From the K3 to the K16: How These Cutting-Edge Machine Guns Are Revolutionizing Warfare

In the military, an infantry machine gun is designed to repeat the automatic firing processes, ejecting spent cartridges and loading new rounds with each trigger pull. This weapon provides substantial fire support for infantry units ranging from small squads to larger companies.

A notable historical example of the impact of machine guns occurred during the Matabele War in Zimbabwe in November 1893. In a remarkable display of firepower, just 50 British soldiers equipped with four Maxim machine guns could defeat approximately 5,000 Matabele warriors who were attacking in waves. The British forces suffered no casualties, while the Matabele were decimated. The Maxim machine gun, invented by Hiram Maxim, was the world’s first automatic firearm and could fire between 500 and 600 rounds per minute, equivalent to the combined firepower of 50 riflemen. This overwhelming rate of fire made it extremely difficult for a large, unarmed force to overcome a smaller group armed with such a weapon.

Understanding the strategic advantage of machine guns, our military has developed and introduced several domestically produced models. Starting with the K3 light machine gun in 1978, followed by the K4 high-velocity grenade machine gun, the K6 medium machine gun, the K15 light machine gun, and the K16 multipurpose machine gun (initially named K12 but renamed K16 upon mass production in 2021), these weapons are now essential components in various operational roles.

K3 Light Machine Gun

The K3 light machine gun, like many top-tier machine guns worldwide, uses 5.56 mm ammunition. A key advantage of the K3 is its compatibility with standard infantry rifle rounds, allowing soldiers to use the same ammunition for their rifles and machine guns. The K3’s rifling is similar to that of the K2 rifle, the standard-issue firearm, ensuring effective performance with the K100 round, which is also compatible with the K2. In emergencies, soldiers can use the K2’s ammunition magazine in the K3, although the manufacturer advises against this practice for safety reasons.

To address the issue of unintended automatic firing caused by overheating—known as “thermal runaway,” the K3 features an “open bolt” design and a “Half Feeding System” that enhances ammunition feeding efficiency. This system feeds half of the rounds during both the forward and backward movements of the bolt, allowing a single operator to manage the weapon effectively with stable feeding.

The K3 also boasts a rapid barrel change mechanism that doesn’t require additional equipment, a trigger designed to reduce the impact on the operator’s finger during firing, and improved accuracy. Additionally, it includes a shock-absorbing trigger that ensures reliable single-shot operation.

The K3 offers distinct advantages over existing 6 mm machine guns. It has a shorter distance from the operator’s shoulder to the grip and front holding point, making it more accessible for individuals of more diminutive stature, particularly in Asia. The barrel length has been increased to support long-range engagements, and the overall weight of the weapon has been significantly reduced.

K4 High-Velocity Grenade Machine Gun

The K4 high-velocity grenade machine gun may not match traditional machine guns regarding range and firepower for suppressing enemies. However, it excels in combat scenarios where mortars are needed. It supports four types of ammunition: the K212 dual-purpose high-explosive round, the KM383 high-explosive round, the KM385 practice round, and the new K222 practice round.

The K212 dual-purpose round can penetrate a 5 cm thick steel plate from 2,000 meters away, making it effective against enemy armored vehicles and mechanized infantry. The KM383 high-explosive round is primarily used for targeting personnel. The KM385 practice round has been replaced by the K222, which generates noise, smoke, and flash upon impact. This helps target identification and provides a more realistic training experience, addressing the issue with the KM385 practice round, which was hard to see at long distances. However, the K222 is costly and not widely used.

The K4 uses different ammunition from the K201 grenade launcher attached to the K2 rifle. Despite using a 40 mm caliber, the K4’s ammunition is 53 mm long, compared to the K201’s 46 mm. The larger ammunition of the K4 provides greater energy and range for rapid-fire grenade launching. Consequently, the K4 has an effective range of 1,500 meters and a muzzle velocity of 791 feet per second (241 m/s), whereas the K201 has an effective range of 1,150 feet (350 m) and a muzzle velocity of 249 feet per second (76 m/s).

The K4 is notably similar to the Mk19, a top-selling weapon in the Western market, which helps reduce operational failures. The manufacturer, SNT Motiv, has improved components that could cause feeding issues, significantly boosting reliability in the field.

K6 Medium Machine Gun

The K6 medium machine gun builds on the reputation of the M2 firearm, which is renowned for its accuracy, reliability, and durability. One of its standout features is the Quick Change Barrel (QCB) system, which simplifies barrel swapping.

A 12.7 mm medium machine gun typically requires a barrel change after firing around 200 continuous rounds due to heat-induced accuracy loss. The M2HB model, lacking a barrel handle, necessitates using asbestos gloves to prevent burns, and operators must adjust the headspace and timing with each barrel change. This process can take up to five minutes and is particularly difficult for untrained personnel.

In contrast, the K6’s QCB system employs an assembly jaw mechanism that aligns the barrel with the support’s screws, automatically ensuring correct headspace. This innovative design allows users to change the barrel in under 10 seconds without adjusting the firing timing, significantly improving efficiency and ease of use.

K15 Light Machine Gun

The K15 light machine gun is equipped with both day and night sighting devices, making it highly effective for engaging enemy troop concentrations at long distances. It stands out for its accuracy, reliability, and ease of operation. The K15 can achieve shot groups within a 2.16-inch circle (less than 2.2 MOA) at 100 yards (91.44 meters). The gun features a quick-change barrel and includes a Picatinny rail for mounting various accessories. Both the stock and bipod are adjustable to accommodate different operators.

The K15 is only slightly heavier than the K3 in terms of weight. With added performance-enhancing equipment, the K3 weighs 15.1 pounds (6.85 kg), while the K15 weighs approximately 15.4 pounds (7.2 kg). It also features a handle for easy barrel changes and an open flash suppressor to minimize firing flash.

K16 Multipurpose Machine Gun

The K16 multipurpose machine gun is available in several configurations: basic, crew-served, and coaxial models. The basic model is suited for close combat, supporting squads or infantry platoons to suppress enemy forces. The crew-served version is designed for mounting on tanks, armored vehicles, helicopters, and ships, offering support or neutralizing threats along routes or landing zones. The coaxial model is mounted alongside a tank’s main gun, enhancing close combat capabilities.

The K16 includes rail mounts for various accessories and detachable sights. Its adjustable stock, which features a recoil pad and shock plate, enhances aiming comfort. The ergonomically designed trigger and button controls also improve user convenience, making the K16 a versatile and practical weapon system.