58B has been adopted as the standard MG.[69]
Finland:100 machine guns came from the Netherlands with Leopard 2A6 MBTs in 2015-2019[70][71]
France: Selected in 2010. 500 machine guns were purchased in 2011, and an additional 10,000 machine guns will eventually be supplied.[72]
Gabon[58]
Gambia[58]
Georgia: M240L variant in use.[73]
Ghana[58]
Guatemala[58]
Guyana[58]
Haiti[58]
Honduras[58]
Hong Kong: Used by theRoyal Hong Kong Regiment.[74]
Hungary[58].JPG)
India: Manufactured by theOrdnance Factories Board under license.[7]
Indonesia: Standard general-purpose machine gun ofIndonesian Armed Forces. Also used byKomando Pasukan Katak (Kopaska) tactical diver group andKomando Pasukan Khusus (Kopassus) special forces group.[75] M240 (M240C/D) variants used as coaxial & pintle mounted gun on Leopard 2 Main Battle Tank.[76][77][78] FN MAGs made under license as the SM2, previously known as SPM2 GPMG byPT Pindad.[79]
Iraq[80]
Ireland: Used by theIrish Defence Forces.[81]
Israel: Used by theIsrael Defense Forces alongsideIMI Negev andNegev NG7. Closed muzzle was adopted in Armored Forces to prevent muzzle flash.
Jamaica: Battalion-level fire support weapon of theJamaica Defence Force.[82]
Japan: M240C coaxial variant mounted on the AAV7 amphibious vehicle used by the JGSDFAmphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade.[83][84]
Jordan[85][86]
Katanga[87]
Kuwait[66][88]
Latvia: The Swedish-made version known as the Ksp 58B has been adopted by theLatvian National Guard as the standard MG.[89]
Lebanon: Adopted as standard MG by theLebanese Armed Forces.
Lesotho[90]
Libya[91]
Lithuania:Lithuanian Armed Forces.[92]
Luxembourg[93]
Malaysia[94]
Mexico[64]
Monaco:Compagnie des Carabiniers du Prince.[95]
Morocco: MAG-60-20 Infanterie T1.[96]
Netherlands: Used by theRoyal Navy,Marine Corps,Royal Air Force andRoyal Army.[97] The designation used by the Marine Corps isMitrailleur van 7,62 mm NATO MAG FN[98] whereas the Army designates the weapon asMitrailleur 7.62 mm MAG.[99] These legacy MAGs were replaced by newer models, featuring rails and polymer furniture.[100]
New Zealand: TheNew Zealand Defence Force originally purchased the British-made L7A2 version of the MAG in 1976. These are now being replaced by several versions of the Belgian-made MAG-58, which was originally introduced into service as part of the introduction of theNZLAV. The FN-made MAGs are now used in the infantry light machine gun (LMG) role as a flexible mounted machine gun on the LOV andNH90, Agusta Westland A109, the Kaman SH-2G(I), and as a heavy sustained fire machine gun.[101]
Nicaragua: Adopted by theGuardia Nacional de Nicaragua in the 1970s as standard MG.
Niger[91]
Nigeria[64]
Norway[102] On Leopard 2A4 MBTs bought from the Netherlands. Supposed to replace the Rheinmetall MG3 in Norwegian service.
Pakistan[103]
Panama[64]
Papua New Guinea: Likely acquired from Australian stocks.[104]
Peru[105]
Poland: M240C tank variant were used on the M1A2 Abrams Main Battle Tank,[106] other M240 variants were also purchased.[107]
Portugal: Used byPortuguese Army onPandur II IFV andLeopard 2A6 tank and by thePortuguese Navy on theKarel Doorman-class frigates.[108][109]
Rhodesia[110][111]
Rwanda[112]
Saudi Arabia[113]
Sierra Leone:Sierra Leone Army used ex-British L7A2 GPMG. Some were captured by rebels.[114]
Singapore: In use bySingapore Armed Forces andPolice Coast Guard. Licensed production carried out by Ordnance Development and Engineering Company of Singapore, now integrated intoST Engineering. Two versions produced, one infantry assault variant fitted with a bi-pod, the other co-axial model for armored vehicle or vehicle mountings. One MAG is issued to each rifle platoon. It is always referred to as GPMG or simply MG.[53] ST Engineering manufacture it as the 7.62 General Purpose Machine Gun.[115]
Slovenia[116]
South Africa[58]
Spain: Used by theSpanish Army Airmobile Force and theSpanish Marine Infantry.[117]
Sri Lanka[118]
Sudan[91]
Slovakia: Mounted on BOV 8x8 VYDRA[119]
Sweden: Used by theSwedish Armed Forces, license made in Sweden and designated as theKsp 58 (short for "Kulspruta", Swedish for "Machine gun" of model 1958).[120][121][122]
Taiwan: produced locally as T74 GPMG.
Thailand: Used by theRoyal Thai Army, designated as the Type 38 General-purpose machine gun (ปก.38) in 1995.[123]
Tunisia[91]
Turkey[124][125]
Ukraine: unspecified number received during theRussian invasion in 2022.[126] Some are C6 GPMGs from Canada.[127]
United Kingdom[7]
United States:
Uruguay[64]
Venezuela[64]
Zimbabwe[129][130]
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