As part of the modernization of the French Armed Forces, a new assault rifle will be delivered to French units within the next ten years. The German-made Heckler & Koch HK 416 F (French version). Hundreds of them have already been delivered to several French Foreign Legion units in 2017. Other HK 416 F rifles would be delivered to legionnaires in 2018.

In June 2017, the 13th Demi-Brigade of the Foreign Legion (13e DBLE) was among the two first French Army regiments to receive the new assault rifle. At the end of the year, other Foreign Legion regiments had already received the first delivery of the HK 416 F too.

Also in 2018, hundreds of HK 416 rifles would be delivered to French Foreign Legion units. The new firearm will replace the FAMAS rifle, manufactured in 1971 and used by legionnaires since the turn of the 1970’s and 1980’s. The regiments using the FAMAS Félin (an upgraded version for the 21st century) should keep them until 2021-24 (within the Legion, the 2e REI or 2e REP). Then, in 2024, both the French infantry and the cavalry would be fully equipped with the HK 416 F.

From 2028, all French Armed Foreces units would use the HK 416 F only.

Legion units to receive the HK 416 F in 2017-18

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