FN Herstal Receives FN MINIMI Mk3 7.62 Light Machine Gun Order From Lithuania 

The Defence Materiel Company below the Ministry of Nationwide Defence carries out acquisition of significant weaponry and ammunition in pursuit of strengthened Lithuanian defence capabilities and funding in Lithuanian Armed Forces shares, the most recent acquisition being a brand new batch of munitions for FN MINIMI 7.62 mild machine weapons. The Defence Materiel Company below the Ministry of Nationwide Defence signed a FN MINIMI 7.62 acquisition contract with Belgian producer FN Herstal, S.A., final month. The contract encompasses 7.62×51 mm FN Minimi MK 3 mild machine weapons with spare barrels, cleansing kits, belt and sling baggage for approx. EUR 34 million.

The primary a part of the acquired FN MINIMI 7.62 mild machine gun batch will likely be delivered to Lithuania nonetheless this 12 months. That is the primary time Lithuania procures the system extensively utilized by NATO member states and the preferred 7,62×51 mm mild machine gun among the many Western militaries. Lithuania has historic ties with the Belgian firearm producer FN Herstal. The Lithuanian Armed Forces was armed with the Mauser K98 carbines and Browning pistols of the Belgian making with the Pillars of Gediminids insignia on them throughout the interwar interval.

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The FN Minimi (quick for French: Mini Mitrailleuse; “mini machine gun”) is a Belgian 5.56mm mild machine gun/squad computerized weapon developed by Ernest Vervier for FN Herstal. Launched within the late Nineteen Seventies, it’s in service in additional than 75 international locations. The weapon is manufactured on the FN facility in Herstal and their U.S. subsidiary FN Manufacturing LLC. In November 2013, FN Herstal unveiled the improved Mk3 model of the Minimi mild machine gun. The upgrades had been primarily based on operational expertise and person suggestions over the previous 10–15 years. It may be transformed to fireplace both 5.56×45mm or 7.62×51mm rounds.

The inventory is 5-position adjustable that can also be adjustable for cheek relaxation peak with a folding shoulder relaxation and hydraulic buffer. The feed tray has retaining pawls to carry ammunition from the belt in place whereas loading. The handguard has three ahead picatinny rails. A brand new bipod is 3-position peak adjustable and seamlessly integrates into the form of the handguard when folded again no matter equipment that could be hooked up. Others options embrace a extra ergonomic cocking deal with and an non-compulsory warmth protect, enabled by an added on lengthy pin. Customers that have already got Minimi machine weapons can partially or fully improve their present weapons with the Mk3 options.