Pursuant to the Insider’s breaking news story last week that SOCOM is not intending to purchase any more SCAR-L Mk 16 variants (5.56 mm) and instead will be allocating the funds to the .308 version (SCAR-H Mk 17), FNH issued the following response, which is quoted here in its entirety.

Note in particular FNH’s comment about a “common receiver” option. The Insider’s sources report that indeed this is what SOCOM intends. The larger 7.62 mm version can be fitted with a kit to accommodate 5.56 mm cartridges, which would make sense. Over to FNH…

“FNH USA is cautious in releasing any information due to the nature of the pledge to our customers.
 
“We can, however, reiterate that the MK 16 (5.56 mm variant), MK 17 (7.62 mm variant) and the MK 13 Enhanced Grenade Launcher Module (40 mm), which make up the SCAR family of weapons, have each met, and in our opinion exceeded, all of the USSOCOM program requirements. It is also a matter of record that the SCAR has been proven to be superior to existing legacy assault rifles after numerous Department of Defense tests in both lab and field environments.

“FNH USA believes the fact that the SCAR program recently passed Milestone C and was determined to be operationally effective/operationally suitable (OE/OS) for fielding, highlights the tremendous capability the weapons system offers deployed special operators.
 
“FNH USA believes the issue is not whether the SCAR, and specifically the MK 16 variant, is the superior weapon system available today ... it has already been proven to be just that. The issue is whether or not the requirement for a 5.56 mm replacement outweighs the numerous other requirements competing for the customers’ limited budget. That is a question that will only be determined by the customer.
 
“While we know that the MK 17, to include the "common receiver" and corresponding 5.56 mm conversion kit is an option, other Services and SOF components will have the ability to procure the MK 16 stand-alone rifle under the contract if it better meets their mission requirements.
 
“In conclusion, the management and employees of FN are proud to provide this generation of special operators their first, entirely new assault rifle that meets and, in our opinion, exceeds the demands of today's battlefield.“