The different weapons used in the French army

Discover a comprehensive overview of the various weapons used by the French army, ranging from assault rifles to light weapons, each playing a distinct role in military operations.

 

Summary:

 

- Discover the different types of weapons used in the French army

       - Assault Rifles

       - Machine Guns

       - Handguns

       - Precision Rifles

       - Grenade Launchers

       - Anti-Tank Weapons

       - Prevention and Control Equipment

 

The French Army, proud of its long military tradition, has a vast range of weapons to meet its diverse operational needs. From infantry to special forces, each unit is equipped with specialized weapons designed to maximize its effectiveness in the field.
In this article, we will explore some of the main types of weapons used by the French Army.

In the French army's arsenal, we find several world-renowned assault rifles:

• FAMAS: The Assault Rifle from the Saint-Étienne Arms Manufactory (FAMAS) was long the emblematic weapon of the French army before being gradually replaced. It was used primarily by the French armed forces, notably the army and the national gendarmerie.
   
• HK416F: The Heckler & Koch HK416F has been the standard assault rifle of the French armed forces since 2017, offering increased reliability and modularity. It is used by various units of the French armed forces, notably by the Special Operations Command (COS) and by certain French special forces units, such as the Paratrooper Commando Group (GCP) of the Army.
   
• FN SCAR: The FN SCAR (Special Operations Forces Combat Assault Rifle) is also used in certain special units of the French army for its versatility and precision. It is used in France by various French special forces units, notably by the Special Operations Command (COS) and by the Paratrooper Commando Group (GCP) of the Army.
   
• HK G36: Although less common, the Heckler & Koch G36 is also present in the French arsenal for certain specific roles. It is used by certain units of the French army, notably by the National Gendarmerie Intervention Group (GIGN) and by the Paratrooper Commando Group (GCP) of the Army.

These assault rifles offer cutting-edge performance, combat-adapted ergonomics, and proven field reliability, making them top choices for French military operations.

 

                                                        HK 416F

The French army uses several types of machine guns for different roles and missions, including:

• FN Minimi Light Machine Gun: Used as a fire support weapon, the FN Minimi is a versatile and lightweight machine gun capable of firing in both automatic and semi-automatic modes.
   
• FN MAG Medium Machine Gun: The FN MAG (General Support Machine Gun) is used by the French army to provide fire support on the battlefield. Robust and reliable, it is mounted on armored vehicles and used by infantry.
   
• Browning M2 Heavy Machine Gun: The Browning M2 is a heavy machine gun used for anti-aircraft, anti-armored vehicle, and heavy fire support missions. It is mounted on armored vehicles and aircraft.
   
• HK MG4 Multi-Purpose Machine Gun: The HK MG4 is a multi-purpose machine gun used by the French army for fire support and defense missions. It offers great accuracy and a high rate of fire.

These machine guns provide the French army with powerful and varied firepower capability, adapted to different operational scenarios and the needs of ground, air, and naval forces.

 

                                                       FN MAG Medium Machine Gun

The French army uses several types of handguns for different roles and missions. Among the main handguns used are:

 

• Glock 17 Semi-Automatic Pistol: Adopted by certain French army units, the Glock 17 is a reliable pistol used worldwide due to its simplicity, robustness, and ability to fire rapidly.
   
• PAMAS G1 Semi-Automatic Pistol : Designed by the Manufacture d'Armes de Saint-Étienne (MAS), the PAMAS G1 has been the standard pistol of the French armed forces since the 1970s. Although it is gradually being replaced by other models, it is still in service with certain units.
   
• HK USP Semi-Automatic Pistol : Used by special units and security forces, the HK USP is renowned for its reliability, accuracy, and versatility. It is available in different versions and calibers to meet the specific needs of users.
   
• Manurhin MR73 Revolver: Although increasingly uncommon, the Manurhin MR73 remains in service with certain French units due to its accuracy and robustness. It is often used by snipers and special forces for its ability to fire powerful ammunition with great precision.
  
  
• Sig Pro 2022: equipped by several branches of French law enforcement, including the national police, gendarmerie, customs, and even the prison administration. It was selected for its exceptional performance, proven reliability, and multiple integrated safety devices.
   
• FN Five-seveN Submachine Gun: Adopted by certain specialized units, the FN Five-seveN is known for its special 5.7x28mm ammunition and its ability to penetrate light body armor. It also offers high magazine capacity and good accuracy at short range.

 

These handguns are used by the French army for various tasks, including personal self-defense, protection of military installations, and special operations. Each model has its own advantages and is suited to specific situations in the field. 

 

                                                        FN Five Seven

The French army uses several precision rifles for various missions, including long-distance precision shooting, counter-terrorism, and special operations. Here are some of the precision rifles used:

 

• FR-F2: Manufactured by the Saint-Étienne Arms Manufactory, the FR-F2 (Precision Repeating Rifle) has been the standard precision rifle of the French army since the 1980s. It fires the 7.62 mm NATO cartridge and is used by snipers of French forces.
   
• Hecate II: The Hecate II precision rifle, manufactured by PGM Précision, is used by snipers for long-range shots up to 1,800 meters. It fires the powerful 12.7 mm cartridge and is primarily used for engaging armored vehicles and material targets at long distances.
   
• FR-F1: Predecessor to the FR-F2, the FR-F1 was the standard precision rifle of the French army before its replacement in the 1980s. Although less common nowadays, it remains in service with certain units.

 

These precision rifles offer extreme accuracy and formidable firepower, making them essential tools for snipers and special units of the French army.

  

                                                        PGM Hécate II                                                        

The French army uses several types of grenade launchers to provide indirect support to troops in the field. Some of the main grenade launchers used include:

• 40mm Individual Grenade Launcher: Mounted under the FAMAS assault rifle, this grenade launcher allows soldiers to engage medium-range targets with 40mm grenades.
   
• 51 mm Grenade Launchers: Used on military vehicles or tripod-mounted, these grenade launchers fire larger caliber grenades for indirect support missions and enemy suppression.
   
• MLRS (Multiple Launch Rocket System): Mounted on infantry fighting vehicles, the MLRS can be equipped to fire 68mm grenades, providing firepower against armored and fortified targets.
   
• 20 mm Automatic Grenade Launcher: Mounted on light armored vehicles and helicopters, this grenade launcher provides direct and indirect support to ground troops with a variety of ammunition.

These grenade launchers provide the French army with increased capability to engage targets at distance and provide effective support to troops engaged in the field.

 

                                                        20mm Automatic Grenade Launcher

The French army uses several types of anti-tank weapons to counter armored threats on the battlefield. Among the main anti-tank weapons used are:

 

• Milan Anti-Tank Missile: A wire-guided anti-tank missile of Franco-German manufacture, used by the French army. It is capable of penetrating enemy tank armor at distances up to several kilometers.
   
• HOT Anti-Tank Missile: Another wire-guided anti-tank missile used by the French army, particularly effective against armored targets thanks to its tandem warhead and its ability to attack tanks from above.
   
• ERYX Anti-Tank Missile: A portable and versatile anti-tank missile, designed for use by infantry and special forces. It offers great accuracy and the ability to fire on mobile and stationary targets.
   
• Milan Anti-Tank Gun: A vehicle-mounted version of the Milan missile, offering extended range and rapid-fire capability against armored targets.
   
• LRAC F1 Recoilless Gun: A portable recoilless gun used for close-range anti-tank combat, capable of firing HEAT (High Explosive Anti-Tank) ammunition to pierce enemy armor.

 

These anti-tank weapons provide the French army with effective capability to counter armored threats on the battlefield, ensuring the protection of troops and vehicles against enemy tanks.

 

                                                        ERYX Anti-Tank Missile

 

 

The French army uses several prevention and control equipment for various missions, including counter-terrorism and special operations.

 

• The NEROD RF (RiFle): It is designed to jam enemy radio frequency signals, thus disrupting their communications and electronic systems. This jamming rifle is used to neutralize adversary communications on the battlefield, thus providing a significant tactical advantage to the French armed forces.
  
  
• The NEROD F5-5: a directional portable anti-drone jammer used in the French army. Designed to counter drone threats by neutralizing their communication and navigation capabilities, this device provides effective protection against unauthorized aerial intrusions.
  
  
• The P3TS, or "Plug and Play Positioning and Timing System": a plug-and-play positioning and synchronization system. This system offers a complete and easy-to-deploy solution for precise synchronization of clocks and positioning devices in various applications, including military and industrial. The P3TS ensures precise and reliable synchronization, which is essential in environments where temporal and spatial coordination is critical.
  
  
• MURIN: abbreviation for "Moyen de Surveillance Utilisant un Radar d'Observation des Intervalles" (Surveillance System Using Interval Observation Radar), is a surveillance system used in the military field. It relies on the use of an interval observation radar to detect and track the movements of objects in a specific area. 

 

The French army continues to innovate and invest in modern weapons to maintain its operational capability and responsiveness on the battlefield. This diversity allows the army to adapt to a variety of operational scenarios, thus ensuring its ability to fulfill its missions successfully.

To learn more about one of the iconic weapons of the French army, discover our detailed article on the HK416, a modern and versatile assault rifle used by many special forces worldwide. If you wish to explore in more detail the pistols used by the armed forces, we recommend reading our article on the SIG Sauer SP 2022, a reliable and robust handgun adopted by the national gendarmerie. Also discover the HK UMP, a versatile submachine gun, prized for its lightness and maneuverability, ideal for high-intensity missions. Want to know more about snipers and their role in military operations? Check out our article on snipers used in the French army to discover the precision rifles used by elite marksmen. Finally, don't miss our focus on the FN Five-Seven, an innovative and lightweight pistol, which stands out for its armor-piercing ammunition and increased capacity.