Turkish defense company REPKON has revealed its new 12.7×99 mm heavy machine gun at IDEF 2025 in Istanbul. International Defence Industry Fair is one of the largest defense events in region. This marks the REPKON’s entry into .50 caliber weapons market and expands its mounted weapon systems portfolio.
The 12.7×99 mm platform, a NATO-standard caliber, was introduced during the 17th edition of IDEF. This system supports both single and automatic firing modes. Furthermore, it is intended for use in both dismounted and mounted roles.
Versatile Platform for Modern Combat
The machine gun features a quick-change barrel system. This is adaptable to various platforms, including land vehicles, naval vessels, and aircraft. It can also be tripod-mounted for ground operations. “This weapon is designed to fulfill area support roles. It is also capable of engaging low-flying aircraft and helicopters,” said Gülerkaya. Hazal Gulerkaya is REPKON’s Business Development Strategist.
She emphasized that the development was driven by operational research. There was a need in Turkish Armed Forces and partner nations for such a platform. So, a prototype was developed in coordination with REPKON’s in-house production teams just in time.
The system includes a Picatinny rail system which allows flexible attachment of both mechanical and optical sights. This can be done either simultaneously or depending on mission requirements.
Broadening REPKON’s Small Arms Portfolio
The new heavy machine gun joins REPKON’s growing lineup of infantry support weapons. At IDEF 2025, the company is also displaying its 40 mm automatic rotary grenade launchers. Furthermore, 7–38 mm gas grenade launchers will also be present. These systems are already in use by the Turkish Armed Forces and are being exported to several NATO member states.
REPKON’s presence at IDEF is a major indicator of Türkiye’s ambitions to enhance its domestic defense capabilities. The event is held under the auspices of Türkiye’s Ministry of National Defense and supported by the Presidency of Defense Industries. Participants belonging to defence industries from all over the world attend the event.
The debut of the 12.7×99 mm machine gun positions REPKON as a new competitor in the heavy weapons segment. It reflects broader trends in localized manufacturing of NATO-standard arms.
Javeria Sajid is an Aerospace Engineering student from NUST with a background in technology and a sharp focus on the global political landscape and defence innovation. She writes to make complex defence technologies understandable, and aspires to bridge journalism, policy, and engineering in her work.
