The UMP (Universal Machine Pistol) is the newest submachine gun from veteran gun manufacturer HK. The key idea behind the UMP was to create a lightweight and powerful submachine gun which is also cost effective. The stopping power of its .45 calibre round comes at the price of increased recoil and lower rate of fire. Although the lower ROF helps to balance its reduced magazine capacity. The weight is reduced by using modern polymers throughout making it lighter than its predecessor, the MP5.

The UMP is a blowback-operated select-fire submachine gun, being fired from the closed bolt. UMP also has bolt hold-open device, which traps the bolt in the open position when the last round from magazine had been fired.

The controls are fully ambidextrous and the UMP can be fired in full-auto, in single shots, and in 2 or 3 round bursts. UMP has side-folding buttstock and two set of picatinny rails - one on the top of the receiver, and the other - on the forend. These rails can accept wide variety of sighting and other equipment, such as red-dot sights, laser pointers, tactical grips and flashlights. The barrel has quick mount for snap-on sound suppresion, usually built by Brügger & Thomet of Switzerland., although this is not as complete as the integral suppression utilised in the MP5SD.