T75 light machine gun

Lore & Background

The T75 project was initiated to upgrade the Taiwanese light machine gun inventory by replacing the T57 (a locally produced M60 variant) and the M1919 Browning. It was also an effort to lessen reliance on foreign weapons amid increasing military requirements. The project was formerly known as the T65K2. The T75 was designed between 1983 and 1985, with production beginning in 1987, and it entered service in 1992.

The T75 is based on the Belgian FN Minimi but incorporates features from the T57 and T74 machine guns with more modern elements. It is slightly heavier but shorter and more compact than the Minimi. Its external appearance resembles the Minimi, but it uses an M60-type bipod as a key characteristic. Around 60% of its parts are compatible with the T74 GPMG, the Taiwanese FN MAG variant. The T75 can be fed by 200-round disintegrating belts, 30-round STANAG magazines, T65 assault rifle magazines, and drum magazines. In addition to standard 5.56×45mm NATO ammunition, it can fire Taiwanese-made TC74 armor-piercing rounds and TC79 tracer rounds.

Aside from providing squad-level support fire, the T75 is deployed aboard Republic of China Navy and Coast Guard Administration vessels. A variant, the T75 SFAW, was modified and optimized for special forces operatives, featuring a shorter barrel assembly and a folding stock; 30 models have been produced.

Reader's Guide

The T75 light machine gun represents a significant step in Taiwan's efforts to modernize its infantry small arms and reduce dependence on foreign weapon systems. By basing the design on the proven FN Minimi while incorporating local manufacturing experience from the T57 and T74, the 205th Arsenal created a weapon that balances reliability with logistical efficiency—60% parts commonality with the T74 GPMG simplifies maintenance and supply. Its adoption as the standard squad automatic weapon across the Republic of China Armed Forces, as well as its deployment on naval and coast guard vessels, underscores its versatility. The development of the T75 SFAW variant for special forces further demonstrates the platform's adaptability. The T75 remains in service as the primary light machine gun of Taiwan's military, reflecting a sustained indigenous defense industrial capability.

Did You Know?

• The T75 was formerly known as the T65K2 when the project started.
• Around 60% of T75 parts are compatible with the T74 GPMG.
• The T75 uses an M60-type bipod as one of its key characteristics.
• Only 30 models of the T75 SFAW variant have been produced.