QJY-201

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	Weapon: QJY-201 Type: General Purpose Machine Gun Country of Origin: China Year Adopted: 2015 Overall Length (mm): 1230.0 Overall Length (in): 48.43 Weight (kg): 7.00 Weight (pounds): 15.43

The QJY-201 is a modern lightweight general-purpose machine gun (GPMG) developed by China for use by the People's Liberation Army (PLA). Designed to replace older models such as the Type 80 and Type 67, the QJY-201 incorporates advanced materials and ergonomics to achieve a significant reduction in weight while maintaining durability and firepower. It is chambered for the 5.8x42mm DBP10 round, China's standard-issue small-caliber cartridge, and features a quick-change barrel system, making it highly adaptable for sustained fire scenarios.

Production of the QJY-201 began in the late 2010s, with its adoption as the PLA's primary squad-support machine gun. Though precise production figures remain undisclosed, it is widely deployed across various PLA units, indicating a large-scale manufacturing effort. The QJY-201 was designed to offer superior mobility for infantry forces, weighing significantly less than earlier GPMGs while maintaining accuracy and reliability. Additionally, it is compatible with a range of mounting options, including tripods and vehicle mounts, enhancing its versatility in combat.

The notoriety of the QJY-201 stems from its status as one of the most modern lightweight machine guns in active service today, demonstrating China's growing capability in designing advanced small arms. Its performance during training exercises and evaluations has been widely praised, particularly for its balance of weight and firepower. The QJY-201 highlights China's focus on equipping its armed forces with cutting-edge weaponry, cementing its place as a key component of the PLA's modernization efforts in the 21st century.

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