Taurus SMT

Lore & Background

The Taurus SMT was reported to be in development in 2010, when Taurus announced it was developing a new submachine gun. It was later introduced in early 2011 under the designation MT G2. The SMT9 is chambered in 9×19mm Parabellum, while the SMT40 uses the .40 S&W cartridge. A compact variant, the SMT9C, has a 165 mm (6.5 in) barrel length. Semi-automatic only variants include the CT9 G2 (a pistol-caliber carbine for civilian and security markets, first announced at the 2011 SHOT Show) and the CTT40, based on the SMT40. Derivatives include the T9, chambered in 9×19mm Parabellum with a 5.5-inch barrel, adopted by the Indian Army with 550 units ordered and manufactured in India by Jindal Defence through transfer of technology. The RPC9, unveiled at IWA 2025, features a roller locked bolt system and is chambered in 9×19mm Parabellum.

Reader's Guide

The Taurus SMT family represents Taurus Firearms' entry into the submachine gun market, with variants covering military, law enforcement, and civilian uses. Its adoption by the Bangladesh Air Force (SMT9C used by the Ground Specialized Unit, 41 Squadron) and Bangladesh Police (Special Security and Protection Battalion) highlights its role in specialized security forces. The Brazilian Army uses the SMT9, while Brazilian law enforcement employs the SMT40. The T9 derivative's adoption by the Indian Army, with 550 units ordered and local production by Jindal Defence, marks a significant export and technology transfer arrangement. The RPC9, unveiled at IWA 2025 with a roller locked bolt system, indicates ongoing development. The semi-automatic CT9 G2 and CTT40 variants extend the design to civilian and security markets. Users also include China, El Salvador, Lebanon, the Police of Republika Srpska, and the Sri Lanka Army Commando Regiment, demonstrating broad international distribution. The SMT's legacy lies in its adaptability across calibers and roles, from compact submachine guns to carbines, and its integration into multiple national forces.

Did You Know?

• The Taurus SMT was reported to be in development in 2010 and introduced in early 2011 as the MT G2.
• The CT9 G2 semi-automatic carbine was first announced at the 2011 SHOT Show.

Development & Introduction

The Taurus SMT traces its origins to 2010, when Taurus Firearms publicly signaled that a new submachine gun was in active development. The weapon was formally unveiled in early 2011, initially carrying the designation MT G2 before settling into the SMT nomenclature that would define the family. From the outset, the platform was engineered around two pistol-caliber cartridges: the ubiquitous 9×19mm Parabellum and the .40 S&W, giving operators a meaningful choice between higher-capacity magazines and a heavier, slower round with different terminal characteristics. This dual-chambering philosophy allowed Taurus to address a range of tactical preferences within a single weapon family. The introduction of the SMT marked a notable expansion for Taurus, a manufacturer historically better known for its handguns and sporting rifles, positioning the company as a direct competitor in the close-quarters weapons segment against established European and American designs.

Variants & Configurations

The SMT family spans several distinct configurations tailored to different operational and market needs. The standard SMT9 fires 9×19mm Parabellum, while the SMT40 is chambered in .40 S&W, offering a more powerful cartridge at the cost of magazine capacity. For operators requiring a shorter weapon, the SMT9C shrinks the barrel to 165 mm (6.5 inches), making it well suited for close-quarters environments where a full-length gun would be unwieldy. Recognizing the demand for semi-automatic-only firearms in civilian and private security sectors, Taurus developed the CT9 G2, a pistol-caliber carbine variant of the SMT9 that was first displayed at the 2011 SHOT Show. Its .40 S&W counterpart, the CTT40, serves the same semi-automatic-only role. Together, these variants demonstrate Taurus's strategy of covering the full spectrum from military full-auto platforms to restricted civilian and security-market configurations under one design umbrella.

Military Adoption & International Users

The SMT has found service with a diverse roster of military and law enforcement organizations across multiple continents. In Bangladesh, the SMT9C compact variant is fielded by both the Ground Specialized Unit of the Air Force's 41 Squadron and the Special Security and Protection Battalion of the national police. In Brazil, Taurus's home market, the Brazilian Army employs the SMT9 while domestic law enforcement agencies utilize the SMT40. The weapon's reach extends further still: it is listed as in service with forces in China, El Salvador, Lebanon, and the Republika Srpska, where the local police operate the platform. In Sri Lanka, the Army Commando Regiment has adopted the SMT for its special operations mission. This broad international adoption, spanning South Asia, South America, the Middle East, and the Balkans, underscores the SMT's appeal as a versatile, cost-effective close-quarters weapon for a wide range of operators with differing doctrinal needs.

Derivatives & Future Directions

The SMT platform has spawned notable derivatives that push the design into new operational contexts and manufacturing partnerships. The Taurus T9, chambered in 9×19mm Parabellum with a 5.5-inch barrel, was adopted by the Indian Army in a significant deal: 550 units were ordered for production in India by Jindal Defence under a transfer-of-technology arrangement, marking a meaningful step in Taurus's global manufacturing relationships. Looking further ahead, the Taurus RPC9 was unveiled at the IWA 2025 trade show, introducing a roller-locked bolt action system while retaining the 9×19mm Parabellum chambering. This mechanical departure from the SMT's original design suggests Taurus is exploring alternative operating principles for its compact weapons line. Together, these derivatives illustrate a platform that continues to evolve, adapting to new markets, new production partnerships, and new mechanical philosophies well beyond its 2011 introduction.

Gallery