U.S. Army Issues M249 SAW Contract to FN America

by
posted on October 1, 2020
** 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. **
m249.jpg
The U.S. Army awarded a $78,709,973.29 contract for M249 Squad Automatic Weapons to FN America on Sept. 23. The announcement comes at a time when the military branch is testing three 6.8 mm finalist submissions for its Next Generation Squad Weapon (NGSW), including machine-gun variants. Terms of the FN agreement carry a completion date of Sept. 19, 2025.

“We are honored to continue our dedication as a critical partner to the U.S. military and pleased to announce this latest Army contract award for the FN M249 SAW, a flagship design for FN, in service for more than 30 years. The proven design has served the U.S. military, reliably and without fail,” said Mark Cherpes, president and CEO for FN America. “The initial FN M249 shipments depart from our production facility in Columbia, South Carolina, this week, and we look forward to delivering this enduring light machine gun to the great men and women of the U.S. Army.”

Since 1986, the FN M249 SAW has been a mainstay throughout the U.S. military. It is currently in service in more than 30 countries. FN America is the sole source manufacturer of the 5.56 NATO-chambered belt-fed lightweight machine gun, which provides support at the infantry squad/fire team level in a maneuverable light machine gun capable of delivering highly accurate fire. The ergonomic polymer buttstock contains a hydraulic buffer that allows SAW gunners to maintain a high rate of fire.

Despite the combat-proven reliability and performance, the Army’s NGSW program is currently testing only 6.8 mm chambered firearms. The winning system will become standard issue across the military branch. The recent FN America contract, along with another announced the same day, indicates the move will likely be completed after 2025.

On Sept. 23, 2020, Knight’s Armament was awarded a $13,480,110 agreement from the Army for its M110 semi-automatic sniper system and its various M110 configurations. Terms carry a Sept. 25, 2025, completion date. These firearms are chambered in 7.62 NATO.

Latest

CZ 600 01
CZ 600 01

CZ 600+ Introduces Switch-Barrel Capability

In 2025, CZ USA expanded its 600 series rifle lineup with the CZ 600+, a design that delivers on the company's promise of a switch-barrel platform.

Preview: Savior Equipment Specialist Double Rifle Case

The Specialist Double Rifle Case from Savior Equipment is, as its name suggests, a rifle bag capable of carrying a pair of longarms simultaneously ...

Gun Of The Week: Traditions Outfitter G3 Pro

Join American Rifleman staff in this video to get a close look at a single-shot rifle design oriented toward today’s modern hunter, particularly those in states where straight-wall cartridges have been legalized for hunting.

The Armed Citizen® Sept. 12, 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.

Sellmark Ranch Opens, Offers Hunting & Shooting Opportunities To The Public

Sellmark Corporation, the parent company of several notable firearm industry brands, opened its 6,800-acre ranch to the public, which provides dedicated hunts, mile-long shooting ranges and more.

CZ Recalls All-American Trap Combo Shotguns

CZ-USA has identified a manufacturing defect affecting the barrel of certain CZ All-American Trap Combo shotguns.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.