5.56mm Machine Gun MINIMI

The 5.56mm Machine Gun MINIMI (Japanese: 5.56mm機関銃MINIMIcode: jpn promoted to code: ja ) is the Japanese license-produced variant of the Belgian FN Minimi light machine gunmanufactured by Sumitomo Heavy Industries.^[1][2]

5.56mm Machine Gun MINIMI
A MINIMI 5.56mm machine gun employed by the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force
Type	Light machine gun
Place of origin	Japan
Production history
Designer	FN Herstal
Manufacturer	Sumitomo Heavy Industries

History

The Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) adopted the locally-produced Minimi since the 1993 fiscal year as a successor to the Type 62 7.62mm machine gun until 2019.^[3]

On December 18, 2013, the Ministry of Defense announced that Sumitomo Heavy Industries had falsified inspection data over several decades and had delivered machine guns that did not meet the required performance standards.^[4]

As a result, the company was placed under a 5-month suspension of designation. It is reported that at least 5,350 units, including 12.7mm heavy machine guns, 7.62mm machine guns, and 5.56mm machine guns, were delivered since 1979. ^[5]

In April 2021, Sumitomo Heavy Industries announced its withdrawal from the production of machine guns and the development of 5.56mm machine guns due to budget constraints and reduced order volumes.^[6] However, the company stated it would continue producing parts for maintenance and repair.

Design

Main article: FN Minimi

The license-produced MINIMI can be equipped with the Type 62 GPMG tripod using a special attachment, and is used when precise shooting is required. Additionally, for long-range shooting, a “direct sight scope” (scope) may be mounted.

The model adopted by the JSDF is the so-called standard type with a metal tube stock, and it has unique modifications such as a different shape for the barrel change lever. The side of the gun body is marked with 5.56mm Machine Gun MINIMI.

A distinctive feature is the unique heat cover (upper sleeve) mounted on the top of the barrel. This cover, similar to the M249 used by US Military, is an added component that became equipped after adoption. However, the number of cooling vents in the central column has been reduced from 8 (on the original version) to 7, indicating a shape difference.

Furthermore, the magazine stop for STANAG magazines is not used because it prevents training with blank rounds.^[7][8]

• 
  A Japanese Minimi on display.
• 
  The JSDF' own heat cover (upper cover tube), which is different in shape from those of other countries
• 
  Direct aiming glasses fixed on the upper left side of the feed cover (JGSDF)
• 
  MINIMI 5.56mm machine gun (with direct sight scope) employed by the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force

Adoption

The Japanese Minimi partially replaced the NTK-62 with the Japanese Ground Self-Defense Forces.

Even before the data falsification was discovered, JSDF personnel in the field had recognized that the Minimi produced by Sumitomo Heavy Industries was of low performance.

• 
  A JGSDF member on a LAV fitted with the Minimi
• 
  A JGSDF member with the Minimi
• 
  A JGSDF member with the Minimi

Replacement

Due to the obsolescence of the Minimi Mk1 and the cessation of procurement, the JGSDF conducted a selection for its next machine gun.

SHI confirmed that it will not be involved in a potential LMG tender.^[9]

The JGSDF decided to continue using the 5.56mm caliber and chose the MINIMI Mk3 over Germany’s Heckler & Koch MG4.^[10]

The “5.56mm Machine Gun MINIMI(B)” is being procured not through domestic production, but via imports. The procurement plan includes 3,100 units of MINIMI(B), which will replace the existing Minimi Mk1 over time.^[11]

In January 2023, the FN-made Minimi MK3 was selected and designed as MINIMI(B).^[12] Around 3,100 Mk3s are set to be imported.^[13]