Turkish Small Arms Industry: Companies, Products and Exports
This hub explains how the sector is organised, which companies make what, where military and civilian product lines separate, and how the industry sells abroad. It links to our detailed guides on Sarsılmaz, the SAR9 and Turkish pistol makers, and it only uses publicly documented facts.
Structure of the industry
| Segment | Main players | Typical products | Main customers |
|---|---|---|---|
| State-owned military producer | MKE (Makine ve Kimya Endüstrisi A.Ş.) | MPT-76 and MPT-55 rifles, KNT-76 marksman rifle, ammunition | Turkish Armed Forces, security forces, exports |
| Private full-range manufacturer | Sarsılmaz | Pistols, rifles, SMG, light to heavy machine guns, shotguns | TSK, police, civilian export markets |
| Private pistol-focused manufacturers | CANiK (SYS), TİSAŞ, GİRSAN | Service and civilian pistols; CANiK also the M2 QCB heavy machine gun | Mainly export civilian markets, plus security forces |
| Shotgun cluster | Numerous firms, including producers around Huğlu (Konya) and in other regions | Semi-automatic, pump and over-under shotguns | Hunting and sport export markets |
Last verified: 30 September 2026.
Military small arms
The core of Türkiye’s military small-arms programme is the MPT (Millî Piyade Tüfeği, national infantry rifle) family designed by MKE. The 7.62×51 mm MPT-76 has been in Turkish service since 2014, the 5.56 mm MPT-55 followed, and the KNT-76 marksman rifle shares many of their parts. Private manufacturers also supply the armed forces. Sarsılmaz’s SAR 56 rifle and SAR 762 MT machine gun are in service, and its SAR 127 MT heavy machine gun is mounted on the ALTAY tank’s remote weapon station. Details are in Sarsılmaz Military Weapons. For the state producer, see our MKE company profile.
| Weapon | Type | Calibre | Manufacturer | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MPT-76 | Infantry rifle | 7.62×51 mm | MKE (design); also produced by Sarsılmaz as MPT 76 SH | Turkish service since 2014 |
| MPT-55 | Infantry rifle | 5.56×45 mm | MKE | Turkish service |
| KNT-76 | Marksman rifle | 7.62×51 mm | MKE | Serial production for the Land Forces |
| SAR 56 | Infantry rifle | 5.56×45 mm | Sarsılmaz | Turkish service |
| SAR 762 MT | General-purpose machine gun | 7.62×51 mm | Sarsılmaz | Turkish service |
| SAR 127 MT | Heavy machine gun | 12.7×99 mm | Sarsılmaz | On ALTAY tanks delivered Oct 2025 |
| M2 QCB | Heavy machine gun | 12.7×99 mm | CANiK (SYS) | Produced in Türkiye |
Pistols: the export engine
Pistols are where Turkish private manufacturers have grown fastest. Sarsılmaz says it exports to more than 80 countries. CANiK built a large US presence through CanikUSA with Century Arms. GİRSAN pistols reach the US through EAA Corp, and TİSAŞ sells under its own brand. The flagship designs are modern polymer-framed, striker-fired 9 mm pistols such as the SAR9 and the CANiK TP9/METE family. Most makers also keep steel-framed and 1911-pattern lines. See Turkish Pistol Manufacturers and Brands Explained, SAR9 Pistol Explained and Sarsılmaz vs Canik.
Military and civilian lines are separate
Turkish manufacturers usually sell military and civilian products under different names and specifications. A company’s civilian pistol exports do not mean its rifles or machine guns are in foreign military service. Equally, being the Turkish Army’s rifle supplier does not make a company a major civilian exporter. Readers comparing companies should check which product line a claim refers to.
Where the industry stands in Europe
In Europe, Turkish small arms have a visible civilian and sporting presence. Search interest is steady in Germany, Italy, Poland and Spain, with queries for Canik, Girsan, Tisas and Sarsılmaz. We have not found an official European army or police pistol contract awarded to a Turkish manufacturer, and European service-pistol procurement remains dominated by Glock, Heckler & Koch, Walther, CZ, SIG Sauer and Beretta. Turkish makers compete on price-to-feature ratio, capacity and modern design, as the SAR9 vs Glock comparison shows. They trail on institutional track record in Europe.
Link to the wider Turkish defence industry
Small arms are one layer of a broader Turkish defence-industrial base that includes ASELSAN, ROKETSAN, Turkish Aerospace, Baykar and others. The links are becoming more direct. Sarsılmaz’s SAR 127 MT is mounted on the remote weapon station of the ALTAY tank, and its aircraft version was integrated with Turkish Aerospace through a joint company. For the wider picture, see our coverage of Turkish defence companies at ADEX 2026 and the Sarsılmaz company guide.
Frequently asked questions
Who are the main Turkish firearms manufacturers?
MKE (state-owned), Sarsılmaz, CANiK (SYS), TİSAŞ and GİRSAN, plus a large number of shotgun producers.
What rifle does the Turkish army use?
The MPT-76, a 7.62×51 mm national infantry rifle designed by MKE and in service since 2014, alongside the 5.56 mm MPT-55 and other rifles such as Sarsılmaz’s SAR 56.
Does Türkiye make its own machine guns?
Yes. Examples include Sarsılmaz’s SAR 762 MT and SAR 127 MT and CANiK’s M2 QCB heavy machine gun.
Where are Turkish pistols exported?
Mainly to civilian markets worldwide, with the United States the largest. Sarsılmaz reports more than 80 export countries and CANiK more than 60.
Are Turkish pistols used by European armies?
We have found no official European army or police pistol contract awarded to a Turkish manufacturer. Their European presence is mainly civilian and sporting.
