Sumitomo NTK 62 Japan Self Defense Force Mechine Gun

The T-62/NTK-62 is the standard issue GPMG of the Japan Self-Defense Forces. Known as the Type-62 GPMG, It is similar to the Belgian FN MAG, but not a variation of it. Though the Sumitomo Heavy Industries\' M249 had largely replaced it in the JGSDF, the weapon still plays a support role as it is still used as a co-axial weapon in various armored vehicles, including tanks and APCs, as well as being a medium support machine gun. Similar in application to the M60 Machine gun, it fires 7.62 mm NATO cartridges.

After years of using the Browning M1919A4 as its standard GPMG during the early days of founding the Japan Self Defense Forces, Sumitomo Heavy Industries had manufactured the NTK-62 GPMG, designed at Japan Special Steel (NTK) by Masaya Kawamura\'s team. The designation \"62\" was present due to the fact that first batches of the NTK-62 were made in the year 1962.

One can tell the NTK-62 from the FN MAG from the bipod, barrel, buttstock and pistol grip as these changes were possibly made to suit Japan Self Defense Forces guidelines and standards.