Zaklady Mechaniczne Tarnow SA has achieved a significant milestone by fulfilling the first batch of orders for the modified UKM 2000P general-purpose machine guns. The contract for these upgraded firearms was finalized in June of the previous year, with deliveries slated for completion by September 30, 2024. The UKM-2000 (Uniwersalny Karabin Maszynowy, “Universal Machine Gun”) stands as a cornerstone of Polish arms manufacturing, crafted and perfected by Zak?ady Mechaniczne Tarnów in Tarnów, Poland. Renowned for its prowess, the UKM-2000 serves as the primary general-purpose machine gun (GPMG) across various platforms utilized by the Polish Forces in missions such as those in Afghanistan (including Cougar H, MaxxPro Dash, M-ATV, and Humvee), serving also as a coaxial machine gun in KTO Rosomak and the Polish-modernized BRDM-2.
The UKM-2000P variant, boasting enhanced features like better ergonomics and functionality, a new folding and telescopic buttstock with a cheekpiece and additional grip/pod, integrated Picatinny rail with iron sight and 3-rail forehand attached to the gas tube, new grip, new cocking handle new safety switch selector, and a new 440-mm barrel option, along with various internal improvements, represents the latest evolution of this esteemed lineage. Notably, it adopts a new soft ammo bag in place of the traditional steel box magazine typical for the PK family. The modified UKM 2000P universal machine gun is a testament to the synergy between the arms industry and the military, culminating in the development of a comprehensive tool to combat a multitude of threats effectively.
Utilizing 7.62 mm × 51 ammunition in the M13 dispersal belt, the rifle delivers formidable stopping power and accuracy across both short and long distances. Its versatility lends itself to diverse applications, serving as an infantry weapon or mounted armament on various platforms such as vehicles, boats, or helicopters. Capable of engaging ground and air targets, its effectiveness at extended ranges is further bolstered by appropriate mounting solutions. Thus, the rifle provides invaluable support to soldiers, affording them a potent weapon adaptable to the demands of any combat scenario, ensuring a decisive edge on the battlefield.
Zaklady Mechaniczne Tarnow (Tarnow Mechanical Works) is a Polish defense manufacturing company. Based in the city of Tarnów, the company produces handguns, assault rifles, sniper rifles and anti-air guns. It is part of the Bumar-Labedy corporation, itself a division of the state-controlled Polish Armaments Group. Initially founded during World War I in 1917 as a local train repair workshop, in the interwar period the company was part of the Polish State Railways. After the company’s equipment was confiscated, dismantled and sent to Germany during World War II, the factory was rebuilt as a train repair workshop, but in 1951 it was turned into a defence contractor producing guns, firearms and machine tools.
