The British government has awarded FN Herstal a £20 million ($27.3 million) contract to modernize the L111A1 heavy machine gun, boosting its effectiveness as part of a long-term program to strengthen the UK’s frontline firepower.
The program spans 10 years, with a two-year upgrade phase followed by eight years of operational support, according to the Ministry of Defence.
Work will take place at FN Herstal’s Kent site, with deliveries staggered: 18% of upgraded weapons by March 2026, half by March 2027, and the remainder by March 2028.
Marking its 50th anniversary in UK manufacturing, FN Herstal noted the deal underscores its vital role in equipping the British armed forces.
Based on the legendary Browning M2, the L111A1 offers versatile use, deployable on both tripods and vehicles for offensive and defensive missions.
The modernization adds a quick-change barrel and soft mount, reducing recoil, sharpening accuracy, and enabling engagements at ranges up to 2 km.
Weighing 32 kilograms and firing .50-caliber ammunition at 485–635 rounds per minute, the system delivers sustained, reliable heavy firepower across both Army and Royal Navy operations.
