French Army procurement agency has confirmed replacement of FAMAS assault rifle by HK-416F 12409164.

The HK-416F will replace the old FAMAS 5.56mm bullpup assault rifle which is in service with the French armed forces since many years. The FAMAS project began in 1967 under the direction of General Paul Tellié and the first prototype was completed in 1971, with French military evaluation of the rifle beginning in 1972.

In late 1978, the French military accepted the FAMAS as their standard assault rifle.

The HK416 A5 is a further development of the HK416 assault rifle in 5.56 x 45 mm NATO caliber. The most striking changes compared to its previous versions as well as to market available AR platforms include an improved and tool-less gas regulator for suppressor use, a redesigned, user-friendly lower receiver, which allows complete ambidextrous operation of the weapon and ensures optimized magazine compatibility, as well as numerous technical improvements to maximize the operator safety, reliability, ammunition compatibility and durability under real operating conditions.