FN America has been awarded a $4.9 million contract to supply the M240L lightweight medium machine gun to the U.S. Army. This procurement expands upon the weapon’s integration into Army service in 2010, which was part of a broader initiative to field lighter, more robust infantry arms.
The M240L maintains the same range and firepower as its predecessor, the M240B, but achieves an 18% reduction in weight, improving soldier mobility and endurance during combat operations. This lighter configuration is made possible through the use of titanium components, which trim approximately 5 pounds (2.2 kilograms) from the overall system.
Chambered for 7.62×51mm NATO rounds, the M240L draws from the FN MAG 58 general-purpose machine gun—a platform used by the U.S. military since the 1970s. This legacy design also forms the foundation for the broader M240 family, recognized for its rugged construction and NATO interoperability.
