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Italian Army Evaluates FN Evolys 7.62 mm Ultralight Machine Gun for Enhanced Special Forces Mobility and Fire Support.
The 4th Alpini Paratroopers Regiment of the Italian Army, an elite unit specialized in mountain special operations, has recently acquired a batch of FN Evolys ultralight machine guns in 7.62 mm caliber to evaluate their operational effectiveness in high-intensity contexts. The information was shared on X by the specialized account 3d_int on April 29, 2025. This move represents a new stage in the modernization of individual weaponry among Italian special forces, who are actively exploring lighter, modular, and ergonomic solutions to improve both mobility and firepower for units deployed in demanding environments, particularly mountainous terrain and airborne operations.
The FN Evolys in 7.62x51 mm NATO caliber was specifically developed to meet the needs of modern land forces seeking a lightweight yet capable automatic weapon optimized for mobile combat. (Picture source: FN Herstal)
Based in Verona, this mountain paratrooper unit — known by its motto "In adversa ultra adversa" — has for several years engaged in the active assessment of new equipment suited to the specific requirements of special operations. In this context, the FN Evolys presents itself as a relevant option. Designed by FN Herstal, a Belgian manufacturer with recognized expertise in light weapons, this new-generation machine gun aims to combine the sustained fire capability of a belt-fed weapon with the balance and handling of an assault rifle. Weighing approximately 6.2 kg in its 7.62 mm version, the FN Evolys offers notable maneuverability for a medium machine gun, earning it the designation of “ultralight machine gun.”
The FN Evolys in 7.62x51 mm NATO caliber was specifically developed to meet the needs of modern land forces seeking a lightweight yet capable automatic weapon optimized for mobile combat. Its design incorporates a patented side-feed mechanism that allows smoother belt integration, along with automatic repositioning and ejection of the final link. The weapon features a monolithic top rail for mounting in-line optics, such as day/night sights or magnifiers, while preserving its iron sights. The receiver includes M-LOK compatibility for accessories, and the entire platform is fully ambidextrous to meet diverse field requirements. The M4-type buttstock is length-adjustable with six positions and includes two interchangeable cheek rest heights. Designed for sustained fire, including suppressed use, the FN Evolys is also compatible with the FN SMARTCORE® electronic system for lifecycle management.
Mechanically, the FN Evolys 7.62 operates using a gas system with a short-stroke piston and open bolt. It offers both full-automatic and semi-automatic fire modes, with a cyclic rate of approximately 700 rounds per minute. The maximum effective range is estimated at 1,000 meters. Feeding is supported through open belts or 50-round FN MINIMI®-type pouches. These characteristics are intended to provide a modern, rational alternative to conventional service machine guns, especially for units that prioritize tactical mobility and autonomy.
The document released by the 4th Alpini Paratroopers Regiment confirms that the weapon currently under evaluation is indeed the FN Evolys in 7.62×51 mm NATO caliber. The accompanying photographs show a tan-finished version equipped with a bipod and Picatinny rail, a retractable stock, and a modular design intended to facilitate field maintenance. The weapon appears optimized to reduce shooter fatigue while maintaining a sustained rate of fire, thanks to its low recoil and balanced construction. Its compatibility with standard accessories and ammunition further supports seamless integration within special forces units.
FN Herstal is represented in Italy by Selenia 2000 S.R.L., located in San Cesareo, near Rome. This industrial partnership plays a key role in providing localized logistical support, which is essential for ensuring parts availability, weapon maintenance, and end-user training. Such domestic representation often proves crucial when considering broader adoption across different army branches.
The FN Evolys' inclusion in the 4th Regiment’s evaluation program reflects a broader trend among Western armed forces to adopt hybrid weapon systems that bridge the gap between traditional machine guns and assault rifles. This approach aligns with the tactical demands of modern asymmetric conflicts, where engagements are rapid, targets are fleeting, and operational environments are diverse. In Italy, this trial may serve as a precursor to a broader overhaul of individual machine guns, currently dominated by the MG3 and Minimi — both established systems, yet less aligned with today’s mobility-focused operational profiles.
Ultimately, the decision by the 4th Alpini Paratroopers Regiment to include the FN Evolys in its testing arsenal illustrates a broader intent to tailor equipment to the specific demands of contemporary operations, defined by intensity, speed, and logistical agility. By combining sustained fire capability with compactness and modularity, the FN Evolys presents a significant potential asset for airborne and mountain units. The outcome of this evaluation phase could directly inform the Italian Army’s future capability development in the area of lightweight support weapons, at a time when tactical superiority increasingly depends on soldier mobility, interoperability, and operational autonomy.