Minebea MP-9

   The Minebea MP-9 submachine gun was developed by Japanese Minebea Co. It has been adopted by the Japanese Ground Self-Defense Forces in the early 1990s. It replaced the ageing M3 SMGs in service with the JGSDF. This weapon is mainly issued with secondary and support units, such as vehicle drivers, tank and artillery crews, as a personal defense weapon. It is also employed by special operations forces. Japan is the only operator of this submachine gun, as this country laws do not allow to export military equipment. It seems that currently this submachine gun is no longer produced. Some sources suggest, that JGSDF is looking to replace this weapon with new high-performance SMG and the MP-9 is due to be phased out.

   The Minebea MP-9 is a license-produced version, based on the IMI Mini Uzi. It is worth mentioning that in the early 1990s Uzi was highly regarded as a good weapon. The MP-9 is an open bolt, blowback operated, selective fire weapon. This SMG is chambered for 9 x 19 mm round. This weapon is simple in design and technology.

   This submachine gun is fitted with manual safety switch, which is also a fire mode selector. It has single shots and full-auto modes. First production submachine guns had wooden furniture, however later models are fitted with polymer furniture.

   Magazine is housed in the pistol handle. This feature makes weapon shorter and reloading becomes more intuitive. The MP-9 is fed from 25 round box-type magazines.

   The Minebea MP-9 SMG is fitted with additional front grip, however it lacks shoulder stock. However some sources claim that this weapon can be modified to have a foldable stock. The lack of a stock is a significant drawback as it limits firing accuracy, especially in full automatic mode. Range of effective fire is about 50 - 100 meters.

   This submachine gun comes with a flash hider and is compatible with silencers.