Denel Land Systems, a South African manufacturer that produces a number of defense items from grenades to artillery, has introduced their DMG-5 medium/light machine gun (available either in 5.56x45mm or 7.62x51mm), and their DMG-5 CX vehicle mounted machine gun at the Africa Aerospace and Defence Exhibition in South Africa this week. From Army Recognition–

The DMG-5 is a gas operated, air cooled Lightweight Machine Gun capable of sustained high rates of fire. It is available in either 7,62 x 51mm or 5,56 x 45mm NATO Calibres. The DMG-5 is equipped with M-1913 Picatinny Rail Systems to accommodate various User selectable tactical attachments such as optical sights. Night Vision equipment, torches or laser pointers.

The DMG-5 is a well-balanced, light weight weapon system optimised for the modem warfighting environment.

The DMG-5 is fitted with a collapsible ergonomic stock, the front grip is equipped with three Picatinny Rails for the fitment of Flash lights, Laser pointers, etc. A removable Front Pistol Grip is fitted on the Front Picatinny Rail and can be adjusted to suit the operator’s personal requirements and enhance the handling, stability and quick reaction of the Machine Gun during operations. A Bi-pod can be mounted on the same Picatinny Rail as the Front Pistol Grip.

The Feed Cover is equipped with a top mounted full length Picatinny Rail allowing for the fitment of different Sights and / or Night Sights. Backup Iron Sights can be provided but are not supplied with the weapon The DMG-5 is supplied with a full logistic support package, training and a reliable service back-up.

The DMG-5 has a maximum weight of 8.6 kg and has an effective range of 1,500 m with a firing rate from 700 to 900 rpm.

The DMG-5 is meant to replace the 5.56x45mm and 7.62x51mm Vektor SS-77 light and medium machine gun which has a surprisingly large number of end users to include South Africa, Columbia, Philippines, Romania, Malaysia, and Kuwait among others. It appears to be a similar operating system, with much of the external features being modified to make it more robust and lightweight. Picatinny rails have been added, with an especially aggressive rail on the feed tray cover, a telescoping and folding buttstock, and removal of any fixed sights. The DMG-5 CX is a new addition though, outfitted with spade grips, a heavier barrel, and a chopped pistol grip to make room for the machine gun on a helicopter or other vehicle.

Why the company has a Grippod mounted on the machine gun is beyond me. The flimsy bipod barely works well when used in a rugged environment on a rifle, much less a fully automatic belt fed machine gun. Solid idea, but the things are always breaking when you really need them the most. And especially with any sort of machine gun, light or medium (Heaven forbid some Grippods get put on a 50 Cal M2), where the gun is sometimes being driven into the ground with ungodly amounts of force in the heat of a battle.

Current SS-77 in service mainly with the South African military.

Photos are from Army Recognition, DMG-5 CX photo from Jane’s Defense.