Türkiye’s MKE Debuts KNT-859 Semi-Automatic Sniper Rifle at IDEF 2025 Boosting Long-Range Precision Firepower.

At IDEF 2025, held in Istanbul, the Turkish defense company Makine ve Kimya Endüstrisi AŞ (MKE) has officially unveiled for the first time its new KNT-859 semi-automatic sniper rifle, bringing a powerful and precise solution to the forefront of modern battlefield requirements. As a major addition to the MPT family of rifles, the KNT-859 is designed to respond to the growing need among NATO forces for long-range engagement capabilities that do not compromise on speed or user ergonomics. Its presentation marks a significant milestone in Türkiye’s ambition to position itself as a provider of advanced infantry systems meeting international standards.
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The unveiling of the KNT-859 at IDEF 2025 confirms MKE’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge infantry weapons developed with indigenous engineering and battlefield awareness (Picture source: Army Recognition Group)

The KNT-859 is chambered in .338 Lapua Magnum (8.59x70 mm), a high-energy caliber widely recognized for its exceptional accuracy and terminal performance at extended distances. Unlike traditional bolt-action rifles that typically employ this cartridge, the KNT-859 introduces a semi-automatic firing mechanism, allowing rapid and efficient follow-up shots while maintaining superior control and precision. The weapon uses a 10-round magazine, a necessary adaptation to the larger cartridge size compared to the 20-round magazines of the KNT-76, and achieves sub-MOA shot dispersion. With an effective range reaching up to 1,500 meters and a barrel designed to endure over 4,000 rounds, the rifle is clearly engineered for sustained operational use. Its weight of 7.15 kilograms, combined with a 686 mm (27-inch) barrel and an adjustable telescopic stock, supports both accuracy and operator comfort. Other technical features such as a 15–25 N trigger pull contribute to the rifle’s balance between responsiveness and control in mission-critical contexts.

The rifle’s development stems from the engineering expertise accumulated through MKE’s KN-12 project, a multi-caliber bolt-action platform also designed for long-range precision. Completed in prototype form in February 2025, the KNT-859 integrates lessons learned in reliability, modularity, and ergonomic optimization, offering a performance profile consistent with international standards. As the larger and more potent counterpart to the KNT-76 designated marksman rifle, the KNT-859 shares a common interface with the broader MPT family, easing integration into existing inventories and training programs. This design philosophy ensures not only logistical cohesion but also enhanced operational continuity across different mission roles.

In comparative terms, the KNT-859 stands alongside other notable .338 Lapua Magnum rifles such as the Barrett MRAD or the Sako TRG-42, which have proven effective in various theaters. However, MKE’s platform distinguishes itself by offering semi-automatic fire in a configuration that prioritizes both lethality and user endurance. While other systems maintain bolt-action mechanisms for ultimate precision, the KNT-859 fills a critical niche by enabling rapid precision fire without sacrificing the ballistic advantages of the .338 cartridge. This makes it particularly suitable for units requiring fast reaction capabilities in long-range engagements, including overwatch, counter-sniper, and interdiction missions.

Beyond its technical merit, the strategic significance of the KNT-859 lies in its potential contribution to allied interoperability and forward-deployed precision firepower. Within the NATO framework, the demand for versatile sniper platforms capable of operating across complex terrains and climate conditions is growing. By offering a domestically produced, high-caliber, semi-automatic system, Türkiye strengthens its position as a defense supplier aligned with alliance requirements. The KNT-859 enhances the long-range engagement capabilities of soldiers on duty, providing them with a tool that balances reach, power, and ease of use in fast-evolving operational environments. For NATO and other partner forces, this weapon represents a modern and adaptable addition to the broader toolbox of precision infantry systems.

The unveiling of the KNT-859 at IDEF 2025 confirms MKE’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge infantry weapons developed with indigenous engineering and battlefield awareness. Combining high-caliber stopping power with semi-automatic functionality, the KNT-859 reflects Türkiye’s capacity to develop systems tailored to the modern needs of allied forces, and its entry into the international spotlight may well reshape expectations for future marksman and sniper platforms.