FN Browning Group

❄️"𝘞𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦 𝘨𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘴 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘴𝘯𝘰𝘸𝘧𝘭𝘢𝘬𝘦𝘴, 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘍𝘕® 𝘔2𝘏𝘉-𝘘𝘊𝘉 𝘰𝘶𝘵𝘴𝘪𝘥𝘦." It wasn’t an Arctic blizzard, but when a rare snowfall hit Belgium, we made the most of it. Routine manufacturing quality check, with our FN® M2HB-QCB and freshly produced ammunition in a light dusting of snow. 👉 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁’𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝘂𝗻𝘂𝘀𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗼𝗿 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘆𝗼𝘂’𝘃𝗲 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝗼𝗿 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘁 𝗶𝗻? 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗯𝗲𝗹𝗼𝘄! #Snowyday #FNHerstal #M2HBQCB #.50cal #SnowDayTest #MadeToEndure

Did you know?💡 Every gun shipped by FN Herstal has been individually test-fired. There is a saying: “The proof of the pudding is in the eating.”🍮 You can follow the recipe and still end up with something that looks fine, but to be sure, you must taste it, and sometimes the result is disappointing. In FN materials, parts and assemblies are constantly inspected and gauged at every stage of manufacturing to ensure conformity. Before final assembly, parts that withstand the pressure created by firing are tested at the independent Liège Proof House, firing two cartridges with 25% more pressure than the maximum level authorized for production ammunition. This legal requirement dates back to 1672 (not a misprint 🤯). After complete assembly, the guns are inspected, lubricated, and sent to indoor ranges attached to the assembly line. The Delivery and Acceptance Specifications, which are part of the contract with the customer, include the procedure for firing tests and the results to be achieved. For a simple weapon like a pistol, this will be functioning and accuracy; for a machine gun, there are more tests and adjustments such as the rate of fire and functioning with a weight hanging from the belt. The procedure for each type of weapon is adapted to the essential functions to be checked. On average, a weapon fires about 30 rounds. If the weapon fails the test, it goes back to the assembly line to be corrected, then it’s retested . After firing, the guns are cleaned, inspected again, oiled, and packed for shipping. 👨🏭🔁 On large batches, a customer may send a team to select weapons at random and witness a re-test. A Belgian army representative is based in the factory to check all quality control procedures for Belgian government contracts, and as part of NATO’s arrangements, he also provides this service to other members. 🇧🇪📦 Although FN Herstal typically uses its own ammunition for testing, special cases arise. For certain clients, testing may be conducted with non-standard ammunition. All the quality control procedures during the production process culminate with the final firing test, which ensures that customers receive fully functional weapons. The proof of the gun is in the shooting. 💨

📢 The European Defence Agency (#EDA) in collaboration with a large European consortium of partners coordinated by FN Herstal has officially launched the Small Arms Ammunition Technologies (#SAAT) project paving the way towards a common standard for small arms ammunition across Europe. Over the next four years, this initiative will explore the future of small caliber #ammunition, starting with a key focus: the desired terminal effects of the projectile. The #research will focus on optimal projectile designs, which could serve as the foundation for entirely new ammunition concepts. By leveraging advancements in internal #ballistics, including next-generation propellants and cartridge case designs, SAAT has the potential to redefine small arms ammunition. Nine member states—Belgium, Czech Republic, France, Italy, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Sweden, and Switzerland—are participating, with contributions from 18 different entities including defence companies, research organisations, and Ministries of Defence. Key objectives of the SAAT project:  🔹 Defining the requirements for small arms ammunition effectiveness against current and future threats 🔹 Defining the state of the art of small arms ammunition technologies regarding projectile, propellant, cartridge case and interaction with the weapon 🔹 Developing an optimised prototype of a small arms projectile 🔹 Contributing to the optimisation of ammunition component technologies #EUdefence #StrongerTogether #DefenceInnovation #StrategicAutonomy 

The Small Arms Ammunition Technologies (SAAT) project is officially launched. Coordinated by FN Herstal and conducted by a powerful European consortium, this initiative is set to redefine small arms ammunition standards across Europe. 🌍🔧 Key highlights of the SAAT project: 🔹 Defining the requirements for small arms ammunition effectiveness against current and future threats 🔹 Defining the state of the art of small arms ammunition technologies regarding projectile, propellant, cartridge case and interaction with the weapon 🔹 Developing an optimised prototype of a small arms projectile 🔹 Contributing to the optimisation of ammunition component technologies With a budget of €8.3 million, this four-year project unites 18 partners from nine nations, including defence companies, research organisations, and Ministries of Defence. The collaborative effort spans expertise in projectile design, propellant technology, and advanced materials. 🎯 As Jonas Granberg from the European Defence Agency (EDA) stated, "SAAT will deliver practical, effective, and forward-looking solutions that address Europe's defence challenges." This project demonstrates the strength of European innovation and cooperation in defence. Stay tuned for more updates on this transformative journey! 💡🔜 Proud to collaborate with: BERETTA Česká zbrojovka, a.s. EURENCO FIOCCHI MUNIZIONI S.P.A. MESKO S.A. Nammo AS, Nammo Sweden AB, NOBEL SPORT SwissP Defence Bundesamt für Rüstung armasuisse DGA - Direction générale de l'armement, Forsvarets forskningsinstitutt - FFI FOI, Totalförsvarets forskningsinstitut Royal Military Academy, Belgium TNO Wojskowa Akademia Techniczna w Warszawie #DefenceInnovation #FNHerstal #SAATProject #SAAT #StrategicAutonomy #AmmunitionStandards #EuropeanDefence #Collaboration #Innovation

Did you know? 🧐 FN Herstal Transfer of technology turns 100! In 1923, FN Herstal signed its very first significant Transfer of Technology (ToT) agreement with the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes, marking the beginning of over a century of expertise in international partnerships. The agreement, finalised after a series of negotiations, involved the production of 50,000 Mauser rifles and 50 million cartridges, all manufactured at FN’s Herstal factory. In addition to firearms production, the deal included a transfer of technical know-how and the establishment of a state-owned arsenal in Kragujevac, located in what is now Serbia. FN Herstal not only delivered machinery but also provided technical assistance, making this collaboration a cornerstone of their legacy in global technology transfer. 🌍🔧 The contract was valued at 66 million francs at the time, which is roughly equivalent to €66.9 million today (adjusted for inflation) 💶. This project marked the start of FN Herstal’s commitment to building strong, long-lasting partnerships based on shared expertise and trust. 💼 From modest beginnings, FN Herstal has grown into a world leader in firearms manufacturing and technology transfer, continuing to forge international bridges for over 100 years. 📜✨ Photo credit: FONDATION ARS MECHANICA, Armémuseum #DidYouKnow #FNHerstal #TechnologyTransfer #FirearmsInnovation #ToT #Mauser

Did you know? 💡 FN Herstal has been at the forefront of the development and standardisation of several NATO ammunition calibres, making a lasting impact on global military operations. 𝟳.𝟲𝟮𝘅𝟱𝟭𝗺𝗺 𝗡𝗔𝗧𝗢 FN Herstal played a crucial role in the creation of the 7.62x51mm NATO, adopted in the 1950s for its excellent balance of power, range, and accuracy. This calibre quickly became the standard for infantry rifles and machine guns, including FN's world-renowned FN MAG®, which has been adopted by over 90 countries. 𝟱.𝟱𝟲𝘅𝟰𝟱𝗺𝗺 𝗡𝗔𝗧𝗢 FN Herstal was also integral to the development of the 5.56x45mm NATO calibre, which was designed to give soldiers a lighter, faster round, allowing them to carry more ammunition without sacrificing performance. This round, used in FN’s FN MINIMI® light machine gun, provides a perfect balance between weight and firepower, ensuring troops can maintain superior firepower on the battlefield. 𝟱.𝟳𝘅𝟮𝟴𝗺𝗺 𝗡𝗔𝗧𝗢 In the 1990s, FN Herstal introduced the 5.7x28mm NATO calibre, engineered for personal defence weapons (PDWs). It was designed to penetrate soft body armour while offering low recoil and high magazine capacity. The FN P90® and FN Five-seveN® handgun both utilise this calibre, offering elite units a powerful solution for close-quarters combat. 𝟭𝟮.𝟳𝘅𝟵𝟵𝗺𝗺 𝗡𝗔𝗧𝗢 (.𝟱𝟬 𝗕𝗠𝗚) FN Herstal also contributed to the standardisation of the 12.7x99mm NATO calibre, better known as the .50 BMG. This powerful round is essential for long-range and anti-materiel applications. FN® M2HB-QCB heavy machine gun, chambered in this calibre, provides unmatched firepower for both defensive and offensive operations, making it a key asset in modern warfare. FN Herstal’s expertise in the development of these calibres highlights its commitment to advancing military capabilities. From light to heavy machine guns, personal defence weapons, and rifles, FN continues to set the benchmark for reliability, innovation, and battlefield dominance. 𝗪𝗵𝗶𝗰𝗵 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘀𝗲 𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗯𝗿𝗲𝘀 𝗱𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗳𝗲𝗿, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘄𝗵𝘆? 𝗟𝗲𝘁 𝘂𝘀 𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀! 👇

On Friday 13 December, Pierre-Yves Jeholet, Vice-President of the Walloon Government and Minister for the Economy, paid us the honour of visiting the FN Browning Group and the industrial facilities of our subsidiary FN Herstal. This was an opportunity for our CEO, Julien Compere, and the members of the Executive Committee to present the challenges and strategic priorities of the FN Browning Group and its subsidiaries, FN and Browning International S.A.. Vice-President Jeholet shared with us the commitment and determination of the Walloon Government to support the defence industry, which we highly value. #DrivingLeadingBrands FN Herstal FN America, LLC FN UK Noptel Oy Browning Browning Viana, S.A. Browning International S.A.

Did you know? 💡 FN Herstal has been at the forefront of the development and standardisation of several NATO ammunition calibres, making a lasting impact on global military operations. 𝟳.𝟲𝟮𝘅𝟱𝟭𝗺𝗺 𝗡𝗔𝗧𝗢 FN Herstal played a crucial role in the creation of the 7.62x51mm NATO, adopted in the 1950s for its excellent balance of power, range, and accuracy. This calibre quickly became the standard for infantry rifles and machine guns, including FN's world-renowned FN MAG®, which has been adopted by over 90 countries. 𝟱.𝟱𝟲𝘅𝟰𝟱𝗺𝗺 𝗡𝗔𝗧𝗢 FN Herstal was also integral to the development of the 5.56x45mm NATO calibre, which was designed to give soldiers a lighter, faster round, allowing them to carry more ammunition without sacrificing performance. This round, used in FN’s FN MINIMI® light machine gun, provides a perfect balance between weight and firepower, ensuring troops can maintain superior firepower on the battlefield. 𝟱.𝟳𝘅𝟮𝟴𝗺𝗺 𝗡𝗔𝗧𝗢 In the 1990s, FN Herstal introduced the 5.7x28mm NATO calibre, engineered for personal defence weapons (PDWs). It was designed to penetrate soft body armour while offering low recoil and high magazine capacity. The FN P90® and FN Five-seveN® handgun both utilise this calibre, offering elite units a powerful solution for close-quarters combat. 𝟭𝟮.𝟳𝘅𝟵𝟵𝗺𝗺 𝗡𝗔𝗧𝗢 (.𝟱𝟬 𝗕𝗠𝗚) FN Herstal also contributed to the standardisation of the 12.7x99mm NATO calibre, better known as the .50 BMG. This powerful round is essential for long-range and anti-materiel applications. FN® M2HB-QCB heavy machine gun, chambered in this calibre, provides unmatched firepower for both defensive and offensive operations, making it a key asset in modern warfare. FN Herstal’s expertise in the development of these calibres highlights its commitment to advancing military capabilities. From light to heavy machine guns, personal defence weapons, and rifles, FN continues to set the benchmark for reliability, innovation, and battlefield dominance. 𝗪𝗵𝗶𝗰𝗵 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘀𝗲 𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗯𝗿𝗲𝘀 𝗱𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗳𝗲𝗿, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘄𝗵𝘆? 𝗟𝗲𝘁 𝘂𝘀 𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀! 👇

J'ai visité ce matin les installations de la FN Herstal, un fleuron de l'industrie wallonne. Cette entreprise contribue au rayonnement de notre région grâce à son savoir-faire et à sa renommée internationale, tout en jouant un rôle majeur dans la création d'emplois de qualité. Au cœur de l'innovation, la FN Herstal illustre le potentiel de notre région à se positionner parmi les acteurs mondiaux dans des secteurs stratégiques. En tant que ministre fédéral des PME, je reconnais son rôle important dans l'économie locale et régionale. Dans un contexte géopolitique complexe, il est essentiel de soutenir le développement et la résilience de notre industrie. Julien Compere Laurent Forget Mathieu Ryckewaert

FN Browning Group is pleased to announce that it has entered into exclusive negotiations to acquire the Sofisport Group, a world leader in the manufacture of shotshells and their components. The combination of the two groups would create a world-class European integrated supplier of small arms and ammunition. The acquisition is subject to the satisfaction of customary conditions precedent for this type of transaction, including antitrust and regulatory matters. Julien Compere, CEO of FN Browning Group: "FN Browning Group and Sofisport are world leaders in their respective fields, with highly complementary and globally recognised expertise. Our two groups also share a similar industrial culture based on local ecosystems and cutting-edge know-how. In a context of industry consolidation, the acquisition would strengthen the competitiveness, growth and local industrial base of each of the companies and their subsidiaries. Together, we will create a strong and sustainable group with leading brands and a comprehensive range of products and services in each of our core businesses: defence and security on the one hand, and hunting and sport shooting on the other." Pierre-Yves Jeholet, Vice-President of the Walloon Government and Minister for the Economy : "The competitiveness of European industry is a fundamental challenge for the future of the Union and our countries. Consolidating and building European groups that are leaders in their fields is one of the keys to meeting this challenge. The future of employment and the industrial base of our regions and territories depend on it. The acquisition of Sofisport by FN Browning Group is a concrete and relevant step in this international context and is in line with our commitment to the reindustrialisation of Wallonia. For the Walloon Government, defence is a strategic sector." Read the full press release on our website: https://lnkd.in/ecPR4ige #drivingleadingbrands   Paolo Pederzoli SOFISPORT SA Browning International S.A. Browning Browning Viana, S.A. Noptel Oy FN Herstal FN America, LLC FN UK