The People’s Liberation Army (PLA), an armed force beholden to the Chinese Communist Party rather than to the nation of China, is the largest military in the world. Such an enormous military, comprising some two million personnel, has a huge appetite for weapons, especially since Chairman Xi Jinping has been investing heavily to modernize this force over the past decade.

This article examines, in photographs and annotated captions, some of the wide range of small arms currently used by the PLA, from pistols to assault rifles to anti-materiel rifles. The photographs mostly date from 2019, which is when the author left the Chinese territory of Hong Kong for the final time.

Formed on 1 November 1992, Dasan Machineries is an important small arms manufacturer in South Korea. It tends to focus on export markets, whilst competitor SNT Motiv concentrates on serving the Republic of Korea (ROK) Armed Forces. However, there is a lot of crossover, since Dasan has regularly subcontracted to SNT Motiv for domestic contracts, plus it is offering complete weapons to the country’s military.

At the Seoul ADEX 2023 exhibition, held from 17-22 October, Dasan Machineries’ focus was on promoting the DSAR-15 family of weapons, these being an evolution of the ubiquitous AR-15 series. Prominent was the base DSAR-15P assault rifle. Kang W. Lee, Dasan’s Sales Division Executive Director, said the DSAR-15 has been continuously improved since it entered the international market in 2016. He also said the weapon had been sold to many countries – more on that later.

At Seoul ADEX 2023, a DSAR-15P with 14.5-inch barrel was on display. This rifle with gas-operated piston (note that the “P” designation in its name stands for piston) and rotating bolt, and it has a length of 33in (840mm) and weight of 6.8lb (3.1kg). It features an ambidextrous charging handle and collapsible butt stock with six positions. Its effective range is listed as 547y (500m).

Significantly, the DSAR-15PC 5.56 x 45mm rifle was selected in June 2020 to meet a requirement for 16,300 new carbines for South Korea’s Special Warfare Command. After a subsequent development and evaluation period, these weapons would have begun to replace the incumbent K1A carbine. The DSAR-15PC with 11.5-inch barrel had won out over the competing SNT Motiv STC16 for this program.

However, this Special Operations Submachine gun Type I program was suspended after an investigation revealed that Dasan had gained unauthorized access to government documentation about the type of weapons being sought. The president of Dasan and a former army officer were later charged. The country’s Defense Acquisition and Program Administration (DAPA) subsequently halted this procurement effort in June 2021, though it was recently relaunched.

The delay has likely put competitor SNT Motiv in a better position, as in the interim it has won the Special Operations Submachinegun Type II program with its STC16 5.56mm carbine. When the Type I program was launched, SNT Motiv’s weapon was only in prototype form, whereas now it is fully developed. One source told Small Arms Defense Journal that some of these shenanigans may be politically motivated.

Also on show at Seoul ADEX was the DSAR-15PQ 5.56mm rifle, with the “Q” in its nomenclature denoting a quick-release barrel. In advertisements at the show, this DSAR-15PQ was also referred to as the NGAR, standing for Next-Generation Assault Rifle. Unveiled just last year, the DSAR-15PQ is available with 7.5-inch, 10.5-inch, 11.5-inch, 14.5-inch or 16-inch barrels. According to Dasan literature, the version with an 11.5-inch barrel weighs 6.6lb (3kg), is 28.9in (733.5mm) long and has an effective range of 437y (400m). Its rate of fire is listed as 750-850 rounds per minute. A silencer has been developed for it too. Kang said the DSAR-15PQ has already been tested by the Republic of Korea Army (ROKA).

Also newly exhibited was the DSAR-762, a 7.62 x 51mm rifle with a 16-inch barrel, after its development was completed last year. It has an effective range of 875y (800m). It uses a gas piston and can fire on fully automatic, but its recoil is more like that of a 5.56mm weapon, Kang noted. The DSAR-762 weighs 8.8lb (4kg) and measures 35.5in (902mm) long, plus it is available with a longer 20-inch barrel.

Also available is the DSSR-762 semiautomatic designated marksman rifle chambered in 7.62 x 51mm. This gas piston-operated weapon has a muzzle brake, adjustable bipod and 20-inch hammer-forged barrel to create an 875y (800m) range. Its overall length is 40.7in (1.035m), it weighs 9.6lb (4.3kg) and 5-, 10- or 20-round magazines are available.

Elsewhere, the DSAR-47 7.62 x 39mm rifle with 14.5-inch or 16-inch barrel is targeted at countries that use AK-47 weapons and ammunition. Nonetheless, it is still based on the AR-15/M4, so it features interchangeable parts. Dasan completed the DSAR-47 last year and it is now in the testing phase. The version with a 16-inch barrel weighs 7.5lb (3.4kg), and it offers a 383y (350m) range.

Dasan has won sizeable contracts overseas, plus it has a factory in the U.S. known as Alpha Foxtrot. The facility is located in Duluth, Georgia.

One of Dasan’s most recent successes was a deal from the Philippine National Police for 5,755 DSAR-15 rifles with 14.5-inch barrels and a full rail interface system. The rifles will be distributed by United Defense Manufacturing Corporation in the Philippines, in what SADJ understands is Dasan’s first major deal with Manila. The national police force showed off its first batch of DSAR-15s on 2 October. Another known Asian customer of Dasan rifles is the Indonesian Coast Guard.

Dasan also exhibited 5.56mm and 7.62mm versions of its belt-fed XR-17 machine gun, which use a long-stroke gas piston operating system. First shown at DX Korea last year, the latter medium machine gun weighs 13.9lb (6.3kg) and is 45.3 (1.15m) long. With a rate of fire of 550-650 rounds per minute, it has a maximum effective range of 875y (800m). As for the XR-17 light machine gun, it is 39.4in (1m) long and has an 18-inch barrel. The “X” in the designation shows that the XR-17 is still in development. It will compete directly against the K15 5.56mm light machine gun and K16 7.62mm medium machine gun from SNT Motiv.

Unfortunately, Dasan has attracted some criticism over the quality of its weapons, both domestically and internationally. A prime example was a sale to Finland with rifles patterned after the AK, following a public tender. These were for the Maanpuolustuskoulutusyhdistys (MPK, which translates as the National Defense Training Association of Finland), which is responsible for providing military training to Finnish citizens. The MPK wanted a rifle that would mimic in-service RK 62 and RK 95 7.62mm rifles, and Dasan was selected to supply DAK47 weapons in 2020. They had several features such an adjustable folding buttstock, polymer pistol grip and aperture rear sight to replicate Finnish weapons.

However, there was a mixed reception to Dasan’s AK clone, with charges of flimsiness and production quality issues. A translated article on MPK’s official website dated 4 May 2022 stated: “In 2020, the rifles acquired from South Korea have not met expectations. Within a short period of time, there have been four malfunctions leading to breakage of the MPK rifle frame, which is why the weapons are prohibited from use. However, according to MPK, no personal injuries have occurred.”

The MPK pulled these weapons from service in the volunteer training force. Then, in January 2023, the MPK announced that Dasan would recall the rifles and provide an AR-15-based variant instead. Simultaneously, the MPK will obtain new AR-15-based 5.56mm rifles from Sako.

Another South Korean firm to exhibit at Seoul ADEX 2023 was K-Tech Firearms, which was only established in 2018. In 2020, DAPA licensed K-Tech to produce firearms, and in March this year it signed a contract with Caracal to promote its weapons in the South Korean market. At the Seoul exhibition, K-Tech had on display KCAR 816 and KCAR 817 rifles, which were clearly Caracal offerings.

Competitors for the aforementioned and resurrected Special Operations Submachinegun Type I program are almost certainly set to include SNT Motiv, Dasan Machineries, and K-Tech.

SNT Motiv, South Korea’s best-known small arms manufacturer, announced during Seoul ADEX 2023, held from 17-22 October, that its STC16 carbine had received the nomenclature K13 from the Ministry of National Defense after being selected for use by the country’s Special Warfare Command.

SNT Motiv stated, “The K13 submachine gun, which was selected for the Special Operations Submachine Gun Type II project, was developed with proprietary technology by applying global trends in rifle development, and accuracy and durability were improved based on the latest manufacturing technology.”

“Following the determination of its combat capability last April,” the manufacturer continued, “a supply contract was signed with the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA), and it is scheduled to be put into service starting in December. Based on this, SNT Motiv plans to invest more actively in research and development for its next rifle business.”

The K13 5.56mm carbine will be allocated to special forces units to replace the badly aging K1/K1A submachine gun that has served more than 40 years. The first units to receive it will be the 13th Special Mission Brigade of the Republic of Korea Army (ROKA), the Special Warfare Flotilla of the ROK Navy, and the Combat Control Team of the ROK Air Force.

South Korea was originally planning to acquire a foreign-made weapon such as the HK416 or SIG MCX for this requirement, but the STC16 was deemed acceptable after it underwent a yearlong evaluation to ensure it met tough military standards. Acquisition of this weapon is a major step forward for ROK special forces, as the K1A was inadequate for the demands of contemporary warfare.

Small Arms Defense Journal understands that some 1,710 K13s have been ordered under an initial contract. While this number is relatively small, it does set a foundation for further sales as the ROK military seeks to field a next generation of carbines, plus it encourages SNT Motiv to actively sell the weapon on the export market.

In terms of nomenclature, “ST” denotes that a weapon is a company offering, while a “K” prefix is only provided once it is officially adopted by the South Korean military. The STC16 is modular, so components such as barrels, handguards and stocks are interchangeable. A suppressor will also be issued as standard. The carbine uses a short-stroke gas-operated piston.

It is chambered in 5.56 x 45mm caliber, and it weighs 6.6 pounds (3kg). The free-floating barrel is available in three lengths: 10.5-inch (265mm), 11.5-inch (292mm) and 14.5 inch (368mm), creating a weapon that measures between 29.5 and 31.9 inches (750 and 810mm) long overall. The weapons being delivered to ROK special forces all possess the 11.5-inch barrel.

MIL-STD-1913 Picatinny rails over the receiver and forend at the 3, 6 and 9 o’clock positions allow various auxiliary devices to be attached, plus there is a foldable iron sight. It has ambidextrous control handles, magazine catches, and charging handles. The extendable stock has five positions, the handguard is compatible with the M4 series, and it is also useable with polymer magazines.

While the STC16/K13 took pride of place on SNT Motiv’s stand at Seoul ADEX 2023, other relatively new weapons on display were the STSM21 submachine gun, the hammerless STP9 pistol, the K15 and K15PARA 5.56mm light machine guns, the STSR23 7.62mm semiautomatic sniper rifle and the K16 7.62mm medium machine gun. The latter was launched last year, and the K15 in 2020.

The aforementioned STSR23 semiautomatic sniper rifle fires 7.62 x 51mm (308 Winchester) rounds. Although its first development phase is completed, a company spokesperson said the sniper rifle will continue to undergo further refinements; the project only commenced earlier this year. The STSR23 weighs 14.3 pounds (6.5kg) and is available with either a 20-inch (508mm) or 24-inch (609mm) barrel to give an overall length of 42.9 or 44.1 inches (1.09m or 1.12m) respectively. The company remains hopeful it will be eventually adopted by the ROK military as a replacement for the K14 7.62mm bolt-action sniper rifle.

The STSR20 12.7mm anti-materiel rifle is also in development as a company project, and a prototype was displayed at the Seoul exhibition. This rifle has a 29-inch (736.6mm) barrel, and it weighs approximately 30.9 pounds (14kg).

Moving on, the STSM21 is a 9 x 19mm submachine gun weighing 6.6 pounds (3kg) for close-quarters battle. Its free-floating barrel length is 8.6 inches (220mm) and, overall, the STSM21 measures 24-26.4 inches (610-670mm) long. SNT Motiv started development of this weapon with delayed blowback operating system in 2021.

The STP9 9mm striker-fired pistol was unveiled at DX Korea 2022, while the one shown at Seoul ADEX 2023 was stamped with the description STP9A. It weighs 1.6 pounds (740g) and has a 4.3-inch (109mm) barrel. Interestingly, it features an M59-compatible magazine, which would permit the ROK military to reuse existing pistol magazines. Although no tender exercise has yet been announced, SNT Motiv is hoping it could potentially replace the K5 pistol widely used by South Korea’s military.

Although SNT Motiv emerged triumphant with its STC16 in the Special Operations Submachinegun Type II program, the earlier Type I project has still not been resolved. This program represents a requirement for nearly 16,000 carbines, and Dasan Machineries, another South Korean small arms firm, had won the tender with its DSAR-15PC. However, DAPA halted this effort in 2021 after it was discovered that Dasan employees “had unauthorized access beforehand to the type of weapons the agency was planning to develop,” according to The Korean Herald.

However, the Type I project was recently reinitiated, and SNT Motiv is expected to submit an improved version of the STC16/K13 for this other carbine competition. Once both the Special Operations Submachinegun Type I and II programs are completed, the MND will doubtlessly look to launch a widespread replacement for ubiquitous K2 and K2C1 assault rifles.

From 22 July ‘till 4 August 2023, Australia hosted the largest-ever Exercise Talisman Sabre. This biennial exercise saw the record participation of 13 nations and more than 34,500 personnel, among them some 480 Japanese soldiers and 610 sailors. Small Arms Defense Journal observed members of the Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade (ARDB), an elite unit of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF), during Exercise Talisman Sabre 2023. These Japanese marines were armed with the Type 20 5.56mm assault rifle, as in fact the ARDB was the very first Japanese unit to receive the new weapon.

This article examines the Type 20 5.56mm assault rifle. Indeed, it was appropriate that SADJ witnessed it in the hands of Japan’s ARDB, since one of the premises of the weapon’s design was to provide this amphibious unit with a weapon possessing greater durability and longevity than the incumbent Type 89. The rifle is, thus, more corrosion-resistant and less prone to malfunctions caused by water, sand, and dust, for example. Indeed, the rifle can be fired even after being immersed in water.

The JGSDF has been undergoing far-reaching changes as it plays catch-up in the transition from the Cold War to an era of regional threats where China has replaced the Soviet Union and North Korea as the most serious danger. Tokyo feels that its southwest archipelago is vulnerable to Chinese aggression, and this was the leading reason to create the ARDB for remote-island amphibious operations.

Another reason to introduce the newer and more capable assault rifle was that the Type 89 is showing its age. The JGSDF has been armed with the Type 89 as its main assault rifle since 1989, meaning it has been in service for nearly 35 years. The Type 20 uses the same 5.56x45mm caliber, while its name indicates that it was formally adopted into Japanese military service in 2020. Indeed, the Japanese Ministry of Defense (MoD) announced its nomenclature on 18 May 2020.

DEVELOPMENT

The Type 20 was developed by Howa Machinery Limited, the same Japanese armaments firm that once produced the Type 89. The Japanese MoD commenced a search for the Type 89’s replacement back in August 2014. The following year, from January ‘till March, the MoD procured different weapons for thorough testing. Weapons sampled at that time included the SIG Sauer SIG516 and SIG716, Heckler & Koch (H&K) G36V and HK416, and the SCAR-H and SCAR-L from FN.

However, against this backdrop of foreign designs a new rifle design emerged from Howa, for which a patent was filed on 15 May 2015 under the name Howa5.56. A modified design of this weapon was patented shortly thereafter on 25 September 2015. After this initial sampling of possible replacements, the Japanese MoD got down to business with even more thorough testing in 2018. Two foreign contenders – the HK416 and SCAR-L – took on the domestic offering from Howa in a battery of rigorous tests that encompassed weapon performance, logistics, and cost. It is understood that all weapons passed stipulated performance criteria, but the local weapon always enjoyed a favored position. It was duly announced on 6 December 2019 that Howa had been selected to replace the JGSDF’s inventory of assault rifles.

The first production batch of Type 20 rifles was ordered under the Fiscal Year 2020 (FY2020) budget, which saw 3,283 rifles procured for JPY 900 million. Based on these figures, unit cost of the Type 20 rifle is approximately JPY 274,000 (which equates to USD 1,890 at current exchange rates); note that this price covers procurement, maintenance, and operating costs.

According to Japanese MoD budget documents since then, another 3,342 rifles were procured in FY2021 and 2,928 in FY2022. The latest order covering FY2023 encompassed 8,577 Type 20 rifles with a budget of JPY 3.3 billion (USD 23.3 million). This means, by the end of FY2023, a total of 18,130 Type 20 rifles had been ordered for Japanese troops.

It is unknown how many weapons the JGSDF will eventually require, since the MoD tends to buy equipment in small annual batches. It is known, though, that at the end of FY2023 the JGSDF has 150,245 regular personnel plus 7,981 ready reserves. With such personnel numbers, the JGSDF needs some 150,000 weapons, and this does not include requirements for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force and Japan Air Self-Defense Force. Howa produced approximately 140,000 Type 89 rifles, although the preceding Type 64 persisted in some units.

No exports of the Type 20 have been recorded so far, although Howa’s Deputy General Manager Kazuhiro Kimura said earlier this year that some foreign countries had inquired about possibly procuring it. All exports are regulated by the Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency (ATLA), an organ of the MoD.

DESIGN

Japan has an extensive defense industry able to cater to most of the JGSDF’s needs in terms of small arms. Traditionally, different firearm types were assigned to specific companies. Thus, Howa Machinery Limited has been responsible for rifles since the end of World War II, while MinibeaMitsumi makes handguns and submachine guns, and Sumitomo Heavy Industries manufactured machine guns. Incidentally, in 2013 the latter was found guilty of falsifying test data related to its machine guns for the previous 40+ years.

The progeny of the Type 20’s design is unclear, but it may have been influenced by foreign designs like the FN-SCAR and HK433. Many aspects of the design, such as the short-stroke gas piston system, remain the same as the Type 89. The gas block has a manually adjustable gas regulator. However, there are obvious advances in the weapon, including the aforementioned corrosion resistance, as well as the presence of integral Picatinny rails on a Japanese rifle for the first time, and ambidextrous controls.

Another important distinguishing feature is that it is more compact than the Type 89 in an effort to make easier to wield. According to data provided by Howa Machinery Limited, the Type 20 weighs 3.5kg (7.72 lb.) and, with the telescopic stock fully extended, it is 851mm (33.5 in.) long (779mm (30.67 in.) retracted). This is significantly shorter than the 920mm-long (36.22 in.) Type 89. The barrel is 330mm (13 in.) long, a sizeable 90mm (3.54 in.) shorter than the Type 89. The two-stage trigger has a pull weight of 2.83kg (6.24 lb.). The barrel rifling is right hand with six grooves, with one turn every seven inches. While the rifle’s weight remains the same as the Type 89, the center of gravity has shifted more towards the grip.

The Type 20 has a telescopic stock with adjustable cheek and shoulder pads, and a vertical foregrip with integral bipod that can be removed with a quick-release fitting. There are five steps in the telescopic stock, giving users a good range of customization options. The magazine catch, safety selector, and bolt release are fitted on both sides so the rifle can be used easily by left- or right-handers. The cocking handle can also be set to either side, though spent casings are only ejected from the right side (a brass deflector protects left-handed shooters).

The fire control selector offers three choices in Japanese characters: “A” is safe, “Ta” is semiautomatic, and “Re” is fully automatic. The design could be simplified by eliminating the unpopular three-round burst mode that is available on the Type 89, for example. The weapon’s cyclic rate of fire is listed as 650 rounds per minute, the same as the Type 89. A muzzle velocity of around 900m/s provides soldiers with an effective firing range of 300m, while its maximum effective range is given as 500m.

Soldiers used to attach accessories such as lights with vinyl tape to the Type 89, but this will not be necessary with the Type 20, since there are 20mm Picatinny rails top and bottom, while M-LOK slots are at the 3, 6 and 9 o’clock positions.

There are foldable iron sights, while the standard variable-power telescopic sight is made by Deon Optical Design Corporation, a Japanese company formed only in 2004. The actual scope is the March-F 1x-8x24mm Shorty. Offering up to 8x magnification, this scope is 212mm (8.35 in.) long and weighs 460g (16.23 oz.). Deon Optical Design claims it “is the world’s lightest and shortest scope with 8x magnification ratio”. It has an illuminated reticle and 100-yard fixed focus. Funnily enough, on all the Type 20 rifles that SADJ observed with the ARDB in Exercise Talisman Sabre 2023, none were fitted with this particular sight. Most had no scopes whatsoever fitted.

Ammunition is fed from 30-round box magazines, and rifles fire the same ammunition as the Type 89. Interestingly, the magazines are the Magpul PMAG 30 M3 Window. These plastic magazines will not rust, and their transparent window shows users how many rounds remain.

Importantly, however, a new 5.56x45mm cartridge known as the J-3 high-power cartridge was developed specifically for the Type 20 weapon. The J-3 was designed by the ammunition and precision engineering division of the Japanese company Asahi-Seki. The cartridge weighs 12g (0.4 oz.), is 57.4mm long, is made from steel and red brass, and uses double-base powder. The bullet has a monolithic, high-strength material core. Even though the barrel of the Type 20 is shorter, the combination with the J-3 creates a more powerful bullet designed to penetrate modern body armor.

The JGSDF’s existing bayonet can be fitted to the Type 20, as can a Beretta GLX-160A1 under-barrel grenade launcher. The Japanese MoD slightly adjusted the GLX-160A1, which fires 40x46mm grenades, to better mount it on the Type 20.

The Type 20 will probably remain in Japanese service for at least 30 years. A constant problem for Japanese defense manufacturers such as Howa Machinery Limited has been small contracts and the absence of exports, which results in high unit costs and a lack of profitability. Komatsu Heavy Industries exited the defense manufacturing scene in 2019, for example, citing an inability to make a profit. Japan could probably have bought foreign-made rifles more cheaply than what it is paying for the Type 20, but for many countries such as Japan, the reality of possessing a sovereign defense industry is important.

OTHER WEAPONS

Whilst on the topic of the Type 20, it is pertinent to also quickly discuss other recent developments regarding JGSDF small arms, since the inventory is otherwise being dominated by foreign weapons. Indeed, on 6 December 2019, the same time as the Type 20 was selected, the JGSDF announced selection of the H&K SFP9 as its new pistol. This pistol had been competing against the Beretta APX and Glock model 17. An initial batch of 323 SFP9 pistols was ordered under the FY2020 budget. Previously, Japan had fielded the SIG Sauer P220 produced under license by MinibeaMitsumi. However, its magazine contained only nine rounds, and the grip was considered too large for Japanese hands.

More recently, on 23 January 2023, the MoD announced that it had selected the H&K G28 E2 7.62mm sniper rifle, and the FN Herstal Minimi Mk3 5.56mm light machine gun. Approximately 900 semiautomatic G28 E2 s will be acquired, to supplement 1,304 Remington Arms M24 sniper rifles procured from 2002-18.

The JGSDF acquired 4,922 Minimi Mk1 5.56mm light machine guns from 1993-2017, these produced under license by Sumitomo Heavy Industries. Japan will now import around 3,100 newer Minimi Mk3 weapons from Belgium. Oddly, the JGSDF does not currently operate any 7.62mm machine gun, and this has led to concerns that Japanese troops would be outranged by an adversary.

Thales Australia gained useful experience in upgrading service rifles to the F88SA2 model, and it was later contracted in December 2011 to design a new 5.56mm assault rifle for the ADF. This project came under the auspices of Land 125 Phase 3C, and Thales had to meet demanding user requirements. Essentially, it was competing against itself to produce a rifle that met strict specifications and was cost-effective. Among the requirements were weight reduction, the ability to install more accessories and the possession of better balance by moving the center of gravity rearwards.

The Human Factors Team of the then Defense Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO) first trialed the new EF88 with a group of 10 soldiers in December 2012, and this resulted in minor adjustments to the design. The new weapon was to become known as the “EF88,” with the E denoting “Enhanced.” For the export market, Thales Australia refers to it as the “F90.”

After extensive development work and close collaboration with the ADF and other defense agencies, the company concluded a critical AUD 100 million (USD 73.6 million in 2015) deal with the ADF in July 2015, this covering the production of 30,000 EF88 rifles and 2,500 SL40 40mm under-barrel grenade launchers.

At the time of the award, Kevin Wall, Thales Australia’s armaments vice president, said, “Our soldiers deserve the best possible equipment, and the F90 delivers on all counts. Enhancing the Austeyr is the most cost-effective way to deliver a capability upgrade, and we’ve worked closely with defense and Army units to design, test and manufacture this world-class weapon. We’re now looking forward to getting it into troops’ hands as quickly as possible.”

The EF88 is very much a product of psychology, too. Although the F88 was improved throughout its lifecycle, each iteration looked the same, and that meant its reputation and the perception of its flaws lingered. By making the EF88 look distinctly different, there would be no mistaking its new lineage.

The EF88 is manufactured at Thales Australia’s facility in Lithgow, New South Wales. Production levels peaked at around 40 rifles per day, and it requires a total of 5.9 hours to build a single rifle. This compares very favorably with the 11 hours once needed to make an F88 rifle. The company reported to Small Arms Defense Journal that, by February 2020, just 4,000 rifles of the original 30,000 on order remained to be delivered.

Ins and Outs of the EF88/F90

Initially, there were teething problems such as breakages relating to the polymer material used on the weapon and ejection port covers coming off. The EF88 had a supposedly improved gas plug but, according to sources spoken to by the author, there is considerable criticism from soldiers about the signature coming off this gas plug.

One expensive problem to rectify, not relating at all to the performance of the EF88, was that the new rifle did not fit existing mounting brackets in ADF vehicles. It cost AUD 5 million alone to modify these brackets.

The first unit to receive the new rifles were members of the 1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (1 RAR) based in Townsville, these were handed over in June 2015. Thales Australia had commenced low-rate initial production in September 2014 to reduce risk and smooth the transition from existing F88 manufacturing. Broader rollout to the Australian Army commenced in 2016, with successive recipients being soldiers of the Townsville-based 3rd Brigade, then the 7th Brigade in Brisbane and finally the 1st Brigade split between Darwin and Adelaide.

Thales says the EF88, which weighs 3.25kg and is therefore around 500g lighter than the F88, is more accurate, reliable and robust than its predecessor. New materials that are half the weight but twice as strong as aluminum have been introduced. Certainly, it is more modular and ergonomic, and it is one of the lightest assault rifles available.

The change in center of gravity towards the rear is a key one, since it improves the speed of engagement for users. This resultantly increases the first-round probability of a hit.

Illustrating its modularity, the EF88 has several Picatinny rails fully integrated to reduce weight. The top rail was extended compared to the F88SA2, so a day sight, in-line sight, thermal imager or even a grenade launcher sight can be attached. The right-hand rail can mount a laser so that it does not snag on the sling. Another rail is under the barrel to which a grenade launcher, grip or bipod can be affixed. One o’clock offset rails can also be fitted.

Initially, it was conceived that only regular infantry units would be equipped with the weapon, but such was the success of the design that it was rolled out to every soldier regardless of their specialty. The EF88 is issued to Australian troops in two versions: a standard bullpup rifle with a 20-inch (508mm) barrel and a carbine with a 16-inch (407mm) barrel.

The Australian Army divides its soldiers into Tier 1 combatants who perform niche tasks (e.g., tank crews), Tier 2 dismounted troops who conduct dismounted close combat, Tier 2 mounted soldiers who crew armored fighting vehicles and Tier 3 combatants who provide general support to combined-arms teams.

The ADF introduced the EF88 according to the above tiers, with the difference being barrel lengths and accessories such as sights and bipods. As already indicated, as part of Project Land 125 Phase 3C a range of accessories were procured. These were all carefully tested to ensure the EF88 represented an integral system, a process in which Thales was thoroughly involved.

The standard sight for all soldier tiers is Elcan’s SpecterDR, an enhanced dual-range day sight with 1-4x magnification. One clear positive aspect of this sight is that users can see and hit targets at far greater ranges than before, even at 600m.

Weapons can be fitted with a Grip Pod Systems GPS.02-CL forward grip with bipod or a Harris N325-BRM bipod. The standard image intensifier sight is Qioptiq’s KITE IN-LINE, an in-line system for which the ADF specified white phosphorous tubes.

There are four slightly different weapon variants for Tier 2 dismounted troops (i.e., regular infantry): commander, marksman, rifleman and grenadier (the latter has a 40mm under-barrel grenade launcher). Their weapons can be fitted with an InForce WMLx visual illumination device on a Daniel Defense 1 o’clock offset rail. Meanwhile, the standard laser on the right-hand rail is L3 Insight EOTech’s AN/PEQ-16.

As one would expect, Tier 2 mounted troops who usually crew vehicles use the shorter-barreled 407mm carbine with a Knight’s Armament basic forward grip. Tier 3 soldiers have two rifle variants available: the standard 508mm-barreled rifle and the grenadier type with 40mm grenade launcher. Selected Tier 2 dismounted troops received an Elbit Systems XACT th65 clip-on thermal imager system, these devices being assigned to dedicated marksmen.

The aforementioned Steyr Mannlicher SL40 (or F91) that weighs 1,025g is a fully integrated 40mm grenade launcher attachment. This combines with a Thales F1 quadrant sight that can be used at night and is compatible with night vision goggles. The launcher can be fitted to the rifle in just 15 seconds. The double-action grenade launcher is side opening, which allows more types of rounds to be fired. It can be fitted and removed by individual soldiers without resorting to the services of an armorer.

The EF88’s six-fluted 5.56mm barrel is lighter than the F88’s, and the mount was fixed to enhance accuracy after the requirement for a quick-change barrel was dropped. As on the M4, the bolt release catch was relocated to permit faster magazine changes and allow the shooter to keep his eyes on target. The folding cocking handle is less likely to break too, and the cocking action is now silent. Furthermore, the hammer pack is more reliable. Also altered was the butt group to reduce the length of pull and therefore more comfortably accommodate body armor being worn by the shooter.

Color, Suppressors and Sovereignty

Earlier on in its development, the EF88 was finished in two colors as was the F88SA2, with a tan-colored upper and khaki green-colored bottom. Why then did the new rifle end up black? According to a 2019 report titled, “Sticking to Our Guns: A Troubled Past Produces a Superb Weapon,” written by Chris Masters and published by the Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI), it was Australia’s then Chief of Army and a couple of senior generals who unilaterally decided black was the best color for the new weapon.

Their decision took many by surprise, because few elements in the natural environment are black, so this color offers less camouflage in combat. Furthermore, the dark-colored rifle had no harmony with the ADF’s new Australian Multicam Camouflage Uniform (AMCU) that was being introduced at much the same time.

Masters in his report related that something seemingly as innocuous as a color change necessitated months of extra work. This was because testing had to be redone to prove that changes in the polymer’s color did not affect the hardness of the material throughout its lifecycle.

The reason for adopting black was never explained by the ADF. However, the ASPI report commented: “Black is severe, but also sexy. Special Forces counterterrorism operatives, bedecked in black, carry black weapons … Soldiers, particularly the younger ones, are as much creatures of fashion as anyone, so to give them a weapon with a cool, industrial design and sex appeal was following a useful rationale—even if the result was a victory of style over substance.”

The ADF originally forbade soldiers from camouflaging their black rifles, but this order was soon rescinded when soldiers discovered how starkly they stood out in the field, and individuals started implementing their own personal camouflage schemes on their personal weapons.

Combat experience in Afghanistan had taught that the typical hostile engagement occurred at ranges of 30m to 200m. There was thus an effort to instill close-quarters battle skills (the type that Special Forces are highly proficient in) among regular Australian infantrymen to increase their shooting speed and accuracy.

Of course, such a training focus requires offhanded shooting, something not possible with the F88 and not a requirement when the EF88’s specifications were drawn up. The Australian Army sought to resolve this issue of ambidextrous shooting—to prevent spent cases hitting the face—with a new case deflector. After being commissioned to come up with a solution, Thales tested a first deflector prototype in 2017. Though that one did not meet requirements, an appropriate deflector eventually became available; this one sending cases forward rather than backwards.

Special Forces also recognize the value of a suppressor to reduce sound and flash and, thus, conceal their position. Therefore a suppressor was chosen for the EF88 too, and an initial total of 1,000 suppressors were acquired from Oceania Defence in New Zealand. These titanium suppressors are made by 3D printing, but fitting a suppressor meant the removal of a barrel lug and the possibility of attaching a bayonet. However, Thales has so far not been able to get the sound pressure level of any suppressor below 140dB owing to the design of the EF88’s operating system.

Thales Australia has also developed adaptors for Simunition® training ammunition, plus it has created a stand-alone stock for the SL40 40mm grenade launcher. That means the launcher no longer has to be attached to the weapon to be fired.

One final factor worthy of mention is that the EF88 represents a sovereign design capability and greater self-reliance for Australia. Indigenous production also provides local employment, which is something politicians like to trumpet.

For the export market, Thales Australia is offering the F90MBR (Modular Bullpup Rifle), currently available with three barrel lengths: 360mm, 407mm and 508mm. The F90MBR is mechanically the same as the EF88, but it has a modified stock. It also possesses a NATO-standard magazine and ambidextrous features, including a magazine release catch forward of the pistol grip. The shortest barrel length of 360mm turns the weapon almost into the category of a submachine gun.

As the original manufacturer, Thales Australia is actively exploring export opportunities for the F90. Certainly, the greatest opportunities are in India. Thales had originally announced a tie-up with Indian firm MKU in early 2018, but more recently it transferred allegiance to Bharat Forge to market the F90 to the Indian Army.

Thales had already offered a shorter, customized 13.5-inch barrel for an Indian competition for 94,000 close-quarters battle carbines. Although this tender closed nearly 2 years ago and a different contender was selected, no contract was ever awarded. Thales therefore expects to compete in a potential rerun of this competition. A second phase of the project would see 350,000 rifles made within India. At the time of writing, Thales Australia was about to execute a license transfer with Bharat Forge to meet this local production requirement.

A Thales spokesman told SADJ that his company was hopeful of its first F90 exports either this year or in 2021, with “lots of interest” being expressed internationally from potential clients.

Acknowledgements

The author would like to thank Thales Australia plus various soldiers of the Australian Army for their assistance in preparing this article.

Earlier in 2014, Small Arms Defense Journal attended a large-scale bilateral military exercise in South Korea. Exercise Ssang Yong (which translates as ‘Double Dragon’) involved some 14,000 personnel from the Republic of Korea (ROK) and the United States. During the series of military drills, we took the opportunity to look more closely at weapons used by the ROK Marine Corps (ROKMC). As to be expected, the small arms they employ are mostly those in common with the ROK Army as well. Regardless, the exercise provided us an opportune chance to look at equipment of the largest Marine Corps in the Asian region.

The ROKMC is not a branch of the ROK Navy, for it is a distinct service of the country’s armed forces. Its origins date to just prior to the Korean War (1950-53), when a Marine Corps consisting of just 380 men was established on 15 April 1949. Its first equipment was mostly leftover weapons from the Imperial Japanese Army, and soon the country was plunged into wartime chaos. One of the corps’ memorable moments was the Battle of Incheon, where 75,000 American and South Korean troops landed west of Seoul to send the North Koreans into retreat during the Korean War. Later, the ROKMC dispatched a brigade to South Vietnam during the Vietnam War.

View of the 5.56mm K1A submachine gun from the left-hand side. From observation of ROKMC units on exercise, the K1A is very widely used by infantry Marines.

One might ask why South Korea needs an amphibious force, especially since the country’s military is geared almost totally to a conflagration with the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), whose military looms threateningly across the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). In fact, South Korea is a peninsula nation surrounded by sea on three sides and with a number of offshore islands. Thus, the possession of a Marine Corps makes a lot of sense.

Marines are charged with conducting landing operations in conjunction with the ROK Navy, as well as conventional ground warfare, special warfare and facility protection. Indeed, the country must guard against DPRK intrusions that might include Special Forces infiltrating by small craft or mini-submarine. Today the ROKMC poses a behind-the-lines threat to any DPRK act of aggression, since it could make an amphibious lodgement on either the west or east coast of North Korea. To guard the maritime approaches to the capital Seoul and nearby port of Incheon, Marines are also deployed on five islands to the west of the South Korean mainland, including Yeonpyeong Island that was shelled in 2010.

The Marine Corps Command has an estimated 27,000 personnel. Of these, many are conscripts doing 24 months of compulsory military service. The corps comprises two divisions (1st and 2nd Marine Divisions), one brigade (6th Marine Brigade located in the northwest islands), and the Yeonpyeong unit. South Korean marines are acknowledged as being among the best there are, and even their U.S. counterparts speak glowingly of them as being “very tough.”

After this brief introduction to the ROKMC, let us turn our attention to the service’s small arms. The following is not designed as an exclusive list, but it does highlight the weapons one would typically expect to see within the Republic of Korea Marine Corps. These small arms are almost exclusively manufactured in South Korea by S&T Motiv, a company belonging to the Daewoo group. The company was established in 1981 (then called Daewoo Precision Industries Co. Ltd.) specifically to build small arms for the country’s armed forces. The company adopted its current name in 2012. As well as having a captive domestic market, S&T Motiv has also achieved considerable weapon exports to a variety of nations in Asia, Africa, the Middle East and South America.

These marines armed with K1A submachine guns are part of a mortar team. They have dug their 81mm KM187 mortar into a shallow depression to give indirect fire support to a newly established beachhead.

K5 9mm Pistol

The K5 9mm semiautomatic pistol from S&T Motiv is routinely carried by officers as a sidearm. The weapon is also used by tank crewmen, with the ROKMC operating both K1 and M48 tank types. The recoil-operated K5 was introduced to the country’s military in 1989 after its development from 1984-88.

A special aspect of the pistol is its triple-action trigger, which includes a ‘fast-action’ trigger mechanism. The latter permits the hammer to be decocked while the mainspring is still compressed. Thus, only a light trigger pull is needed to recock the hammer and fire the pistol in a conventional double-action mode. The advantage is that the first shot is more accurate because of the lighter trigger weight, plus it is safer because longer trigger travel is required to fire it. Alternatively, the hammer can be recocked manually to fire it in single-action mode.

The K5’s magazine contains 13 9x19mm Parabellum rounds. The pistol weighs 728g (without a magazine) and its total length is 190mm. The manufacturer quotes its range as 50m.

This 1st lieutenant of the ROKMC is aiming a K5 9mm pistol. Carriage of this weapon type befits someone of officer rank in the Marines. Note that the officer is wearing the latest digital-pattern uniform.

K1A 5.56mm Submachine Gun

The K1A submachine gun has been around for a long time, and its use is widespread in the ROKMC as its compact proportions make it easier to manhandle within the confines of an amphibious assault vehicle, for example. The K1 was the first modern firearm developed by the country’s Agency for Defense Development (ADD), intended as a replacement for the M3 for use by Special Forces. Manufactured by S&T Motiv, the K1 entered service in 1981. These original weapons suffered from problems caused by a poorly designed flash suppressor, excessive recoil and a weak stock.

However, these early troubles were soon solved in the follow-on K1A that made its appearance in 1982; this is the variant now in service. It is distinguished by a flash suppressor that has three holes in the top-right quadrant to reduce muzzle flip. While the K1 submachine gun shares development history with the regular K2 assault rifle, they are different designs. The direct-impingement gas system of the K1 fires 5.56x45mm rounds. S&T Motiv has since developed the K2C, a carbine version of the K2 assault rifle. While it could be a potential replacement for the K1A, it seems destined for Special Forces use first. The K2C has been field tested by the ROK military, and an S&T Motiv spokesman told SADJ it is scheduled to be
introduced in 2015.

The K1A weighs 2.87 kg and its barrel is 263 mm long. The submachine gun measures 838 mm in length with its stock extended, or 653 mm when folded. The submachine gun’s effective firing range is given as 250 m (using M193 ammunition), and it has a rate of fire of 700-900 rounds per minute. The magazine holds 30 rounds.

A private first class protects a beachhead after coming ashore aboard a KAAV amphibious assault vehicle near Pohang. He is armed with a K2 assault rifle, the standard personal weapon in both the ROKMC and ROK Army.

K2 5.56mm Assault Rifle

The K2 assault rifle is the standard personal weapon of a South Korean Marine. Produced by the same company that makes the K1A, the K2 was inducted into South Korean service in 1984 as a replacement for the M16A1, which is still found in the hands of some reserves. Interestingly, the K2’s development commenced before that of the K1 (it actually started in 1972) even though it was introduced several years later. At the time, Colt accused the designer of copying its M16, an allegation that was not upheld. Indeed, few parts are interchangeable with the M16.

The K2 is a gas-operated, long-stroke weapon with three selectable firing modes: semiautomatic, three-round burst and full automatic. A couple of variants have been developed and trialed, including the aforementioned 3.77 kg K2C carbine with a shorter barrel (310 mm compared to the standard 465 mm), extendable buttstock, a Picatinny rail and Dong In Optics red dot sight. Destined to be the K2’s eventual replacement, the K2A is an enhanced version that features a Picatinny rail and foregrip. A company representative revealed two stocks will be available – fixed (but foldable) or extendable. Until it is introduced, the K2 will continue as the mainstay
weapon of personnel in the ROKMC.

The 3.37 kg K2 assault rifle fires a 5.56x45mm round from a 30-round magazine. The rifle is 970 mm long, which reduces to 780 mm when the butt is folded. The K2’s range is claimed by the manufacturer to be 460 m (with M193 ammunition) and its rate of fire is 700-900 rounds per minute.

Another view of a K2 assault rifle, a 5.56mm weapon manufactured by S&T Motiv. Observe the hinge for the folding buttstock that reduces its overall length of 110 mm to 780 mm.

K201 40mm Under-Barrel Grenade Launcher

The K2 assault rifle can be fitted with a K201 40mm under-barrel grenade launcher that is modeled on the ubiquitous M203, but which S&T Motiv claims is its own independent design. The K201 fires a 40x46mm grenade. In a typical nine-man ROKMC or ROK Army squad, there are two dedicated grenadiers who carry K201 grenade launchers mounted on their K2 rifles.

K11 Dual-Barrel Airburst Weapon

While the K1A1 and K2 have been around for many years, the small arms inventory of South Korea’s military has been partially modernized by the introduction of the K11 in 2010. This weapon is innovative in that it is an assault rifle cum grenade launcher. Dubbed the Dual-Barrel Airburst Weapon by manufacturer S&T Motiv, the K11 can fire both 5.56x45mm bullets and 20x30mm airburst smart grenades via a single trigger.

The grenade launcher is mounted above the rifle barrel, and grenades can employ one of three settings. One is detonation upon impact, and another is a timed fuse after impact. Alternatively, the weapon’s electronics can program the grenade to detonate a few meters from the target. Such an airburst effect above or to the side can kill enemy soldiers within a 6 m radius. The K11’s operator simply has to enter the range at which he wishes the round to explode, meaning the round does not have to directly hit the target to score a kill. To achieve this, the K11 has a laser rangefinder, ballistics computer and night sight in its fire control system, this being produced by EOST (Electro-Optic Systems and Technology). An electronic scope is integrated onto the K11 with a digital display.

The K11 was the world’s first such airburst rifle to be issued as standard to soldiers. However, it is not widely issued yet, and the first place to see it so far has been in the inventory of ROK United Nations peacekeeping troops. However, it is surely destined to reach the ROKMC. It will not replace the K201 40mm under-barrel grenade launcher because of its high price and its less-lethal round compared to the K201. Defects showed up in the first K11 rifles, which halted production in 2011. Production later resumed, with 4,000 K11s manufactured by the end of 2014.

The rifle can accept a 20- or 30-round 5.56mm magazine, and a five-round 20mm grenade magazine. The two types of grenades available are the K168 training round and the 100g K167 high-explosive round. The effective firing range for both systems is quoted as 500 m. The K11 is 860 mm long and it weighs a hefty 6.1 kg without magazines. The 5.56 mm barrel is 310 mm long, while the grenade barrel is 405 mm long.

On a beach near Pohang on the east coast, this Marine is wielding a K2 assault rifle fitted with a K201 40mm under-barrel grenade launcher. It is essentially the same as the U.S.-manufactured M203.

K3 5.56mm Light Machine Gun

Whereas the K1 and K2 were the first indigenous weapons to reach the ROK Armed Forces under its national self-sufficiency policy, the gas-operated K3 light machine gun was the third such weapon developed at home. Manufactured by S&T Motiv since its induction in 1989, it was inspired by the FN Minimi and it replaced the incumbent M60 machine gun that served as a universal machine gun at that time. South Korea, heavily influenced by U.S. doctrine, introduced the K3 as it followed the USA’s introduction of the M249 Squad Automatic Weapon (SAW)
in the 1980s.

The K3 fires 5.56x45mm rounds supplied from either a 30-round box magazine that feeds from the left, or a 200-round disintegrating-link belt. A 70-round box magazine may be encountered on rare occasions. The K3’s maximum effective range is 800 m.

At 7.1 kg, it is significantly lighter than the M60, although its 5.56mm firepower is correspondingly lighter too. The K3 is usually fired on a bipod mount, but it can also be fitted on a tripod for sustained fire utilizing its maximum 1,000 rounds per minute rate of fire. A built-in carry handle eases the task of changing a hot barrel. The barrel is 483 mm long, whereas the entire K3 measures 1.046 m in length. A shortened and lighter (6.3 kg) K3 Para variant also exists (953 mm long with its buttstock extended), and this features a rail accessory system. A squad typically contains one K3 light machine gun.

The author did not see the K11 Dual-Barrel Airburst Weapon in the hands of Marine battalions participating in Exercise Ssang Yong 2014. However, South Korea will gradually introduce it more widely into its armed forces.

K4 40mm Automatic Grenade Launcher

Even just a cursory glance at the K4 40mm automatic grenade launcher (AGL) produced by S&T Motiv reveals it is closely modeled on the Mk 19 from the U.S. The K4 was introduced to South Korean troops in 1993. It fires 40x53mm grenade rounds (in high-explosive dual-purpose (HEDP), high-explosive (HE) or target practice (TP) types) at a rate of 325-375 rounds per minute. The K4 AGL’s effective firing range is 1,500 m, and it weighs 63.9 kg (with tripod) or 34.4 kg (without tripod). It is often vehicle-mounted on an M4 pedestal, or it can be mounted on an M3A tripod for ground use.

Ammunition is carried in a 48-round or 24-round box, and the manufacturer claims the K4’s rounds can penetrate 2 inches of armor at a range of 2,000 m. The grenades have a 15 m blast and fragmentation effect. A KAN/TVS-5 night sight can be attached to the K4 as well. The AGL is 1.072 m long.

K6 .50 Cal. Heavy Machine Gun

The K6 .50 caliber weapon is clearly a locally manufactured version of the Browning M2HB heavy machine gun, modified so its barrel can be quickly changed. This weapon that is license-built by S&T Dynamics entered South Korean service in 1990. It weighs 38 kg and the manufacturer lists its effective firing
range as 1,830 m.

Within the ROKMC the 1.654 m-long K6 is typically found fitted on armored vehicles such as the K200 armored personnel carrier, K55 self-propelled howitzer and K1 main battle tank. However, the K6 machine gun can also be tripod-mounted for ground use. Its rate of fire is 450-600 rounds per minute.

The K3 light machine gun of 5.56mm caliber is similar in design and intention to the FN Minimi. The yellow band on the bush hat of this Marine signifies he is an opposing forces (OPFOR) member.

K14 Sniper Rifle

For a long time the South Korean military lacked a sniper capability, but U.S. experience in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as its own combat deployments, convinced the South Korean military that it had to address this capability gap. Two types of sniper rifle can now be found in the ROKMC – the K14 and Steyr SSG3000. The former is – predictably – produced by S&T Motiv, meeting a requirement delineated in 2011 for bolt-action 7.62x51mm rifles. After its development period, the K14 was duly accepted into service in late 2012 as South Korea’s first general-issue sniper rifle. The author has not yet spotted it in ROKMC service, but its arrival seems inevitable.

The rifle comes with a four-way Picatinny rail handguard plus a bipod. Foreign-sourced scopes such as the Schmidt & Bender PM II or Leupold Mark 4 are currently favored over domestic sights. The K14 is fed from a detachable magazine containing five rounds, although an optional ten-round version is also available. The rifle measures 1.15 m long and it weighs just 7 kg with an optical sight fitted. Its maximum range is listed as 800 m. Understandably, as the country’s first domestically developed sniper rifle, it is a no-frills weapon without too
many exotic features.

KM181 60mm Mortar

Marine infantry battalions have fire support available in the shape of two mortar systems – one of 60mm caliber and one of 81mm. The KM181 is produced by Hyundai WIA, a company that specializes in producing artillery and mortar systems for the ROK Armed Forces.

The maximum range of the KM181 is 3,590 m (minimum is 67 m), and up to 20 rounds can be fired per minute for a sustained period of ten minutes, according to the manufacturer. The complete mortar weighs 19.5 kg and the barrel is 987 mm long.

The K14 has taken up position as South Korea’s first ever indigenously designed sniper rifle. Firing 7.62x51mm ammunition, the K14 has a maximum range of 800 m.

KM187 81mm Mortar

The larger brother of the 60mm KM181 is the KM187. This 81mm mortar is also produced by Hyundai WIA. Weighing 42 kg, the mortar offers a minimum/maximum range of 78 m to 6,325 m. The KM187 offers a rate of fire of 20 rounds per minute for the first 1.5 minutes, and after that a sustained rate of ten rounds per minute. The barrel of the
KM187 is 1.55 m long.

Anti-Tank Weapons

Several anti-tank weapons such as the TOW missile, Metis-M missile and Panzerfaust 3 are available to the ROK military, but it is worth mentioning one interesting weapon here – the M67 90mm recoilless rifle that dates from the Vietnam War era. This American system was actually manufactured in South Korea, and it remains in modern-day use within the ROK Marine Corps. The breech-loaded weapon is fired from a bipod resting on the ground, or shoulder-launched. The M67 can be used against armor, fortifications or personnel, but it is notorious for its large backblast. The M67 requires a team of three to operate: a gunner, assistant gunner and ammo bearer.

Also of interest, South Korea has deployed the Spike NLOS missile with 20 km range on its northwest islands to help protect against hostile DPRK acts.

As this picture taken at the Seoul International Aerospace & Defense Exhibition (ADEX) in 2013 shows, the K4 automatic grenade launcher is a copy of the Saco Defense Industries Mk 19.

Good view of a standard 5.56mm magazine inserted into the feed of a K3 light machine gun. The weapon can also be fed from a 200-round belt. Note the Minimized Thermal Weapon Sight (MTWS) sight produced by EOST mounted on this weapon.

This mortar team was inserted by MV-22B Osprey aircraft during Exercise Ssang Yong 2014. The team is operating a KM181 60mm mortar produced by Hyundai WIA. This weapon’s maximum range is just shy of 3,600 m.

The M67 recoilless rifle dating from the 1960s is still alive and well. Here, two OPFOR Marines have set up a bipod-mounted 90mm M67 to defend the coast against ‘invasion’ during an exercise.

In a previous article published in SADJ, we examined the QBZ95 (Type 95) assault rifle used by the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) in China.  In this issue we expand our remit to look at a wider range of standard small arms used by infantry units in China’s enormous military.  As before, the photos and much of the technical data derive from the Hong Kong Garrison of the PLA.

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) returned to China’s bosom on 1 July 1997.  The HK Garrison is a force of carefully selected PLA personnel; somewhere between 4,000 and 5,000 soldiers strong.  Strategically, it may not be a large garrison for the PLA, but it does represent a politically symbolic force for the Chinese government.  Thus, the force is often among the vanguard to field new weapon systems.

We will examine a total of nine different weapons operated by the HK Garrison, and of course these are representative of what are used by the wider PLA.  The weapons have been arranged in general order of size.  We would also point out that the nomenclature used here is that favored by the PLA itself.  Whereas many Western sources add hyphens in weapon designations, the PLA does not do so (e.g. QLZ87 rather than QLZ-87).

A QSL92 pistol in 5.56mm caliber belonging to the Hong Kong Garrison of the PLA. Note the ambidextrous safety/decocking lever that is mounted on both sides of the handgun.

QSZ92 Pistol
The QSZ92, a product of Norinco, has been the standard semiautomatic pistol used by the PLA since it was introduced in the late 1990s.  It is believed development commenced around 1994.  Of conventional design with some idiosyncrasies, it can be chambered in either 9x19mm Parabellum or 5.8x21mm caliber (referred to as the QSZ92-9 and QSZ92-5.8 respectively).  The frame is made of polymer and it is recoil-operated and has a locked breech.  The barrel rotates upon recoil to lock and unlock itself from the slide using two rows of split locking lugs.

A total of 15 9mm rounds, or 20 rounds of 5.8mm ammunition, are dual-stacked in the magazine.  The pistol employs a double-action trigger mechanism and a three-dot fixed sight.  A laser light or flashlight can be fitted on an integral rail underneath the barrel.

The PLA’s preferred caliber for soldiers (e.g. special forces) is 9mm, while commanders and officers are issued the 5.8mm-caliber version.  The handgun is also commonly used by police forces in China.  The QSZ92 has been adopted by the militaries of Bangladesh and Cambodia.

Weight:760 g
Length:190 mm
Barrel length:111 mm
Magazine:15 rounds (for 9mm)
Muzzle velocity:350 m/s
Effective range:50 m

The PLA’s 5.8mm QCW05 submachine gun is easily identified by the carry handle, whereas the JS has a Picatinny rail fitted instead. Note the silencer that is here attached to the barrel.

QCW05 5.8mm Submachine Gun
The QCW05 (its name Weisheng Chongfeng Qiang literally means ‘Silenced Assault Gun’) is a 5.8x21mm-caliber submachine gun that joined PLA service after winning a competition to replace Type 79 and 85 silenced submachine guns in 2001.  Although it bears some familial resemblance to the standard QBZ95 assault rifle, it was jointly developed by the 208 Research Institute and Jianshe Industries (Group) Corporation in Chongqing.  The latter is part of China South Industries Group, and the QCW05 was officially unveiled at the International Police Equipment Expo in Beijing in 2005.

The QCW05 of bullpup configuration operates on the blowback principle, firing from an open bolt.  It is said to possess easy construction characteristics, and polymers are used for elements such as the shoulder stock and pistol grip.  The weapon can fire in single, 3-round-burst or fully automatic modes.  The gun is fed from a four-row box magazine that holds 50 rounds.  Like the Type 95 rifle, spent cases eject only from the right side, meaning it is not advisable to fire left-handed.  It has a deliberately low rate of fire to aid controllability.  It has a flip-up rear sight.

The PLA fires 5.8x21mm cartridges with the QCW05, and it is typically issued to non-combat personnel such as vehicle crews and aircrews.  Its compact size makes it easy to use in cramped environments like vehicle interiors.  Of course, it is also intended for Special Forces use, hence the detachable silencer that can be fitted.  The 5.8x21mm DCV05 subsonic round is available when the silencer is employed.

When chambered in 9mm caliber, it is known as the JS, and it is commonly used by the People’s Armed Police (PAP).  The JS has a lower-capacity 30-round magazine owing to the larger 9mm rounds.  The QCQ05 is a version without a suppressor.

Weight:2.2 kg
Length:500 mm
Barrel length:250 mm
Magazine:50 rounds
Muzzle velocity:150 m/s (w/ silencer)
Effective range:50 m (silencer fitted)

A QBU88 sniper rifle seen with its bipod and 4x telescopic sight attached. It offers a longer range than the standard QBZ95 assault rifle. It has adjustable iron sights fitted as standard.

QBU88 5.8mm Sniper Rifle
The QBU88 (or Type 88) is more of a designated marksman rifle than a true sniper rifle, and it is perfectly capable of providing aimed semiautomatic fire at longer ranges.  This is a significant weapon since it was the first of a new generation of Chinese weapons to use the proprietary 5.8x42mm caliber.  As indicated by its Type 88 designation, it was adopted by the PLA sometime in the late 1980s or thereafter.

The gas-operated QBU88 fires a heavier 5.8x42mm round, although it can still shoot the regular 5.8mm cartridge used with the Type 95 assault rifle.  The short-stroke gas piston is located above the barrel, and it utilizes a three-lug rotating bolt.  Diopter-type adjustable iron sights are standard, but typically it is fitted with a 4x magnification scope.  A night sight is also available, which can be fitted on a short rail.

This weapon is used by both the PLA and police in China.  Generally it is used in conjunction with a detachable bipod.

Weight:4.2 kg
Length:920 mm
Barrel length:620 mm
Magazine:10 rounds
Effective range:800 m

This QJY88 general-purpose machine gun is mounted on a tripod for sustained fire. It can alternatively be operated with just a bipod for the light machine gun role.

QJY88 5.8mm Machine Gun
The Type 88 is a 5.8x42mm general-purpose machine gun that replaced the incumbent Type 67.  It has an integral bipod or it can be mounted on a lightweight tripod for sustained fire.  A standard crew in such a role comprises two soldiers.

Despite its name incorporating the digits 88, it seems the weapon only entered PLA service earlier this millennium.  This light machine gun from the Norinco stable is reportedly not so popular among troops because it lacks the range and lethality of its predecessor.  Although lighter than the Type 67 machine gun, it is still considerably heavier than foreign counterparts such as the FN Minimi.

The QJY88 is air-cooled and gas-operated with a long-stroke gas piston, and the barrel can be quickly detached.  The weapon is fed from a 200-round disintegrating steel belt contained in a plastic box mounted on the left.  The standard round is 5.8x42mm.

Weight:11.8 kg (16 kg w/ tripod)
Length:1,160 mm
Barrel length:600 mm
Magazine:200 rounds
Muzzle velocity:895 m/s
Effective range:800 m

A QJZ89 heavy machine gun on display at the PLA’s Stonecutters Island Naval Base in Hong Kong. It is mounted on an adjustable-height tripod and an optical sight is fitted.

QJZ89 12.7mm Heavy Machine Gun
The QJZ89 is the Chinese equivalent of the M2 .50 cal. machine gun commonly used in the West.  This crew-served weapon offers sustained fire support for ground troops and it can also be mounted on light vehicles (the Dongfeng EQ2050 4×4, for example).  As well as attacking lightly protected targets and lightly armored vehicles, it could be used in the antiaircraft role too.  A standard weapon crew is three men, and it is fielded at both the battalion and company levels within the PLA.

The air-cooled Type 89 uses a gas-/recoil-operated action.  The machine gun is typically mounted on a tripod and the QJZ89 is fed from a 50-round belt contained in a box mounted on the left.  The detachable barrel can be quickly changed, while the muzzle brake is particularly large.  Its first public appearance was with the Hong Kong Garrison in 1997.

This heavy machine gun usually features an optical sight for improved long-range accuracy, but a night vision sight can also be mounted.  Its rate of fire is 450-600 rounds per minute, and it fires a 12.7x108mm round (armor-piercing, high explosive and incendiary are available).  The gunner operates the weapon by holding a pistol grip with rifle-type trigger, supported by a tubular shoulder stock.

Weight:17.5 kg (26 kg w/ tripod)
Length:1,920 mm
Barrel length:1,002 mm
Magazine:50 rounds
Muzzle velocity:825 m/s
Effective range:1,500 m

A QLZ87 35mm automatic grenade launcher displayed with an optical sight and rubber shoulder pad. Note the fitted 15-round drum magazine, and the smaller 6-round drum alongside.

QLZ87 35mm Automatic Grenade Launcher
This automatic grenade launcher (AGL) of 35mm caliber was developed by Norinco in the late 1980s, building upon studies of the Russian AGS-17 and development of the W87 export type.  Issued in the mid-1990s, it is notable for being the first such weapon to enter PLA service as standard issue.  It is issued at the platoon and company level to give direct fire support to infantry.

Great effort was invested into making the weapon as light as possible, which explains why a locked-breech action was chosen.  The QLZ87 can be operated in two ways: as a standard 12 kg type with bipod fired by a single soldier and with a range of 600 m; or a 20 kg tripod-mounted heavy version served by three crewmen and with a 1,750 m maximum range.  The tripod allows 360º traverse and an elevation range from -10º to 70º, which thus gives it a theoretical capability against low-flying aircraft.  It is gas-operated (direct impingement) and air-cooled.  A 3x optical sight is fitted as standard.  The QLZ87 can also be fitted on vehicles and helicopters to give them a degree of firepower.

The AGL fires a range of 35x32mm rounds, including high explosive (HE), high explosive anti-tank (HEAT), incendiary and smoke grenades in either single or burst mode.  Its sustained rate of fire is 45 rounds per minute.  The grenades can be loaded in either a 6-round or 15-round drum magazine underneath the weapon instead of a more complicated belt feed.  The 35mm grenades, weighing 250 g each, have a better blast radius performance (claimed 10 m kill radius) and armor penetration capacity (up to 80 mm) than 40mm grenades of the American Mk 19 AGL.

An unusual feature is the position of the pistol grip that extends laterally from the right side alongside the trigger and safety/fire selector.  Its rate of fire, especially when using the light version, must make accurate shooting difficult.  Another problem is the very low drum magazine capacity.  The PLA obviously opted for maneuverability instead of firepower with this AGL.  As the first generation adopted by the PLA, the QLZ87 apparently had some teething problems, and this would explain why the belt-fed QLZ04 AGL was later fielded.

Weight:20 kg (heavy variant)
Length:970 mm
Magazine:6 or 15 rounds
Muzzle velocity:200 m/s
Effective range:1,750 m

The QLT89 is a handheld grenade launcher that fires 50mm rounds at targets up to 800 m away. The lightweight weapon is fired by one man and there is no bipod attached.

QLT89 50mm Grenade Launcher
This is a handheld grenade launcher of 50mm caliber (i.e. it has no bipod), with the design being finalized in the early 1990s.  It weighs just 3.8 kg and is capable of lobbing a round out to 800 m to produce a suppressive-fire effect.  Components include the tube assembly, seat assembly, trigger assembly and strap.  A simple flip-out sight at the end of the tube helps with basic aiming.

The PLA highlights the QLT89’s lightness and ease of handling, as well as the fact that it does not produce smoke or flash, and makes minimal sound, when fired.  It is utilized by platoons and companies within the PLA.  The main round is a 50mm anti-personnel grenade that produces 800 fragments in a 16 m-radius kill zone. The grenade weighs 700 g and is 330 mm long. Smoke, incendiary and illumination grenades are also available for the QLT89.  An improved QLT89A has since been developed.

Weight:3.8 kg
Length:600 mm
Effective range:800 m

A PP87 mortar viewed from the front right. This is the standard 82mm mortar used by the PLA. Its maximum range is 4.66 km.

PP87 82mm Mortar
This is a larger crew-served mortar produced by Norinco.  The medium-caliber Type 87 replaced the older Type 67 and it is widely used at the battalion level.  The PP87 can fire three types of round – HE, smoke and illumination.

Weight:39.7 kg
Length:1,400 mm
Effective range:120 m – 4,660 m

This battalion-level PF98 rocket launcher is fitted with the more substantial digital fire control unit. The PLA weapon is here mounted on a regular tripod.

PF98 120mm Rocket Launcher
The final weapon we are presenting is the PF98 anti-tank rocket launcher from Norinco, which succeeded outdated Type 78 and 65 recoilless rifles.  Development of this more modern anti-tank weapon commenced in the 1990s, resulting in the PF98, and it fills the gap between individual rocket launchers and more sophisticated anti-tank guided missiles (ATGM).  The PF98 fires 120mm rockets designed to destroy enemy tanks, armored vehicles, bunkers and fortifications.

This weapon was first seen in the Macao Garrison of the PLA in 1999, but the PLA now widely fields the rocket launcher at battalion and company levels.  It can fire either a 120mm HE multipurpose or HEAT round, with the PLA claiming an 800 mm penetration capability for the latter.  This 6.3 kg HEAT round has a tandem warhead and an electronically controlled timer fuse.  The 7.5 kg HE round, meanwhile, contains 120 steel balls and incendiary material that can pierce 400 mm of armor.

The PF98 exists in two versions – one with a basic fire control unit with optical sight (with night vision channel), laser rangefinder, fire control computer and LED display (referred to as the battalion-level PF98); and the other with a simpler 4x optical sight with night vision channel (known as the company-level PF98).  The former version offers a much better chance of a hit since the system makes ballistic calculations for the gunner.

In 2010, the Hong Kong Garrison displayed a newer version called the PF98A.  The most obvious difference is a modified fire control unit that offers enhanced accuracy and fewer buttons to press (25 keys reduced to about 12).  The sight is improved & a new rocket was developed in 2006 too.  The PLA gives the PF98A’s length as 1.25 m, which reflects the altered and lighter launch tube (now approximately 7 kg in weight).

The one- or two-man crew can fire the PF98 from a tripod (with -6º to +30º elevation range, and 360º traverse) or from the shoulder.  Reaction time from target acquisition to firing for the original PF98 is 10 seconds, and between four and six rounds can be fired per minute.  The older fiberglass reusable tube launcher weighs approximately 10 kg.  Bangladesh, Indonesia and Zimbabwe have also acquired the PF98 system.

Weight:29 kg
Length:1,191 mm
Effective range:800m (HEAT), 1,800m (HE)

This same rifle remains in service with the Hong Kong Garrison of the PLA, a force that boasts carefully selected personnel of only the highest mettle and discipline.  Interestingly, Chinese soldiers are rarely seen outside their barracks to ensure their image goes untarnished in the territory, and perhaps at the same time to prevent them from being ‘tarnished’ by Hong Kong’s more liberal philosophies than those espoused in communist China.  This article examines the important Type 95 rifle in service with the PLA, utilizing information gained from the author’s long-time residence in Hong Kong.

It is unclear how large the Hong Kong Garrison is, with even the Hong Kong government confessing it does not know.  However, the best estimates put the number of troops stationed in the territory somewhere between 4,000 and 5,000.  It may not be a large garrison strategically for the PLA, but it does represent a politically symbolic force for the Chinese government.  The Hong Kong Garrison is unique in that it integrates PLA, PLA Navy (PLAN) and PLA Air Force (PLAAF) contingents in one combined-arms battle group.  The core of the PLA ground force is infantry battalions supported by helicopters and 6×6 armored vehicles.

Soldiers play the role of Red Force (the ‘good guys’) during a simulated battle at the San Wai Barracks. The nearest soldier has a laser duel simulation device on the barrel of his QBZ95 rifle.

Description
The Qing Buqiang Zu 95 (QBZ, literally ‘Light Rifle Family’) is a bullpup design with the action and magazine located behind the grip and trigger assembly.  While a number of sources write weapon designations with a hyphen (e.g. QBZ-95), the PLA does not use a hyphen in its nomenclature and so this article follows this convention for the sake of accuracy.  The QBZ95 is now the standard firearm of the PLA, and it is produced by Arsenal 266 of China North Industries Corporation (NORINCO) and Arsenal 296 of Jianshe Corporation, China South Industries Group Corporation (CSGC).  It is also widely used by the People’s Armed Police (PAP) and other law enforcement agencies within the People’s Republic of China (PRC).

Development of the weapon began in the late 1980s, and by 1995 its design had received certification (hence its Type 95 designation).  It followed on from NORINCO’s unsuccessful QBZ87 (Type 87) rifle.  The Type 95 replaced the incumbent 7.62mm Type 81 assault rifle (an AK-47 copy), and at the time it represented a distinct departure from previous designs owing to its bullpup configuration.  Its housing was manufactured from polymers, and it was designed specifically to fire the new Chinese-developed 5.8x42mm round known as the DBP87 that had been developed in the late 1980s.  The small-caliber mild steel-cored bullet can be likened to the NATO 5.56x45mm SS109 and Russian 5.45x39mm cartridge, although China claims its cartridge is superior in terms of penetration, flatter trajectory and higher retained velocity.  Nevertheless, it is important to recognize such assertions could emanate from Chinese rhetoric.  In actual fact, for budgetary reasons, the DBP87 cartridge used cheap and corrosive powder, as well as lacquered steel casings, that affected performance.  The DBP87 and updated DBP95 cartridge that weigh 4.26g have a muzzle velocity of 930m/s when fired from the Type 95 rifle.

By 2006, the Type 95 rifle had pretty much replaced the Type 81 in frontline units.  Although the latter has continued in service in most PAP units and second-line PLA units, it is gradually being supplanted by its successor.  A bayonet can be fitted and the QBZ95 can also launch rifle grenades from the muzzle using special blank ammunition.  Another accessory is the 35mm QLG91B (Type 91B) under-barrel grenade launcher.  Weighing 1.45kg and measuring 310mm in length, this breech-loading grenade launcher can fire both lethal and nonlethal rounds (tear gas, high explosive and illumination).  It can thus be used to disperse crowds during anti-riot missions.  A grenade’s muzzle velocity is officially listed as 75m/s.

The Type 95 rifle was first seen publicly when the Hong Kong Garrison arrived on 1 July 1997. The change to a new 5.8mm caliber was a surprise move on China’s part. These are Special Forces reconnaissance soldiers.

Similar to other modern rifles, China’s QBZ95 operates with a short-stroke, gas-operated piston and rotating bolt.  The rifle has an integrated carrying handle that incorporates the rear sight and mounting points for optical or night vision scopes.  The standard open sight is graduated from 100-500m.  Official data obtained from the PLA lists the weapon’s weight as 3.5kg and its length as 746mm.  Its maximum effective range is 400m.

The selector switch is located, very inconveniently, at the left rear of the receiver behind the magazine housing.  It has three settings: 0 (safe); 1 (semiautomatic); and 2 (fully automatic).  It can still fire, even after complete immersion in water, as witnessed in televised tests.  It is claimed the rifle is more controllable in automatic fire mode because of the small-caliber 5.8mm bullet and effective recoil buffer system.  Because the Type 95 has not been directly observed in conflicts, it is difficult to draw overall conclusions about the weapon’s combat effectiveness.

The 30-round magazine inserts into the magazine well behind the pistol grip.  It is inserted front first and then rocked into position in similar fashion to an AK-47.  The magazine is released by pressing the magazine release rearwards and pivoting the magazine forward to disengage.  The charging handle is positioned on top of the receiver under the integrated carrying handle.  It is pulled fully to the rear and then released forward to chamber a round.

This is the QJB95, the Light Support Weapon variant of the QBZ95 extended family. Observe the 75-round magazine as well as the bipod and telescopic sight. It offers a longer reach with its 600m range.

The bullpup design has proved somewhat controversial, with some infantrymen complaining it is not well suited to accurate shooting at distances longer than close-quarter battle (CQB) ranges.  On the other hand, its shorter length and greater maneuverability are appreciated.  In 2003, NORINCO revealed a new QBZ03 (Type 03) assault rifle of conventional design that also fires the 5.8mm DBP87 round.  The QBZ03 appeared in the hands of airborne troops in the 60th Anniversary parade in Beijing in 2009, but it is unclear how widely it has proceeded into service with the PLA.  Some have speculated that its introduction suggested the QBZ95 was not fully satisfactory in the eyes of the Chinese military.  However, as the following section on the modified QBZ95-1 indicates, the PLA clearly plans to stick with the Type 95 design.

QBZ95-1 Modifications
After extended experience in the field, several issues with the QBZ95 needed addressing and these were rectified in the modified QBZ95-1 (sometimes wrongly referred to as the QBZ95 Gai or ‘G’; Gai translates as ‘Modified’).  The QBZ95 had also drawn criticism for being rushed into production too quickly for political purposes in order to meet Hong Kong’s handover deadline in 1997.

Certainly, the new type is more reliable and easier to use thanks to improved ergonomics.  For example, its greatest flaw was the safety switch awkwardly located far from the shooter’s hand, making it difficult to rapidly move from ‘safe’ to ‘fire’ modes.  In the QBZ95-1, this selector switch has been repositioned above the pistol grip, allowing the operator to use his thumb to quickly transition to ‘fire.’

These Special Forces soldiers have most interesting additions to their weapons. They are QBZ95 rifles fitted with red-dot aiming sights on the carrying handle, as well as pairs of flashlights fitted to the muzzle.

Another problem was that spent casings were expelled from an ejector port on the right side of the weapon, meaning the weapon could not be fired left-handed.  No version existed with the ejector port on the left side.  However, the new type moves the port forward by approximately 5mm and it now ejects casings at a 45º angle to allow, theoretically at least, left-handed firing. A bolt hold-open button is now found behind the magazine port too.

The first QBZ95-1 rifles were seen in early 2010 whilst undergoing trials.  However, it took time for the modernized type to reach frontline units.  Again, the first formation to publicly unveil the Type 95-1 was the Hong Kong Garrison, with these being first observed in July 2012 on the occasion of a military parade in honor of President Hu Jintao at Shek Kong Airbase in Hong Kong.

The QBZ95-1 is designed for the new 5.8x42mm DBP10 round.  The DBP10 features non-corrosive primer, clean-burning propellant and copper-coated steel casings.  The bullet body reportedly has a copper-alloy jacket and hardened steel core.  The weapon has a longer and heavier barrel to give better accuracy and to cope with this heavier round, which will eventually become standard on all Chinese 5.8mm weapons.  The rifle’s muzzle brake is also redesigned to compensate for the heavier round.  The hand guard has a more diamond-shaped cross-section that better dissipates heat from the barrel.

As well as the aforementioned thumb-operated fire selector switch repositioned above the pistol grip, the QBZ95-1 can be quickly identified by the stronger butt stock and redesigned trigger guard.  The front grip/trigger guard combination has been deleted, and this will allow custom front grips to be added in the future, plus installation of the 35mm quick-firing QLG10A grenade launcher, although the author has not yet seen this device in service.

A member of the Hong Kong Garrison provides covering fire with his Type 95 assault rifle. All Chinese soldiers are taught to fire right-handed because of the position of the ejection port.

The weapon retains a quick-release mount rail on the carrying handle, which has been lowered to allow more comfortable integration of scopes and sights.  A pair of short rails at the base of the front sight allows soldiers to mount proprietary tactical accessories such as flashlights, laser sights and other accessories.  The fluorescent illumination dots on the front sight have been replaced by a pair of long-lasting tritium illumination dots.  As the new type is introduced, older QBZ95 weapons will be handed down to second-line and reserve troops within the PLA.

According to official information from the PLA, the QBZ95-1 weighs 3.3kg (100g less than its predecessor).  It is 744mm long and its maximum effective range remains the same at 400m.  As before, the new type is available as a whole family line, including the QBZ95B-1 Carbine and QJB95-1 Light Support Weapon.  It is likely the QBZ95-1 will continue to evolve, with the most obvious next step being the addition of a common mounting system such as the Mil-Std 1913 Picatinny rail instead of the current proprietary Chinese mounting system.

Variants
There are three basic variants of the QBZ95.  Specifically these are the standard assault rifle as already discussed above, plus a shortened Carbine and a Light Support Weapon.

QBZ95B Carbine
The QBZ95B Carbine is a slightly shorter and lighter version of the standard weapon.  Because of the shorter barrel, neither a grenade launcher nor a bayonet can be fitted.  It is suitable for naval personnel working in confined spaces aboard ships, as well as CQB by special operation forces.  Its effective range is shorter because of the reduced barrel length, and the muzzle has a special funnel-shaped flash suppressor.  To date, the author has not seen the Carbine in service in Hong Kong, not even in the hands of Special Forces.

This QBZ95 weapon is fitted with a Type 95 bayonet. This soldier is a member of the honor guard and he is well versed in precision drills. The blue dress uniform is that of the PLAAF.

QJB95 Light Support Weapon
This is used by a squad machine gunner and it comes equipped with a bipod.  Thanks to a longer and heavier barrel, it is well suited to the fire support role with a maximum effective range of 600m.  It has a faster firing rate and heavier cartridge that fits inside a drum magazine.  Although some sources list the drum as holding 80 rounds, official PLA documentation seen by the author lists the capacity as 75 rounds.  The QJB95 weighs 3.95kg and it is 840mm long.

QBZ97 Assault Rifle
The QBZ97 is specifically an export version of the standard QBZ95 in use with the PLA, and a mirror image of the PLA’s family is available.  The only differences are that it has been re-chambered for 5.56mm NATO ammunition, and it possesses a deeper magazine well to accept STANAG magazines.  The QBZ97A adds a three-round burst mode and a bolt hold-open device.  In fact, this is the only family variant to have seen sales success outside China.  It is used by Cambodia’s 911 Special Forces unit and by the Myanmar Army, for instance.  Sri Lanka is believed to be another user.  An export Carbine version is also available and this is called the QBZ97B.  The Light Support Weapon variant is the QBB97.

Technical Data for QBZ95

Caliber:  5.8x42mm
Action:  Gas-operated rotating bolt
Length:  746mm
Barrel length:  520mm
Weight (unloaded):  3.4kg
Maximum effective range:  400m
Rate of fire:  650 rounds per minute
Magazine capacity:  30 rounds