Norwegian Armed Forces procure 4,000 Minimi guns
FN Minimi Mk3 light machine gun. (Photo: FN Herstal)
Belgian company FN Herstal is supplying 7.62mm light machine guns and spare parts under a multi-year contract from the Norwegian MoD.
FN Herstal announced on 3 September a multi-year contract with the Norwegian MoD to provide 4,000 FN Minimi Mk3 (3rd-generation) light machine guns in 7.62x51mm NATO calibre.
The agreement also comprises the supply of spare parts for seven years and maintenance and support equipment for more than 20 years.
This decision concludes a programme that was initiated by the Norwegian MoD more than two years ago and included a series of technical evaluations and commercial negotiations.
The Norwegian MoD also awarded FN Herstal, in 2010, a contract for the supply of first-generation FN Minimi light machine guns, at that time in 5.56x45mm NATO calibre.
According to Shephard Defence Insight, the FN Minimi 7.62 Mk 3 Tactical comes with a buttstock adjustable in length (five positions) and cheek rest height (four positions).
It has an integrated feed cover with an upper rail, lower and lateral rails, adjustable-height bipod, feed tray with belt retaining pawls, quick-change barrel and optional heatshield.
Variants of the weapon have a short or long barrel and a telescopic (Para model) or fixed buttstock (Standard model).
In service, FN Minimis can be upgraded partially or completely using conversion kits to meet the user’s preference. The FN Minimi 7.62 Mk 3 can be converted to fire 5.56x45mm ammunition.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Land Warfare
-
![Hegseth issues rallying cry for army transformation]()
Hegseth issues rallying cry for army transformation
US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has outlined an ambitious plan to reform, reshape and redirect the US Army in an overhaul which would see a reduction in formations and less manned attack helicopters.
-
![Estonia takes delivery of six HIMARS]()
Estonia takes delivery of six HIMARS
Estonia has taken delivery of six Lockheed Martin High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) weapons. The delivery comes only a month after Australia received its first system and the company outlined plans to improve missiles fired from the system.
-
![Thales to modernise Netherlands TACTIS combined arms trainer]()
Thales to modernise Netherlands TACTIS combined arms trainer
Thales will modernise the Royal Netherlands Army’s TACTIS simulation system over eight years with enhanced synthetic environments, new simulators for the CV9035NL, Boxer and Leopard 2 tanks.
-
![Hanwha contracted to develop radar for South Korean missile defence]()
Hanwha contracted to develop radar for South Korean missile defence
Hanwha will develop the multi-function radar of the Low Altitude Missile Defense (LAMD), work which is scheduled to be completed before the end of 2028.
-
![Anduril Industries unveils improved electromagnetic warfare system]()
Anduril Industries unveils improved electromagnetic warfare system
Pulsar-L has already entered service and weighs about 12kg with range of 5km. It was only in May last year that the company disclosed that earlier versions were already in service.
-
![Romania approved for additional $280 million Patriot Air Defence System buy]()
Romania approved for additional $280 million Patriot Air Defence System buy
The possible Foreign Military Sale (FMS) from the US will cover the system and any related equipment with Lockheed Martin and RTX as primary contractors.
