The first batch of a new standard assault rifle has been delivered to the Turkish military from domestic manufacturer MKEK on 11 January.
About 500 serial production MPT-76 rifles, also known as the National Infantry Rifle, were built for this initial batch under a contract awarded in July 2015.
The 7.62x51mm assault rifle was produced after MKEK was awarded TRY80 million ($21 million) contract by the Turkey’s defence procurement authority, the SSM, to supply a total of 20,000 new rifles.
A second contract worth TRY60 million was awarded to privately-owned Kale Kalip for 15,014 rifles in December 2015.
Both companies