International Defence Industry Exhibition (MSPO) in Kielce is one of the most important events in Poland for representatives of the defence industry, uniformed services, and the shooting community. Every September, most companies from Poland's defence sector use the exhibition in Kielce to present new products across a wide range of categories — from small-arms to large-calibre ammunition, through firearms platforms and technical solutions, to heavy military equipment.
One of the most active exhibitors at MSPO is Polish small-arms manufacturer Fabryka Broni "Łucznik" from Radom. The company usually presents its latest designs during this event. This was the case with the MSBS, first unveiled in 2009, while three years ago the latest modular MPS pistol was presented (Premiere of a New Pistol from Radom – FB MPS). This year, however, the most attention was drawn by a product from a different category: an light machine gun chambered in 5.56 × 45 mm NATO, presented simultaneously at the stands of the Military Institute of Armament Technology and FB Radom "Łucznik".
LKM presented at the Military Institute of Armament Technology (WITU) stand
At its current stage of development, the new LMG is a joint project of the Military Institute of Armament Technology (WITU), Fabryka Broni "Łucznik" and the Military University of Technology (WAT). The project's lead designer is Mikołaj Bogajczyk from the Military Institute of Armament Technology (WITU). The design is intended to meet the requirements of the modern battlefield, as well as address feedback from soldiers, for whom the full-size, heavy UKM-2000 can be cumbersome when carrying out certain tasks.
The LMG presented at MSPO is a selective-fire weapon chambered in the intermediate 5.56 × 45 mm NATO cartridge, offering both semi-automatic and fully automatic fire. It is fed from M27 disintegrating links and can use ammunition boxes with a capacity of 100, 150 or 200 rounds, mounted in a receptacle resembling a conventional magazine well. They can be released using a button located on either side of the weapon. The declared theoretical rate of fire of the new design is 650–750 rounds/min. The effective range for precision fire is stated as 500 m, while the effective range against area targets is 800 m.
The weapon operates using a gas-operated system with a gas port in the barrel and a short-stroke gas piston. The gas regulator is manually adjusted depending on operating conditions. Three settings are provided: N — for standard operating conditions, A — for demanding conditions and intensive use, and S — for use with a suppressor fitted.
Visually, the new LMG stands out from other designs. The traditional long receiver cover has been replaced with a short, minimalist feed mechanism cover that opens to the side. This solution may facilitate stable mounting of optics and improve weapon handling. The weapon can reportedly be charged without opening the cover, thanks to handles located at the beginning of the ammunition belt. The receiver has been extended towards the handguard and forms an integral part of it. The handguard consists of two side sections and a bottom section and features M-LOK mounting points and QD sockets for sling attachment.
Considering modern Polish firearms projects, and particularly what we have come to expect from Fabryka Broni "Łucznik", the design is fairly modular, both in terms of functionality and improved ergonomics. The barrel is therefore quick-change, with as many as six lengths available: 11.5, 12.5, 14.5, 16, 18 and 20 inches. It is intended to be either hammer-forged and chrome-lined or hammer-forged and ferritic nitrocarburised. The right-hand twist rate is 178 mm.
Instead of a fixed stock, the design uses a section of mounting rail that allows various stock adapters and stocks to be fitted, including solutions facilitating firing while wearing, for example, a gas mask. The example presented at MSPO is equipped with an AR-15-style receiver extension and stock, although WITU is already working on a dedicated machine-gun stock. The pistol grip is also based on the AR-15 standard. The controls are ambidextrous. This includes the fire selector, offering safe, fully automatic and semi-automatic modes, as well as the folding charging handles located on both sides of the weapon.
The design provides extensive options for mounting accessories. The raised, fixed MIL-STD-1913 top rail allows a wide range of electro-optical sights to be securely mounted, while the front section provides M-LOK mounting points for various types of lights and aiming devices, as well as a short Picatinny rail for, for example, a laser aiming device.
According to the information presented, the new LMG weighs 5.5 kg (without the bipod), and we can say that it is exceptionally well balanced — its centre of gravity is located exactly at the midpoint of the weapon. This would place it among the lightest modern light machine guns. For comparison, the Belgian FN Evolys (5.5 kg) can be mentioned, as well as older designs such as the FN Minimi/M249 SAW (weighing 7.1 kg) and the German H&K MG4 (8 kg). When comparing weights, however, the configuration of each weapon must be taken into account; the stated weight of the LMG described here applies to the version fitted with a 14.5-inch barrel.
Variants of the new weapon are being considered in 5.56 × 45 mm, .300 Blackout and 7.62 × 51 mm. The project is currently in the factory testing phase and has reached Technology Readiness Level TRL VI (technology demonstration and prototyping), out of a possible nine levels. Whether and when it will enter service with the Polish Armed Forces remains to be seen. In Poland, unfortunately, this process can take a very, very long time...
Photos: Shooting.Media / Medard Starzycki (MSPO 2026)
