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5.56mm Machine Gun MINIMI

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5.56mm Machine Gun MINIMI
A MINIMI 5.56mm machine gun employed by the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force
TypeLight machine gun
Place of originJapan
Production history
DesignerFN Herstal
ManufacturerSumitomo Heavy Industries

The 5.56mm Machine Gun MINIMI (Japanese: 5.56mm機関銃MINIMI) is the Japanese license-produced variant of the Belgian FN Minimi light machine gunmanufactured by Sumitomo Heavy Industries.[1][2]

History

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The Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) adopted the locally-produced Minimi since the 1993 fiscal year as a successor to the Type 62 7.62mm machine gun until 2019.[3]

On December 18, 2013, the Ministry of Defense announced that Sumitomo Heavy Industries had falsified inspection data over several decades and had delivered machine guns that did not meet the required performance standards.[4]

As a result, the company was placed under a 5-month suspension of designation. It is reported that at least 5,350 units, including 12.7mm heavy machine guns, 7.62mm machine guns, and 5.56mm machine guns, were delivered since 1979. [5]

In April 2021, Sumitomo Heavy Industries announced its withdrawal from the production of machine guns and the development of 5.56mm machine guns due to budget constraints and reduced order volumes.[6] However, the company stated it would continue producing parts for maintenance and repair.

Design

[edit]
Main article: FN Minimi

The license-produced MINIMI can be equipped with the Type 62 GPMG tripod using a special attachment, and is used when precise shooting is required. Additionally, for long-range shooting, a “direct sight scope” (scope) may be mounted.

The model adopted by the JSDF is the so-called standard type with a metal tube stock, and it has unique modifications such as a different shape for the barrel change lever. The side of the gun body is marked with 5.56mm Machine Gun MINIMI.

A distinctive feature is the unique heat cover (upper sleeve) mounted on the top of the barrel. This cover, similar to the M249 used by US Military, is an added component that became equipped after adoption. However, the number of cooling vents in the central column has been reduced from 8 (on the original version) to 7, indicating a shape difference.

Furthermore, the magazine stop for STANAG magazines is not used because it prevents training with blank rounds.[7][8]

  • A Japanese Minimi on display.
    A Japanese Minimi on display.
  • The JSDF' own heat cover (upper cover tube), which is different in shape from those of other countries
    The JSDF' own heat cover (upper cover tube), which is different in shape from those of other countries
  • Direct aiming glasses fixed on the upper left side of the feed cover (JGSDF)
    Direct aiming glasses fixed on the upper left side of the feed cover (JGSDF)
  • MINIMI 5.56mm machine gun (with direct sight scope) employed by the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force
    MINIMI 5.56mm machine gun (with direct sight scope) employed by the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force

Adoption

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The Japanese Minimi partially replaced the NTK-62 with the Japanese Ground Self-Defense Forces.

Even before the data falsification was discovered, JSDF personnel in the field had recognized that the Minimi produced by Sumitomo Heavy Industries was of low performance.

  • A JGSDF member on a LAV fitted with the Minimi
    A JGSDF member on a LAV fitted with the Minimi
  • A JGSDF member with the Minimi
    A JGSDF member with the Minimi
  • A JGSDF member with the Minimi
    A JGSDF member with the Minimi

Replacement

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Due to the obsolescence of the Minimi Mk1 and the cessation of procurement, the JGSDF conducted a selection for its next machine gun.

SHI confirmed that it will not be involved in a potential LMG tender.[9]

The JGSDF decided to continue using the 5.56mm caliber and chose the MINIMI Mk3 over Germany’s Heckler & Koch MG4.[10]

The “5.56mm Machine Gun MINIMI(B)” is being procured not through domestic production, but via imports. The procurement plan includes 3,100 units of MINIMI(B), which will replace the existing Minimi Mk1 over time.[11]

In January 2023, the FN-made Minimi MK3 was selected and designed as MINIMI(B).[12] Around 3,100 Mk3s are set to be imported.[13]

References

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  1. ^ https://web.archive.org/web/20120313105118/http://www13.plala.or.jp/aconit/e-nerima_soubi.html
  2. ^ いこまいけ高岡. "5.56mm機関銃(ミニミ軽機関銃、FN Minimi)". Archived from the original on 24 September 2014. Retrieved 5 November 2014.
  3. ^ "スクープ！住友重機械が機関銃生産から撤退へ". 東洋経済オンライン. 2021-04-15. Retrieved 2021-04-16.
  4. ^ "防衛省が住友重を指名停止 機関銃のデータを改ざん". Reuters. 18 December 2013.
  5. ^ 清谷信一 (9 November 2014). "なぜ自衛隊は｢暴発する機銃｣を使うのか". 東洋経済オンライン. Retrieved 2015-04-19.
  6. ^ "住友重機械、機関銃生産から撤退". 日本経済新聞. 2021-04-15. Retrieved 2021-04-16.
  7. ^ "住友重機械工業（株）に対する指名停止の措置等について". ja:防衛省. 2013-12-18. Archived from the original on 2014-02-01. Retrieved 2015-04-19.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  8. ^ "防衛装備品の納入に関する不適切な処理の判明について" (PDF). ja:住友重機械工業. 2013-12-18. Retrieved 2015-04-19.
  9. ^ "Sumitomo withdraws from Japanese machine gun tender | Shephard".
  10. ^ https://www.janes.com/osint-insights/defence-news/weapons/japan-to-procure-minimi-mk-3-lmgs-g28-e2-snipers
  11. ^ "陸上自衛隊の新機関銃MINIMI Mk3、新狙撃銃G28" (in Japanese). Feb 17, 2023.
  12. ^ "防衛省、SH-60K能力向上型を量産 平均単価81億円" (in Japanese). Jan 24, 2023.
  13. ^ "FIRST LOOK: Japan's New Type 20 Assault Rifle – Small Arms Defense Journal".
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