Sumitomo Type 74

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	Weapon: Sumitomo Type 74 Type: General Purpose Machine Gun Country of Origin: Japan Year Adopted: 1974 Overall Length (mm): 1200.0 Overall Length (in): 47.24 Weight (kg): 10.80 Weight (pounds): 23.81

The Sumitomo Type 74 is a Japanese general-purpose machine gun (GPMG) developed by Sumitomo Heavy Industries in the early 1970s to replace the aging M1919A4 machine guns used by the Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF). Chambered in 7.62x51mm NATO, the Type 74 follows a conventional gas-operated, open-bolt design with a quick-change barrel system. The Type 74 is the vehicle (tank and aircraft) version of the similar Type 62, but features spade grips for firing from a pintle mount. The design is heavily influenced by the FN MAG but incorporates modifications to suit the operational needs of Japanese forces.

Production of the Type 74 began in 1974, with Sumitomo manufacturing an estimated 30,000 units for the JSDF. It was adopted by the Ground, Maritime, and Air Self-Defense Forces, where it served as the standard-issue GPMG for vehicle-mounted applications. The machine gun proved to be reliable and effective in service, although it was never exported due to Japan's restrictive arms export policies. While the Type 74 has been gradually supplemented by the more modern and Minimi-based Type 89, it remains in service with certain JSDF units.

The Sumitomo Type 74 is notable for being Japan's first domestically designed and produced GPMG, marking a significant step in the country's post-war military industry. Despite its limited international recognition, the weapon has served reliably within the JSDF for decades. While not as widely known as other GPMGs like the FN MAG or M60, the Type 74 remains a historically significant firearm, representing Japan's self-sufficiency in small arms development. Today, it continues to be used in training and reserve capacities as newer models phase it out of frontline service.