Strategic Alliance Formed Between FN UK and US True Velocity for .338 Norma LWMMG Production.

On August 15, 2024, FN UK, a subsidiary of the FN Browning Group, announced a strategic partnership with the U.S.-based defense technology company True Velocity for the production of the .338 Norma Lightweight Medium Machine Gun (LWMMG) in the United Kingdom. This alliance represents a significant step in strengthening the UK defense industry, positioning FN UK as a key player in the manufacturing of military assault rifles and machine guns.
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This collaboration aligns with the UK’s Defence Industrial Strategy, with FN UK emphasizing that the weapon system was developed with input from UK military customers, highlighting the importance of local production (Picture source: FN UK)

Under this agreement, FN UK will produce and assemble components of True Velocity’s LWMMG at its manufacturing facility in Slade Green, Kent. This decision follows a similar partnership between True Velocity and FN America, LLC, indicating a broader international collaboration within the FN Browning Group. The .338 Norma LWMMG is an advanced weapon system featuring a recoil-mitigation design, offering extended range and improved controllability while reducing weight. These characteristics make it an attractive option for military forces seeking a balance between the range of a .50-caliber machine gun and the portability of a 7.62mm system.

This collaboration aligns with the UK’s Defence Industrial Strategy, with FN UK emphasizing that the weapon system was developed with input from UK military customers, highlighting the importance of local production. The .338 Norma LWMMG has garnered interest from military units in the UK, the U.S., and other Allied countries due to its superior terminal performance and lightweight profile.

In March 2024, the U.S. Department of Defense selected True Velocity’s .338 Norma LWMMG for continued evaluation in a military program aimed at bridging the performance gap between the .50-caliber M2 machine gun and the 7.62x51mm NATO-chambered M240 machine gun. FN America, LLC, will be the primary manufacturer of this weapon in the United States, while FN UK will lead production in the UK.

Craig Etchegoyen, Chief Intellectual Property Officer at True Velocity, emphasized the transformational impact of this weapon system on the battlefield. Collaboration with FN, known for its manufacturing expertise, ensures that U.S. and Allied military units will soon have access to this advanced combat capability.

FN America's production facility in Columbia, South Carolina, has been a cornerstone of U.S. military armament production, manufacturing over one million small arms for the U.S. Department of Defense. This includes the M4A1, M16A4, M249, and M240 machine guns, along with other critical firearms. The partnership with True Velocity builds on FN America's legacy by combining new technological designs with decades of manufacturing experience.

Jim Williams, Vice President of Military Programs at FN America, highlighted the synergy between True Velocity’s innovative designs and FN America’s manufacturing capabilities. He also noted the global expansion of this alliance through FN UK, reinforcing the growing relationship between the two companies.

This partnership represents FN UK’s ongoing growth and commitment to the UK defense sector, establishing the company as a key player in the production of military-grade weaponry. The .338 Norma LWMMG, recognized for its innovative recoil mitigation system, is expected to enhance the capabilities of forces requiring high-powered machine guns with superior accuracy and controllability.

In a statement, Chris Tedford, Chief Operating Officer at True Velocity, underscored that the LWMMG offers transformational capabilities on the battlefield by incorporating advanced technology to achieve greater range and lethality. With FN UK’s involvement, the weapon system will be manufactured and made available to warfighters in the UK and beyond, contributing to the broader goals of enhancing military readiness and strategic capabilities.

This global alliance between FN and True Velocity strengthens international collaboration, ensuring that military forces in the U.S., UK, and other allied nations will have access to next-generation weapons systems designed to meet the evolving demands of modern warfare.