French Armed Forces receive around 60,000 HK416F assault rifles
HK416F is compatible with FELIN equipment. (Photo: DGA)
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
-
CV90 revels in northern exposure while looking for new customers (updated April 2025)
The BAE Systems Hägglunds’ CV90 IFV has been around for decades but continual refreshing to maintain power and relevance, along with a healthy market at home in Sweden and neighbouring countries, has led to more than 1,700 vehicle orders with 10 countries.
-
Oshkosh notches JLTV win with Dutch order
The order further extends the Oshkosh Defense production line as AM General, selected for US orders, pushes to get vehicles out the door with no room for export orders.
-
US and Europe continue moves to boost 155mm munitions production
The new US facility for 155mm artillery projectiles is a reflection of a worldwide trend which has also seen Rheinmetall and BAE Systems working to improve capability in the same area.
-
Dronebuster product line and production capability expanded
DZYNE Technologies, the maker of Dronebuster counter-uncrewed aerial system (C-UAS) devices, has announced plans to expand production and released details on a new version of the system. This follows the release of an all-in-one kit system earlier this year.
-
Ireland plans for radar capability in 2026
The Irish Government has previously outlined ambitious plans, the furthest reach of these being the possible purchase of fighter aircraft to provide a capability the country’s defence force currently doesn’t have. A more advanced procurement effort for a primary radar is being fast tracked.
-
US Army LTAMDS enters production phase
LTAMDS was approved in multiple flight trials and assessments.