French Armed Forces receive around 60,000 HK416F assault rifles
HK416F is compatible with FELIN equipment. (Photo: DGA)
Deliveries to date of HK416F assault rifles equate to 50% of the total amount acquired by the MoD in 2016.
French procurement agency DGA announced on 14 March that the armed forces have received 59,340 HK416F rifles to date. This equates to 50% of the total amount acquired by the MoD in 2016, which comprised 117,000 guns.
A total of 2,000 weapons was delivered in 2022, and other 12,000 HK416Fs are expected to be handed over by the end of the year.
The HK416 assault rifle was selected to gradually replace all FAMAS rifles that are currently in service with the French Army, Navy and Air and Space Force.
The contract worth approximately €168 million ($185 million) was awarded to a consortium involving Heckler & Koch and its French subsidiary in September 2016, and deliveries began in May 2017.
The agreement comprised the procurement of two HK416F variants: a standard version with a 14.5-inch (36.8cm) barrel length to equip infantry units and a shorter model with an 11-inch barrel for other units.
According to a DGA press release, this assault rifle is scalable and able to integrate new technologies, especially in the field of optics and aiming.
Compatible with the FELIN soldier system, it features NATO 5.56mm calibre and has a low-speed grenade launcher capability.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Land Warfare
-
![NATO demonstrates equipment and prototype innovations in Crystal Arrow Exercise]()
NATO demonstrates equipment and prototype innovations in Crystal Arrow Exercise
The Crystal Arrow Exercise is being used by NATO as a way to put new equipment such as uncrewed ground and aerial vehicles into the hands of alliance users, particularly Latvian and Baltic forces.
-
![UK finally signs $1.35 billion British Army howitzer deal but with scaled-back numbers]()
UK finally signs $1.35 billion British Army howitzer deal but with scaled-back numbers
The deal will provide the British Army with five times the number of guns it currently operates as an interim measure, but it still leaves the force with comparatively fewer weapons than partner forces.
-
![CSG’s new CFL-120 Karpat medium tank demonstrates move to modularity]()
CSG’s new CFL-120 Karpat medium tank demonstrates move to modularity
Built using proven parts across three countries, the CFL-120 uses a Turkish chassis, an Italian turret and Czech integration to reflect a modular approach to tank design.
-
![Team LionStrike fleshes out UK Land Mobility Programme bid]()
Team LionStrike fleshes out UK Land Mobility Programme bid
At an industry press day this week, Shephard's Christopher Foss looked more closely at Team LionStrike's line-up.
-
![NATO boosts uncrewed usage and shifts on concept of operations based on lessons learned from Ukraine]()
NATO boosts uncrewed usage and shifts on concept of operations based on lessons learned from Ukraine
The war in Ukraine remains a focus of procurement, concepts of operation, tactics and training for NATO countries. The Crystal Arrow Exercise in Latvia, ongoing until 15 May, is a reflection of this.
-
![SAHA 2026: Armour, artillery and autonomous systems on display]()
SAHA 2026: Armour, artillery and autonomous systems on display
The array of platforms on display at SAHA 2026 showcased the diversity of equipment now provided by the Turkish defence industry.
