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
You may also like
More from Land Warfare
-
![AUSA 2025: Lionstrike lays out plans for British Army vehicle bid as competitors get ready]()
AUSA 2025: Lionstrike lays out plans for British Army vehicle bid as competitors get ready
In September 2025, BAE Systems announced that it was joining GM Defense and NP Aerospace to form Team Lionstrike. The team will be offering a version of GM Defense’s infantry support vehicle which is based on the commercial Colorado vehicle.
-
![AUSA 2025: KNDS France to bid for US Army requirement]()
AUSA 2025: KNDS France to bid for US Army requirement
The CAESAR Mk II, which was debuted internationally at Eurosatory last year, is a step up from the first model which has seen combat in Ukraine and the Middle East.
-
![AUSA 2025: IAI reveals robotic route clearance system]()
AUSA 2025: IAI reveals robotic route clearance system
The Elta 6631 has been developed using the experience of the Israel Defense Forces in route proving, and can be customised for various customers and circumstances.
-
![AUSA 2025: Boeing wins $2.7 billion PAC-3 production contract as it explores supply chain expansion]()
AUSA 2025: Boeing wins $2.7 billion PAC-3 production contract as it explores supply chain expansion
Boeing will work with prime contractor Lockheed Martin to boost PAC-3 production capacity to hit higher delivery targets, as demand for the interceptors continues to surge.
-
![AUSA 2025: AM General “on target” for JLTV full-rate production in 2026 as it uncrews a Humvee]()
AUSA 2025: AM General “on target” for JLTV full-rate production in 2026 as it uncrews a Humvee
AM General believes it has completed working with customers for the Joint Light Tactical Vehicles to reach a final version of the vehicle and to prepare to begin producing vehicles under full rate production.
-
![AUSA 2025: Honeywell debuts SAMURAI CUAS system after demonstrations and trials]()
AUSA 2025: Honeywell debuts SAMURAI CUAS system after demonstrations and trials
The system is designed to operate against uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) and has been demonstrated for the US Army and Department of Defense. It is designed to be agnostic and provide software and C2 systems in support of a range of sensors and effectors.
