FN Herstal Unveils Upgraded FN Evolys Machine Gun Amid France and Belgium Contract Talks.

FN Herstal announced on June 4, 2024, the incorporation of new features into its FN Evolys ultralight machine gun, following extensive feedback from potential customers. This update comes at a very interesting time, as a few days ago we learned that France and Belgium would be interested in a group purchase of the FN Evolys.
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The FN Evolys is a light machine gun manufactured by FN Herstal, a Belgian company renowned in the field of firearms. (Picture source: FN Herstal)

This new addition to FN Herstal’s renowned lineup of machine guns builds on the company’s legacy of producing high-quality firearms, such as the FN M2HB-QCB, FN MAG, and FN MINIMI series, which have been standards for NATO and allied armed forces for decades.

Based on user feedback, FN Herstal introduced two significant modifications. The FN Evolys is now equipped with an M4-type buttstock with adjustable length (6 positions) and interchangeable cheek rest (2 heights), enhancing ergonomics familiar to many users. Additionally, the optional bipod has been upgraded with stronger aluminum legs and a reinforced attachment interface, providing a more stable and robust support. These enhancements reflect FN Herstal’s commitment to integrating user feedback into their product designs, ensuring their firearms meet the practical needs of military personnel.

The FN Evolys is a light machine gun manufactured by FN Herstal, a Belgian company renowned in the field of firearms. Produced since 2021, this weapon is designed to offer significant firepower while remaining easy to handle, making it particularly suitable for mobile infantry units and special forces.

Weighing approximately 5.5 kg for the 5.56 mm caliber model and about 6.2 kg for the 7.62 mm model, the FN Evolys combines lightness and robustness. The length of the weapon varies depending on the caliber and barrel configuration, with a maximum extension of 950 mm for the 5.56 mm model and 1,025 mm for the 7.62 mm model. When the stock is retracted, these lengths are reduced to 850 mm and 925 mm, respectively. The barrels measure 355 mm for the 5.56 mm caliber and 406 mm for the 7.62 mm caliber, and the width of the weapon is slightly greater for the 7.62 mm caliber (135 mm) compared to the 5.56 mm caliber (133 mm).

The FN Evolys uses a gas-operated mechanism with a short-stroke piston and operates in an open bolt mode. It offers a cyclic rate of fire of 750 rounds per minute, capable of hitting targets at a maximum distance of 800 meters for the 5.56 mm caliber and 1000 meters for the 7.62 mm caliber. For ammunition feeding, it uses 100 or 200-round belts for the 5.56 mm model and a 50-round belt for the 7.62 mm model.

The FN Evolys stands out for its lightweight and ergonomic design, combined with robust firepower and long-range capability, meeting the needs of modern armed forces for a versatile and effective light machine gun. FN Herstal will showcase the enhanced FN Evolys at Eurosatory 2024 in Paris from June 17 to 21. Attendees can see the new features firsthand at booth F95, hall 6, within the Belgian pavilion.

Recently, rumors about a large order for the FN Evolys from both France and Belgium have emerged, as reported by Army Recognition on May 31, 2024. The improvements made to the FN Evolys might be aimed at meeting the potential requirements of these two countries, which seem interested in this ultralight machine gun. The situation remains to be closely monitored.