FN UK to upgrade and maintain UK’s L111A1 heavy machine guns

FN UK, the British hub of Belgium-based FN Browning group, has received a 10-year contract from the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) to upgrade and provide through-life support for the L111A1 .50 cal (12.7 mm) heavy machine gun (HMG): the British designation for FN’s M2HB-QCB weapon.

Awarded by the MoD’s Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S) organisation, the contract is worth GBP 20+ million (EUR 23+ million) and encompasses a comprehensive mid-life improvement (MLI) programme for the UK armed forces’ whole inventory of HMGs, followed by the continued in-service support of those weapons.

The MLI programme aims to overcome obsolescence, enhance performance and dependability, and reduce through-life support costs, generating significant savings for the MoD while maintaining cutting-edge capability for British Army and Royal Navy operations.

“It will ensure that the L111A1 HMG continues to serve to the highest standards across army and navy operations, including deployment on Royal Navy vessels and ground platforms,” FN UK stated in a press release, adding, “All work will be carried out in the United Kingdom, contributing to the security of existing and creation of new jobs at FN UK’s manufacturing facility in Kent.”

Michelle Cantoni, CEO of FN UK, was quoted as stating, “FN UK’s role in this programme is a testament to our industrial capabilities in the United Kingdom and our dedication to supporting the British Armed Forces, which are the reason our company exists. As FN UK celebrates 50 years of manufacturing in the UK, this long-term agreement reflects the longstanding, trust-based relationship between our company and the Ministry of Defence. It is both a recognition of our past and a commitment to the future.”