US Army testing new MFAL
The US Army is testing a new Multi-Function Aiming Light (MFAL) to help soldiers acquire and hit targets quickly and effectively, the army announced on 31 May.
The MFAL uses both infrared and visible aiming lasers to enable soldiers to engage targets during night and day.
The new MFAL is smaller, lighter and more powerful than previous versions. Its lithium batteries enable MFAL to run for about six-to-eight hours. The maximum range for the visible and IR beams on the modular handgun MFAL is 25m. The daytime range for the M4 MFAL is up to 200m in sunlight with the IR beam reaching 600m at night.
As the user doesn’t need to look through a night vision scope with the MFAL, firing from the hip or any other position becomes possible because the beam aligns with the bore and points to the target.
The army is planning to purchase a number of MFALs for its M16 rifles and M4 carbines, which are considered a higher priority over the MFAL variant for the handgun.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Land Warfare
-
![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.
-
![SAHA 2026: Is the Turkish Army’s Altay MBT finally ready?]()
SAHA 2026: Is the Turkish Army’s Altay MBT finally ready?
At SAHA 2026, the Altay was proudly on display. But has the platform finally overcome the problems that have left it repeatedly late?
-
![AI-enhanced combat radios: how to turn comms networks into an EW advantage]()
AI-enhanced combat radios: how to turn comms networks into an EW advantage
Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming defence communications, boosting situational awareness and electronic warfare (EW) capabilities across the battlespace. Bittium’s new partnership with MarshallAI will significantly enhance networked technology, turning radios into cutting-edge sensors with a range of applications.
-
![Finding the balance between armour and air defence as UAVs proliferate]()
Finding the balance between armour and air defence as UAVs proliferate
While the growing drone threat has sharpened the focus on air defence solutions, Dr Peter Magill looks at why protected mobility remains crucial.
