CETME Ameli

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	Weapon: CETME Ameli Type: Light Machine Gun Country of Origin: Spain Year Adopted: 1990 Caliber: 5.56x45 NATO Action: Blow Back Fully Automatic Overall Length (mm): 1000.0 Weight (kg): 8.00 Effective Range (m): 1500

The CETME Ameli is a Spanish 5.56x45mm NATO light machine gun developed in the early 1980s by the Centro de Estudios Tecnicos de Materiales Especiales (CETME). Inspired by the German MG42 and its modern derivatives, the Ameli features a recoil-operated roller-locked mechanism and is designed for belt-fed operation, ensuring high rates of sustained fire. The weapon is constructed with lightweight materials, including a stamped steel receiver and polymer components, which make it portable and efficient for infantry use. It includes features such as quick-change barrels and compatibility with NATO-standard ammunition, aligning it with contemporary small arms requirements.

Production of the CETME Ameli began in the mid-1980s at Empresa Nacional Santa Barbara and continued into the 1990s. Although exact production figures are uncertain, it is estimated that several thousand units were manufactured, primarily for the Spanish Armed Forces and select export customers. Despite its innovative design, the Ameli faced criticism for reliability issues, particularly in harsh operating environments. These challenges limited its adoption outside Spain, and the weapon struggled to compete with more established light machine guns such as the FN Minimi, which offered superior performance and durability.

The CETME Ameli saw service primarily within the Spanish military and in smaller quantities with foreign operators. While its innovative design showcased Spanish engineering, its operational shortcomings hindered its broader success. Today, the CETME Ameli is regarded as a unique but flawed entry in the light machine gun category. Collectors and military historians value it for its historical significance and connection to Spain's efforts to modernize its small arms. The Ameli's legacy remains a mixed one, as it represents both the potential and challenges of indigenous weapon development in the late 20th century.