SNT Motiv K16

General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG)

South Korea | 2024

"The K16 GPMG will be used by South Korean ground forces to succeed an aging line of machine guns in same battlefield role."

Image from official SNT Motiv marketing materials.

Authored By: Staff Writer | Last Edited: 09/13/2022 | Content ©www.MilitaryFactory.com | The following text is exclusive to this site; No A.I. was used in the generation of this content.

The K16 is a new infantry-level machine gun unveiled by the Republic of Korea Army (South Korea) in December of 2021. The type will be used to succeed an aging line of K3 Light Machine Gun (LMG) and M60 GPMG systems. The new weapon offers increase engagement ranges when compared to its predecessors, offers enhanced reliability in-the-field, and is a locally-designed, developed, and manufactured South Korean solution by SNT Motiv. The company produces (or has produced) a slew of weapons for the South Korean Army that include assault rifles, sniper rifles, and grenade launchers.

Series introduction of the K16 is expected sometime in 2024.

The K3 was introduced in 1991 while the M60 has its roots in the Cold War from America and was influenced in design by the German World War 2-era MG42 General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG) series. Due to age and changing requirements of the modern battlefield, a successor for both types is long overdue.

The K16 features all-modern design, firing from a proven automatic, gas-operated / open-bolt system. The gas cylinder is set under the barrel in typical fashion. The weapon is chambered for the ubiquitous 7.62x51mm NATO rifle cartridge, firing from a belt-fed supply, offering good penetration / suppression at-range. Thermal sights are supported as are other optics for accurized firing in all light environments. Flip-up sights are showcased over the receiver with a front iron sight set at the front-end of the gas cylinder. A hinged bipod assembly under the gas cylinder supports the front-end of the weapon. The pistol grip is ergonomically angled. A carrying handle is set over the right side of the body.

The MGS-5 thermal system is an optional, battery-powered sighting device mounted on the over-receiver rail section of the gun. Push-buttons provide operator control of the unit. A padded optics section is set at the rear of the rectangular form.

Weight, sans the thermal scope component, is 10.4 kilograms. Overall length is 1,200mm.

The base design comprises a complete family of weapons that go beyond the GPMG form-and-function. There is a vehicle-based co-axial model (K16E) for tanks and related Armored Fighting Vehicles (AFVs) as well as a crew-served, bipod-supported version (K16D/K12).

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Physical
The physical qualities of the SNT Motiv K16. Information presented is strictly for general reference and should not be misconstrued as useful for hardware restoration or operation.

1,200 mm
47.24 in
O/A Length

22.93 lb
10.40 kg
Weight

Gas-Operated; Open Bolt System.
Action

7.62x51mm NATO
Caliber(s)

100-round disintegrating belt.
Feed

Iron Front and Rear; Supported Optics.
Sights

Variants
Notable series variants as part of the SNT Motiv K16 General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG) family line.

K16 - Base Series Designation; base weapon.

K16D / K12 - Crew-support weapon; bipod.

K16E - Vehicle-mounted, solenoid-actuated co-axial MG variant.

Operators
Global customers who have evaluated and/or operated the SNT Motiv K16. Nations are displayed by flag, each linked to their respective national small arms listing.

Contractor(s): SNT Motiv - South Korea

[ South Korea ]

1 / 1

Image from official SNT Motiv marketing materials.

Going Further...
The SNT Motiv K16 General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG) appears in the following collections:

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