IDET 2025: Czech’s STV Group launches Archon Type L ultra light machine gun for next-gen infantry warfare.

At the IDET 2025 defense exhibition, the Czech company STV Group presented the Archon Type L Ultra Light Machine Gun (ULMG), developed to meet operational requirements for a lightweight support weapon that functions between the roles of an assault rifle and a traditional squad automatic weapon. The Archon Type L is equipped with a dual-feed system that allows the operator to switch between belt-fed ammunition and standard magazines, depending on the available supply and specific tactical conditions. This weapon, intended for conventional infantry, special forces, and internal security units, can be used in diverse operational environments, including urban areas, mountainous terrain, and expeditionary missions.
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The Archon Type L's key feature is its dual-feed system, allowing the weapon to switch between magazines or belt links, permitting a rapid switch between feeding modes depending on mission needs or available ammunition types. (Picture source: Army Recognition)

The introduction of the Archon Type L comes as modern military operations have increasingly emphasized the need for lightweight support weapons that effectively bridge the gap between standard assault rifles and traditional squad automatic weapons (SAWs). Assault rifles like the M4 are praised for their portability and versatility, but are limited in providing sustained suppressive fire due to their magazine-fed design and susceptibility to overheating during prolonged engagements. Conversely, traditional SAWs such as the M249 offer high rates of fire and extended ammunition capacity but come with the drawbacks of increased weight and bulk, which can hinder soldier mobility and rapid maneuvering in dynamic combat scenarios. This dichotomy has driven the demand for intermediate solutions that combine the firepower and sustained firing capabilities of SAWs with the maneuverability and ease of use characteristic of assault rifles. The development of weapons like the Archon Type L aims to enhance squad-level firepower without imposing additional burdens on individual soldiers, ensuring that infantry units can maintain both agility and effective suppressive capabilities in diverse operational environments.

The Archon Type L's key feature is its dual-feed system, allowing the weapon to switch between standard 5.56×45mm NATO magazines or disintegrating belt links. This configuration supports both 100- and 200-round belt boxes. The design enables uninterrupted fire by permitting a rapid switch between feeding modes depending on mission needs or available ammunition types. Compatibility with AR-15 style magazines offers logistical convenience in mixed-unit operations where different ammunition supplies may be in use. This dual-feed capability is intended to support greater operational flexibility, especially in situations where rapid transitions between mobile assault and suppressive fire roles are required.

Furthermore, an open bolt firing mechanism is employed for its ability to reduce the likelihood of cook-offs during prolonged automatic fire, as it allows more effective heat dissipation by keeping the chamber open between shots. The open-bolt system also contributes to enhanced reliability under sustained use and is often preferred in light machine guns for this reason. In addition, the design improves safety by preventing chambered rounds from remaining in place when the weapon is not actively being fired. The bolt remains in the rear position until the trigger is pulled, ensuring the chamber is clear and reducing the risk of accidental discharge.

The Archon Type L is also equipped with a quick-change barrel system that enables users to replace the barrel swiftly under field conditions, preserving barrel life during extended firefights. The weapon incorporates a three-position gas regulator, allowing it to be configured for normal, adverse, or suppressed firing conditions. Ergonomically, it includes a telescopic adjustable buttstock and an AR-15 style safety selector for ease of training and compatibility with existing infantry weapon systems. The modularity of the design extends to its multiple Picatinny and M-LOK rails, supporting a wide array of tactical accessories including optics, aiming lasers, and foregrips. Standard backup iron sights and quick-detach sling points further enhance its battlefield readiness and handling.

The Archon Type L Ultra Light Machine Gun exemplifies the modern shift in infantry weapon design toward greater adaptability, modularity, and user-centric innovation. By combining the sustained fire capabilities of a belt-fed machine gun with the operational agility of a magazine-fed rifle, STV Group addresses a long-standing gap in the small arms spectrum. This hybrid approach provides armed forces with a tactical advantage across varied combat scenarios, where mission profiles can change rapidly and unpredictably. The inclusion of features such as the dual-feed system, open-bolt operation, quick-change barrel, and customizable ergonomics makes the Archon Type L a formidable addition to the evolving battlefield toolkit. Its debut at IDET 2025 positions it as a compelling solution for militaries seeking to enhance dismounted squad lethality without sacrificing mobility, reinforcing the Czech defense industry's role as an innovative contributor to NATO and allied force modernization.