WDS 2026: Türkiye’s Archon Reveals Type L New Lightweight 5.56 NATO Machine Gun.

Archon Defense has unveiled the Type L, a 5.56 x 45 mm NATO ultra-light machine gun, at the World Defense Show 2026, marking the company’s first entry into the light automatic weapons market. The system aims to give armed forces sustained firepower in a package optimized for mobility, interoperability, and modern infantry operations.

Turkish defense manufacturer Archon Defense formally entered the next-generation light machine gun segment this week with the public debut of its Type L system at the World Defense Show 2026. Developed in Türkiye, the 5.56 x 45 mm NATO weapon is being positioned as the lightest machine gun in its class, designed to support infantry, special operations units, and internal security forces that require continuous suppressive fire without the logistical and physical burden associated with heavier automatic weapons, according to company officials at the show.
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Archon Defense debuts the Type L ultra-light 5.56 mm machine gun at World Defense Show 2026, highlighting Türkiye’s push into modern infantry weapons. (Picture source: Army Recognition)

The Type L operates in fully automatic mode and is based on a gas-operated system with a short-stroke piston combined with an open-bolt firing mechanism. This configuration is intended to improve heat dissipation during prolonged firing sequences and to reduce risks associated with chamber overheating. Open-bolt operation also contributes to overall system reliability and facilitates weapon control, with a stated rate of fire ranging between 700 and 900 rounds per minute. A three-position gas regulator allows the operating cycle to be adjusted for normal conditions, adverse environments, or suppressed use, in order to maintain consistent functioning and limit component wear.

One of the defining features of the Type L is its dual-feed system. The weapon accepts both M27 disintegrating belts and STANAG 4179-compatible magazines derived from the AR-15 and M16 family. This configuration enables a rapid transition between belt-fed operation, using 100- or 200-round ammunition boxes for sustained fire, and magazine-fed operation with 30-round magazines, which may be better suited to certain missions requiring increased mobility. The belt-feed system incorporates a feed cover that can be held open at 90 degrees during loading, along with cartridge-retaining pawls on the feed tray, ensuring consistent alignment of the ammunition and reducing the likelihood of feed malfunctions.

Sustained fire management is further supported by a quick-change barrel system designed for tool-free replacement. This arrangement allows a heated barrel to be exchanged within seconds while retaining an integrated front sight, eliminating the need to re-zero the weapon after each change. A multi-position adjustable barrel handle facilitates handling during barrel exchanges, including when accessories are mounted on the handguard. The cold hammer forged barrel is offered in 14-inch and 16.2-inch lengths and features six right-hand grooves with a 1:7-inch twist rate, compatible with current 5.56 mm ammunition types.

From an ergonomic standpoint, the Type L is equipped with a multi-position telescopic stock, an ambidextrous safety selector, and a trigger pull rated between 35 and 50 newtons. The overall length is stated at 863 mm with the stock extended and 781 mm with the stock collapsed, with a width of 100 mm and a height of 243 mm when sights are attached. The weapon's weight is indicated at approximately 4.5 kg. Muzzle velocity is given at around 850 m/s, and the effective range is estimated at 550 meters.

Accessory compatibility represents another central aspect of the design. The handguard integrates MIL-STD-1913 Picatinny rails at the 12 and 6 o’clock positions, along with multiple M-LOK interfaces distributed across five sides. This configuration allows the installation of standard optics, grips, bipods, and other equipment without the use of proprietary mounting solutions. An A2-type flash hider is fitted, enabling the use of suppressors compatible with this standard. The Type L is offered in several finishes, including black, tungsten, flat dark earth, olive drab, and various camouflage patterns, to suit different operational environments.

This first international presentation at WDS 2026 allows Archon Defense to outline an industrial approach based on the integration of widely adopted standards and a design philosophy focused on modularity. By relying on an architecture close to the AR-15 family and on the 5.56 mm NATO caliber, the Type L aligns with existing logistical and doctrinal frameworks used by many potential operators. This positioning may support broader international availability of the system, at a time when Türkiye continues to expand the visibility and reach of its small arms industry on the export market.

Written By Erwan Halna du Fretay - Defense Analyst, Army Recognition Group
Erwan Halna du Fretay is a graduate of a Master’s degree in International Relations and has experience in the study of conflicts and global arms transfers. His research interests lie in security and strategic studies, particularly the dynamics of the defense industry, the evolution of military technologies, and the strategic transformation of armed forces.