Type 67 machine gun
| Industry | Defense manufacturing |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1967 |
| Headquarters | Beijing , China |
The Type 67 is a general-purpose machine gun chambered for the 7.62×54mmR cartridge, previously utilized by the People's Liberation Army.
History
Conceived in 1959 to serve as a lighter alternative to the Type 53 (SG-43 Goryunov) and Type 57 (SGM) medium machine guns, the Type 67 underwent its initial trials in 1963. The development was overseen by Dr. Duo Ying Jian at the Beijing Industrial Technology Academy. In the aftermath of the Sino-Soviet split, China expected a decline in Soviet technological assistance, including the supply of PKM machine guns.
The first recorded combat deployment of the Type 67 occurred in 1980 when Mujahideen fighters in Afghanistan, opposing Soviet-backed forces, used it—smuggled through Pakistan. Beginning in 2015, it surfaced during the Syrian Civil War, wielded by opposition factions likely capturing these arms from Syrian government inventories. Additionally, this firearm has been active in the ongoing conflict in Yemen against Houthi militants.
Design history
An assessment by the United States Army Materiel Command highlights that the Type 67 integrates various components: it employs the DP trigger system, utilizes the quick-change barrel design from the SG-43, features a gas regulator akin to that of the RPD, incorporates the bolt mechanism from the ZB vz. 30, and adapts a feed mechanism based on a modified Maxim design.
The weapon's wooden furnishings include a fixed bipod attached directly to the gas tube, which cannot be detached. For enhanced long-range stability, an optional tripod is available. Although initially designed as a medium machine gun intended solely for tripod deployment, Chinese engineers revised this approach after examining a captured M60 GPMG from the Vietnam War, leading to standardization of the bipod feature.
Since its introduction in 1967, two upgraded variants have been developed: Type 67-1 and Type 67-2.
Variants
- Type 67-1: Equipped with a non-fluted barrel and a detachable bipod clamped beneath the front; uses plastic furniture.
- Type 67-2: Maintains the same barrel profile but is lighter overall; replaces the bipod with a stamped steel tripod; compatible with telescopic or night vision optics; later versions exclude the anti-aircraft sight mount.
Users
- : Palestine Liberation Organization
- : Operated by both the SAA and Free Syrian Army
Former
- : Utilized by both Vietcong and North Vietnamese Army forces.