British Army to drop light machine gun
The British Army is expected to move ahead with plans to remove the Light Machine Gun (LMG) from its dismounted infantry platoons.
While the decision is awaiting ratification, a review into use of the belt-fed 5.56mm FN Herstal Minimi found that the weapon was ‘ineffective’ and ‘burdensome’, according to Lt Col Nick Serle, commanding officer, infantry trials and development unit of the British Army.
‘We have decided to remove the LMG,’ Serle said at the Future Soldier Technology 2018 conference in London.
‘We wanted to reduce the burden on the soldier. We don’t want the soldier carrying loads of ammunition
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Land Warfare
-
German rearmament – three potential scenarios
With the possibility of a massive increase in German defence spending on the horizon, Shephard analyses what such a boost could mean for the Bundeswehr’s procurement of new armoured vehicles.
-
RAFAEL’s Laser Defense Systems Revolutionize the Battlefield
A Pioneering Laser Powerhouse, RAFAEL transforms laser technology into proven operational defense capabilities.
-
DSEI 2025: Larger vehicles begin to turn to the benefits of rubber tracks
Composite rubber tracks (CRTs) have substantial benefits over conventional steel tracks including reduced damage when travelling on roads and reduced vibration, noise, thermal signature, weight and fuel consumption.
-
Lockheed Martin lands US Army US$9.8 billion Patriot contract
The contract will be used to produce 1,970 Patriot Advanced Capability (PAC-3 MSE) interceptors and hardware.
-
DSEI 2025: Likely spending boosts outlined this year turn spotlight on show
A surge in budgeted and planned defence spending across European NATO countries in the past year has come in the face of the war in Ukraine and demands from the Trump administration that the countries take on more of the load. This is likely to be reflected in what can be expected from DSEI.
-
DSEI 2025: Leopard 1 offered extra kick with new power pack
The new power pack from Germany’s Flensburger Fahrzeugbau Gesellschaft (FFG) is about 300kg lighter than the original system, consists of a more modern eight-cylinder diesel developing up to 1,080hp. It is being shown for the first time at DSEI.