FN America Secures $4.9 Million Contract to Supply M240L Lightweight Medium Machine Guns to US Army.

On July 1, 2025, FN America, based in Virginia, secured a $4.9 million contract to supply its M240L lightweight medium machine guns to the US Army, as reported by FN America. This contract reinforces the Army’s long-term partnership with FN to modernize its infantry firepower with weapons that reduce soldier burden without compromising combat effectiveness. Adopted in 2010, the M240L represents a decisive step in the evolution of general-purpose machine guns, shifting toward lighter yet equally robust platforms. The award highlights FN’s sustained role as one of the US military’s main providers of small arms, a position it has built over decades of reliable performance on the battlefield.

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This latest order confirms that the FN M240L remains an essential asset for US infantry units needing reliable firepower with reduced weight. By combining proven 7.62×51mm performance with modern materials, it lightens the load without compromising combat effectiveness (Picture source: U.S. Army)

The M240L is an advanced variant within FN’s M240 family, which traces its roots back to the NATO-standard FN MAG 58 general-purpose machine gun introduced in the 1970s. Technically, the M240L achieves an 18 percent weight reduction compared to the M240B through the innovative use of titanium for critical components such as the receiver. This engineering solution trims approximately five pounds off the weapon, bringing its weight closer to 22.3 pounds while retaining a barrel length of 21.7 inches and an effective range exceeding 1,800 meters. Its open bolt mechanism minimizes overheating during sustained fire, and the quick-change barrel configuration further enhances its adaptability in high-intensity operations. This machine gun maintains a cyclic rate of up to 650 rounds per minute and a muzzle velocity near 2,800 feet per second, ensuring consistent suppressive firepower.

Originally fielded by the US Army in 2010, the M240L emerged from a joint development initiative between FN America and the Army to deliver a lighter, more maneuverable medium machine gun for dismounted infantry and vehicle crews. The design drew directly from the operationally proven FN MAG 58, incorporating modern materials and manufacturing techniques that balanced durability with the need for weight savings. Over the years, the M240 series has evolved into multiple configurations, including the M240B, M240D, M240H, and Coaxial variants, demonstrating its adaptability across land and air platforms. This evolution mirrors broader trends in NATO machine gun design, such as the UK’s L7 GPMG lineage, underscoring how armies have prioritized weight reduction while maintaining the powerful 7.62×51mm NATO standard.

The M240L’s principal advantage lies in its balance of firepower, range, and reduced weight compared to traditional medium machine guns like the M240B or older models such as the M60. By integrating titanium, FN has delivered a practical solution to a longstanding challenge: decreasing the physical load for troops without sacrificing lethality. This puts the M240L ahead of some contemporaries, which often struggle to match its combination of ruggedness and portability. Its operational pedigree and modular upgrades also help extend its service life, a feature that has proven critical for NATO armies engaged in protracted conflicts. Strategically, the weapon supports the US Army’s broader modernization goals by enhancing infantry mobility and sustainment, a factor of increasing importance in future high-intensity conflict scenarios and distributed operations.

With this latest $4.9 million contract, the M240L reaffirms its place within the Army’s small arms portfolio, joining other FN systems like the M249 SAW and the MK 17 and MK 20 rifles for special operations forces. While the budget for this contract is modest by large procurement standards, it demonstrates the US Army’s sustained demand for incremental improvements that directly benefit frontline units. FN America’s ongoing role in fulfilling these requirements cements its reputation as a trusted partner for durable, combat-proven weapon systems that continue to evolve with modern battlefield needs.

This latest order confirms that the FN M240L remains an essential asset for US infantry units needing reliable firepower with reduced weight. By combining proven 7.62×51mm performance with modern materials, it lightens the load without compromising combat effectiveness. This contract shows the Army’s commitment to practical upgrades that directly benefit soldiers on the ground. FN America’s continued refinement of the M240 series highlights the value of long-term industrial partnerships. Such trusted designs ensure troops stay equipped for evolving threats. The M240L’s balance of durability, range, and portability keeps it highly relevant for future operations.