FN Herstal Announces Expansions, U.S.-Made Optics Forthcoming

by
posted on June 27, 2023
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
Fn Herstal

Production capacity at Noptel—an FN Herstal-owned optics company in Finland—has increased with additional technical staff and an expanded plant size. The growth began in November 2022 and was completed in March of this year. The firm invested more than 1,150,000 euros in construction and hiring.

The area dedicated to manufacturing increased from 450 square meters (roughly 4,850 sq-ft.) to 620 (6,670 sq-ft.), providing ample space to meet current needs and add workstations as demand increases. In addition, this month, Noptel also announced plans to build an entire new production facility in the United States and begin a specialized electronic components line at its FN Herstal’s main plant.

Noptel began as a high-tech startup in 1982 and worked for several years in close partnership with FN Herstal. During that time, the FN fire control unit (FCU) for 40 mm grenade launchers was developed and produced by Noptel to FN Herstal specifications. In 2011, FN Herstal acquired the firm as a fully owned subsidiary.

“FN Herstal’s acquisition of Noptel 12 years ago seemed at the time a daring decision for a small arms company,” said Julien Compère, CEO of FN Herstal. “However, we now see proof that Noptel brings extremely valuable complementary skills that enable FN Herstal to provide modern, high-performance systems to our military and law enforcement customers.”

The FN FCU, now in the Mk3 third generation, it is fully in service and providing high probability of first-round hits by day or by night. The system improves operational capabilities and field performance of the 40 mm grenade launchers wearing it.

“Noptel’s location in the Tecknocent building situated in Northern Finland’s technology hub at Oulu Teknologiakylä has been a great asset,” said Noptel CEO Arto Sepponen. “the flexibility of the space will enable and support the growth and expansion of our business far into the future.”

The FN Elity is one of the company’s more recent introductions. It includes a rangefinder and ballistic solver, both visible and IR lasers and IR illumination, greatly simplify sighting corrections for long-range direct-fire precision rifles and spotting scopes.

Latest

Mossberg 990 Aftershock
Mossberg 990 Aftershock

Mossberg 990 Aftershock: Not Just An “Other” Firearm

Following on the success of its shotshell-chambered, pump-action Shockwave, with its 990 Aftershock, Mossberg brings to market a similar package with a semi-automatic action that offers even more speed and convenience.

The Armed Citizen® Aug. 4, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Report Highlights Declining Residental Firearm Thefts, Growing Vehicle Firearm Thefts

“The rate of guns reported stolen from motor vehicles increased by 31% over the period,” a Council of Criminal Justice report states, “while the rate of guns reported stolen during residential and commercial burglaries dropped by 40%.” 

Preview: Sling Guru EXO 13

Whether for tactical operations, stalking prey in the game fields or bugging out to a safe location, the patented EXO 13 by Sling Guru is a simple solution for keeping firearms at the ready.

The Taurus 817 Is Back

The Taurus 817 revolver hasn't been available since the early 2000s, but now, it's back and features several notable updates.

NRA To Hold World Shooting Championship In Indiana

Registration is now open for the eighth NRA World Shooting Championship, which is sponsored by Walther Arms and will be held at Camp Atterbury, Ind., from September 30 to October 4.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.