One of the leading companies in the Turkish defence industry, Kale Kalıp, presented its latest product to the public at EnforceTac 2026, held in Nürnberg, Germany, between 23 and 25 February 2026. According to a report published on 26 February 2026 by Army Recognition, one of the most respected international defence publications, the company exhibited Türkiye’s first ultra-light 5.56 mm NATO-qualified machine gun, the KMG556CL, at the exhibition. This launch represents the most recent milestone in Kale Kalıp’s ongoing work in the light weapons sector.
EnforceTac is widely recognised as one of Europe’s most important events dedicated to police, special forces and security units. Operating under the motto “Connecting Minds, Protecting Europe”, the fair saw Kale Kalıp occupy Stand 9-268 in Hall 9. Alongside the KMG556CL, the company also displayed the standard KMG556 model, the 7.62 mm KMG762 variant and several other indigenous weapon systems. Industry professionals paid particular attention to the significant weight-reduction achievements of the new KMG556CL.
As highlighted in Army Recognition’s coverage, the KMG556CL is the product of years of in-house research and development by Kale Kalıp. Compared with the standard KMG556, which weighs approximately 7.8 kg, the CL variant has shed more than 2 kg, bringing its unloaded weight down to just 5.6 kg. This substantial reduction is designed to markedly improve soldier mobility and endurance.
Technical Specifications of the KMG556CL
The KMG556CL is a belt-fed, gas-operated light machine gun chambered in 5.56 × 45 mm NATO. It features a shortened 10.5-inch (267 mm) barrel, a folding stock and an integrated bipod with vertical foregrip, giving it a highly compact profile. The cyclic rate of fire is selectable between 750 and 900 rounds per minute.
The weapon's ultra-light structure was developed to meet NATO's stringent standards. It successfully passed tests against extreme environmental conditions, including firing 12,000 rounds at a high temperature of +50°C, resistance to a low temperature of -46°C, and exposure to snow, ice, mud, dust, and saltwater. The cold hammer-forged barrel, short-stroke gas system, and modular, weight-optimised components ensure both lightness and durability.
It employs a short-stroke gas piston system, a cold-hammer-forged barrel and optimised modular components to maintain both lightness and exceptional durability. A full-length top rail (STANAG 4694 / M1913 compatible) allows seamless mounting of day/night optics, laser aiming devices and tactical lights. Effective range is 400 metres for point targets and 600 metres for area targets.
The feed system accepts 50-, 100- or 200-round belts as well as soft ammunition pouches, ensuring full logistical compatibility with all NATO forces.
Kale Kalıp’s Journey in the Defence Sector
Kale Kalıp was founded in 1969 in Istanbul as a precision tooling and component manufacturer. It entered the defence sector in 1987 through the Euro Stinger programme and later collaborated with major international players such as Lockheed Martin and MBDA. In 2005 the company developed Türkiye’s first indigenous 40 mm automatic grenade launcher (KAGL40). Since then it has expanded into infantry rifles, sniper systems and light machine guns.
The KMG556 family was launched in 2021. The original model became Türkiye’s first and only 5.56 mm light machine gun to successfully complete all 34 (in some references 35) NATO qualification tests. Series production began in 2022, with first deliveries to the Turkish Land Forces in November 2024. The weapon is now in active service with Turkish military and police units and has also seen operational use abroad.
The KMG556CL is the compact, lightweight evolution of this proven platform. Kale Kalıp has announced that both 7.62 × 51 mm variants and further weight-optimised models are already in the pipeline.
Operational Advantages of the Ultra-Light Design
The most distinctive feature of the KMG556CL is its weight reduction. As highlighted in Army Recognition's analysis, this 2 kg difference provides a significant advantage at the soldier level. It enables carrying more ammunition during dismounted operations, reduces fatigue, and allows for faster manoeuvrability. It is expected to make a difference, especially in urban warfare, mountainous terrain, and vehicle-use scenarios.
Additionally, the use of 5.56×45 mm NATO standard ammunition provides logistical ease in multinational operations. The weapon's modular structure allows for rapid adaptation to different operational needs.
The Place of the KMG556CL in the Turkish Defence Industry
This introduction is part of Türkiye's domestic production efforts in the field of small arms. With its "Your Decision for Precision" approach, Kale Kalıp aims to both meet the needs of the Turkish Armed Forces and compete in the international market. The KMG556CL stands out as a compact, lightweight, and reliable option, especially for European police and special forces.
The international media interest immediately following the fair indicates that the product has attracted attention. Kale Kalıp officials state that the KMG556CL is supported by data obtained from field tests and is ready for operational use.
The Turkish defence industry is advancing step by step with developments such as these. The KMG556CL has been recorded as a technical solution that highlights the balance between weight and performance. Thanks to the engineering team at Kale Kalıp and all contributors.
