MKE’s MPT-76 infantry rifle has been observed in use with Peruvian Special Forces, marking another international appearance for Türkiye’s national infantry rifle family.
The latest sighting follows the earlier appearance of the lightweight MPT-76MH variant at an event organized by the Peruvian Special Forces Command. The rifle was displayed during the Special Forces Command’s training year closing ceremony on November 7, 2025, where it was reportedly used by the sniper school.
The appearance of MKE-produced rifles in Peru highlights the growing visibility of Turkish small arms in international military units, especially among specialized forces that require reliable, durable and high-caliber infantry weapons.
MPT-76MH: Lightweight Version of Türkiye’s National Infantry Rifle
The MPT-76 entered serial production in 2016 after being developed by Turkish engineers to meet the needs of the Turkish Armed Forces.
Following feedback from the field, MKE continued modernization work to improve the rifle’s operational usability. As part of this process, the lightweight MPT-76MH variant was developed and completed its qualification process in 2021.
The “MH” designation stands for “Model Hafifletilmiş,” meaning lightweight model. The main goal of the upgrade was to reduce the soldier’s load without sacrificing the weapon’s durability, firepower or battlefield reliability.
Through design improvements, the rifle’s weight was reduced by more than 400 grams, bringing the MPT-76MH to approximately 3.75 kilograms without accessories and magazine.
Designed for Modern Battlefield Needs
The MPT-76MH retains the 7.62×51 mm NATO caliber of the original MPT-76, offering strong stopping power and effective performance at medium ranges.
The rifle operates with a gas-piston, rotating-bolt locking mechanism and supports both semi-automatic and fully automatic fire modes. Its 406 mm barrel, 20-round magazine and 600-meter effective range make it suitable for infantry, special forces and designated operational roles.
The lightweight model also includes ergonomic improvements such as a revised stock structure, updated sling attachment points and a new-generation handguard.
MPT-76MH Technical Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Caliber | 7.62×51 mm NATO |
| Operating Principle | Gas piston, rotating bolt |
| Weight | 3.75 kg |
| Effective Range | 600 m |
| Barrel Length | 406 mm |
| Magazine Capacity | 20 rounds |
| Rate of Fire | 750 rounds/min |
| Fire Modes | Semi-automatic / Full-automatic |
| Muzzle Velocity | 800 m/s |
Strategic Importance
The MPT-76 family was developed as part of Türkiye’s effort to reduce foreign dependency in infantry weapons and establish a fully national rifle capability.
Its appearance with Peruvian Special Forces is significant because it shows that Turkish small arms are gaining attention beyond Türkiye’s traditional defense export markets.
For MKE, the MPT-76 and MPT-76MH family represents not only a national infantry rifle program, but also an exportable small arms solution for countries seeking NATO-caliber, combat-ready and field-proven weapons.
As Türkiye continues to expand its defense exports in armored vehicles, UAVs, naval systems and precision weapons, small arms such as the MPT-76 family remain an important part of the country’s broader defense industry portfolio.
