FN UK to upgrade British Armed Forces’ Heavy Machine Gun

Image courtesy DE&S

Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S), the procurement arm of the UK MoD, through its Dismounted Close Combat Portfolio team, has awarded the contract to FN UK, the only manufacturer and assembler of machine guns in the UK.

The contract will see FN UK undertake a comprehensive mid-life improvement programme for the weapon system over two years, followed by eight years of in-service support. All upgrade work will be carried out at FN UK’s manufacturing facility in Kent.

In addition to the jobs, this will also contribute to upskilling many existing employees, enhancing the skill level of the workforce. 

The L111A1 12.7mm (.50) Heavy Machine Gun is an updated version of the Browning M2 and is recognised as one of the finest heavy machine guns ever developed. It serves as Defence’s most capable direct fire small calibre weapon, with an effective range of approximately 1,800 metres. The weapon provides integral close-range support from ground-mount tripods or when fitted to vehicles, and is employed across various platforms including Royal Navy ships against Fast Inshore Attack Craft.

The mid-life improvements are designed to overcome obsolescence, improve performance and reliability, and reduce through-life support costs. The programme is expected to save the Ministry of Defence approximately £9 million whilst ensuring the weapon system continues to contribute significant firepower to forces across Army and Navy operations.

Brig Nick Serle, Head of Military Capability Delivery for the British Army, said: “This mid-life update will further enhance the lethality of our close combatants. It will also help secure skilled jobs in the UK and is another clear demonstration of our commitment to the Land Industrial Strategy.”

Richard Murray, Director – Lethality & Protect at DE&S, said: "This contract ensures our forces will continue to benefit from one of the world’s most capable heavy machine guns, with enhanced performance and reliability that will serve UK defence for years to come. The partnership with FN UK demonstrates our commitment to maintaining cutting-edge capabilities whilst supporting British manufacturing and jobs."

Michelle Cantoni, CEO of FN UK, said: "At FN UK, we’re proud of this announcement as the only machine gun manufacturer in the UK and which continues to ensure our long term dedication to Britain. Additionally, this achievement occurred during commemorations to mark 50 years of manufacturing in the UK and over 135 years of expertise as part of the FN Group."

The contract comes as FN UK marks a significant milestone, celebrating 50 years of manufacturing in the UK. The company traces its origins to Manroy Engineering in 1975, which initially produced machine gun parts for the Ministry of Defence. FN Browning acquired Manroy in 2014 and renamed the company FN UK, building on over 135 years of expertise as part of the FN Group.

Upgrades are expected to commence with 18% of machine guns to be delivered by March 2026, 50% by March 2027, and the remaining 32% by March 2028.