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South Korean Manufacturer Dasan Introduces XR-17 Light Machine Gun at IDEX 2025.
At IDEX 2025, South Korean defense manufacturer Dasan introduced the XR-17, a 5.56x45mm NATO light machine gun designed to meet the growing demands of modern military operations. With its combination of advanced features, such as gas piston operation, an ambidextrous charging handle, and customizable options, the XR-17 promises to be a valuable addition to any military force seeking a reliable, adaptable, and efficient weapon for diverse combat scenarios.
Dasan introduced the XR-17, a 5.56x45mm NATO light machine gun designed to meet the growing demands of modern military operations. (Picture source: Army Recognition)
The XR-17 is powered by a gas piston system, offering superior reliability and reduced heat build-up compared to traditional direct impingement systems. This makes the machine gun more resilient in harsh conditions, including extreme temperatures and continuous use. The gas piston design ensures smooth cycling of rounds while minimizing fouling, which is essential for maintaining performance during prolonged firefights.
A standout feature of the XR-17 is its ambidextrous charging handle and selector, allowing for seamless operation by both left- and right-handed users. This flexibility is critical for enhancing user ergonomics, particularly in combat situations requiring rapid adaptability. Additionally, the machine gun is equipped with a quad Picatinny rail, offering users a wide range of options to attach accessories such as optics, flashlights, or foregrips. This modular design gives operators the ability to tailor the XR-17 to their specific mission requirements, enhancing its overall versatility.
The weapon’s 18-inch barrel optimizes maneuverability and accuracy, providing a practical range while maintaining a compact profile. With a weight of just 5.7kg or less, the XR-17 offers ease of transport without sacrificing firepower. Its belt-fed ammunition system allows for extended fire capabilities, with a left-side feed design that supports a continuous supply of rounds during sustained engagements. This system is ideal for military units that require a machine gun capable of delivering high volumes of fire while remaining lightweight and adaptable.
In addition to its functional features, the XR-17 boasts a 6-position extendable buttstock, enabling shooters to adjust the weapon for their preferred stance and comfort. This feature ensures better control and reduces fatigue during extended use. Furthermore, the machine gun’s 1.7" barrel twist rate is designed to maximize precision, ensuring each round hits its intended target with accuracy and consistency, even at longer ranges.
The XR-17's design reflects Dasan’s commitment to meeting the evolving needs of modern armed forces. Its combination of adaptability, ease of use, and advanced technology positions it as a capable light machine gun for a variety of military applications, from close-quarters combat to more extended, sustained fire missions. Whether deployed as a primary weapon in a fire team or mounted on a vehicle, the XR-17 offers exceptional performance that can be relied upon in both offensive and defensive operations.
Dasan’s presentation at IDEX 2025 demonstrates the company’s continuous innovation in the field of firearms and military equipment. With the XR-17, Dasan is pushing the boundaries of light machine gun design to deliver a weapon that is not only effective in combat but also adaptable to the ever-changing nature of modern warfare. This weapon is poised to become a key asset in the arsenals of defense forces worldwide.