The French military apparatus is currently navigating a period of profound technical and doctrinal reconfiguration, necessitated by the shift from expeditionary counter-insurgency operations toward preparations for high-intensity, peer-to-peer conflict. This transformation is anchored in the 2024–2030 Military Programming Law (Loi de Programmation Militaire or LPM), which has significantly increased the defense budget, targeting a €67 billion annual spend by 2030.¹ Central to this evolution is a comprehensive overhaul of the small arms inventory across all branches: the Armée de Terre (Army), the Marine Nationale (Navy), the Armée de l’Air et de l’Espace (Air and Space Force), and the Gendarmerie Nationale.

The strategic signature of this period is the final abandonment of the legacy FAMAS bullpup system in favor of the German-engineered Heckler & Koch HK416F, which has successfully standardized the 5.56 mm assault rifle across the armed services.² This is mirrored in the sidearm category by the mass adoption of the Glock 17 Gen 5 (designated Glock 17 FR), effectively retiring the decades-old MAC 50 and PAMAS G1 pistols.⁴ Precision fires capability has been revitalized through the acquisition of the FN SCAR-H PR and the HK417, which have marginalized the bolt-action FR F2 in conventional roles.⁶

For a foreign intelligence analyst, the primary insight lies not merely in the hardware, but in the industrial and doctrinal shift it represents. The closure of the Manufacture d’Armes de Saint-Étienne (MAS) in 2001 marked the end of French domestic small arms production, forcing a transition to a “European strategic autonomy” model. Under this framework, the Directorate-General for Armament (DGA) prioritizes European Union-based procurement, ensuring that while the designs may be foreign, the strategic supply chain remains within the European defense technological and industrial base (EDTIB).⁸ Furthermore, small arms are now integral components of the “Scorpion” collaborative combat program, where individual weapon systems are networked through the SICS (Information and Combat System) to provide a force-multiplier effect on the modern battlefield.¹⁰

Strategic and Doctrinal Context: The “Armée de Combat“

The overarching doctrine guiding French small arms procurement in 2025 is the “Armée de combat” (Combat Army) concept. This represents a pivot from the “Peacekeeping” models of the post-Cold War era to a posture capable of high-intensity warfare against technologically sophisticated adversaries.¹² The National Strategic Review of 2025 highlights a broader range of threats, including hybrid warfare, sub-threshold competition, and renewed conventional state conflict.¹ Consequently, small arms are no longer viewed in isolation but as nodes within a broader ecosystem of lethality and connectivity.

The DGA has accelerated the transition to a “war economy,” characterized by simplified procurement and rapid industrial scaling. This is evident in the relocation of propellant powder production to French territory by companies like Eurenco, aimed at securing the supply of 5.56x45mm and 9x19mm ammunition.¹¹ The shift is also reflected in the “Reactive Acquisition Force,” a DGA task force established to bypass traditional bureaucratic bottlenecks and field urgent capabilities, such as anti-drone technologies, within months rather than years.¹¹

Armée de Terre: The Backbone of Infantry Modernization

The French Army remains the largest consumer of small arms and the primary driver of the “Arme Individuelle Futur” (AIF) program. The integration of new small arms is intrinsically linked to the Scorpion program, which replaces legacy vehicle platforms (VAB, AMX-10RC) with a new generation of interconnected vehicles: the VBMR Griffon, EBRC Jaguar, and VBMR-L Serval.¹⁰

The Standard Issue Assault Rifle: Heckler & Koch HK416F

The HK416F is the cornerstone of the Army’s modernization. Selected in 2016 to replace the FAMAS, the HK416F is a customized variant of the HK416A5.² The Army’s transition to this platform is nearly complete, with over 93,000 units delivered to the Armée de Terre alone as of late 2025.³ The HK416F utilizes a short-stroke gas piston system, which prevents combustion gases from entering the receiver, thereby increasing reliability and reducing heat buildup compared to direct impingement systems.²

The selection of the HK416F was driven by the need for a platform that could easily integrate with the FELIN (Fantassin à Équipement et Liaisons Intégrés) system and the Scorpion networking infrastructure. The rifle features a cold hammer-forged barrel and a four-rail handguard that supports the HK269F 40 mm grenade launcher, laser designators, and various tactical lights.²

Table 1: Technical Specifications of the HK416F Variants

Feature	HK416F-S (Standard)	HK416F-C (Short/Commando)
Caliber	5.56×45 mm NATO	5.56×45 mm NATO
Barrel Length	14.5 inches (368 mm)	11 inches (279 mm)
Overall Length (Stock Ext.)	931 mm	840 mm
Weight (Empty)	3.75 kg	3.45 kg
Effective Range	400 m	300 m
Rate of Fire	850 rounds/min	850 rounds/min
Feed System	30-round STANAG magazine	30-round STANAG magazine
2

The HK416F-S is the standard version for infantry units, while the F-C is issued to specialized personnel, vehicle crews, and support troops who require a more compact weapon. The standard optic for both variants is the Aimpoint CompM5 red dot sight, which provides rapid target acquisition and a battery life of 50,000 hours.²

Sidearm Modernization: Glock 17 Gen 5 FR

In early 2020, the DGA announced the selection of the Glock 17 Gen 5 as the new “Pistolet Automatique de Nouvelle Génération” (PANG) to replace the MAC 50 and the PAMAS G1 (a licensed Beretta 92FS).⁴ The total contract covers 74,596 pistols, with approximately 80% destined for the Army.⁵

The “FR” variant is specifically tailored for French requirements, featuring a coyote tan polymer frame and a black slide. It incorporates a threaded barrel for use with suppressors and features luminescent sights for low-light conditions. The Glock 17 FR utilizes the “Safe Action” system, which includes three independent mechanical safeties, making it a reliable choice for frontline troops who require a weapon that can be drawn and fired without a manual safety lever.⁴

Table 2: Technical Specifications of the Glock 17 Gen 5 FR

Parameter	Specification
Caliber	9×19 mm NATO
Action	Striker-Fired (Safe Action)
Capacity	17 rounds (standard)
Weight (Loaded)	911 g
Length	202 mm
Standard Accessories	B&T Suppressor, Blackhawk T-Series Holster

Precision Fires and Designated Marksman Rifles

The French Army has significantly overhauled its precision fire capabilities by replacing the aging bolt-action FR F2 with the semi-automatic FN SCAR-H PR (Precision Rifle).⁶ This platform, chambered in 7.62×51 mm NATO, allows designated marksmen (Tireur de Précision) to engage targets at distances up to 800 meters with rapid follow-up shots.⁶

The SCAR-H PR is complemented by the HK417 A2, which is utilized by both special forces and conventional marksmen. The HK417 is essentially a larger-caliber version of the HK416, sharing many of the same ergonomics and mechanical principles.⁵ For long-range anti-materiel and sniper roles, the PGM Hécate II remains the primary system, capable of engaging targets up to 1,800 meters with its powerful.50 BMG cartridge.⁵

Table 3: Precision and Sniper Systems Spectrum

Weapon System	Caliber	Effective Range	Role
FN SCAR-H PR	mm	800 m	Designated Marksman
HK417 A2	mm	800 m	Designated Marksman
Sako TRG-42	.338 Lapua Mag	1,200 m	Sniper / Special Forces
PGM Hécate II	.50 BMG	1,800 m	Anti-Materiel / Sniper

Support Weapons: Machine Guns and Anti-Drone Systems

Squad-level suppressive fire is provided by the FN Minimi, which is available in both 5.56×45 mm and 7.62×51 mm variants.⁵ The 7.62 mm variant is increasingly favored for its superior range and barrier penetration, a lesson reinforced by combat experience in diverse environments. For medium machine gun roles, the FN MAG 58 has replaced the older AANF1, providing a highly reliable general-purpose machine gun (GPMG) for both dismounted and vehicle-mounted use.⁶

A notable addition to the Army’s arsenal is the Benelli Supernova Tactical shotgun. While traditionally used for breaching, the French military has procured a 28-inch barrel variant specifically for anti-drone operations.¹⁵ This model utilizes 3.5-inch magnum shells, which can pack a higher density of shot pellets, making it an effective kinetic solution for neutralizing low-flying micro-UAVs on the front lines.¹⁶

Marine Nationale: Specialization and Shipboard Security

The small arms profile of the French Navy is divided into three distinct spheres: standard shipboard security (Equipages), the Naval Riflemen (Fusiliers Marins) for base and vessel protection, and the elite Naval Commandos (Commandos Marine) for special operations.

Shipboard Security and Fusiliers Marins

The Marine Nationale has mirrored the Army’s adoption of the HK416F as its standard-issue rifle.⁵ The Fusiliers Marins, responsible for the security of naval bases and sensitive installations (such as the strategic nuclear submarine base at Île Longue), utilize the HK416F-S and F-C depending on their specific assignment.¹⁷ The sidearm for these units is the Glock 17 FR, which has replaced the PAMAS G1.⁵

For boarding teams (Equipe de Visite) conducting Maritime Interdiction Operations (MIO), the HK416F-C is the preferred weapon due to its maneuverability within the cramped confines of a vessel. These teams also utilize the Benelli Supernova for breaching locked hatches and doors.⁶

Commandos Marine (FORFUSCO)

The Commandos Marine, part of the Special Operations Command (COS), operate with a highly specialized inventory that diverges significantly from conventional forces. Combat swimmers within the Hubert Commando favor the SIG SG 553, which is highly regarded for its corrosion resistance and reliability in marine environments.¹⁴

For precision work, the Commandos Marine utilize the Barrett M107A1 in.50 BMG, which offers semi-automatic fire capability for long-range interdiction and anti-materiel tasks.¹⁴ They also employ the FN Evolys, a lightweight machine gun that provides belt-fed fire capability in a platform only slightly heavier than a standard assault rifle.¹⁴

Table 4: Specialized Small Arms of the Marine Nationale

Unit / Role	Primary System	Sidearm	Specialist Tool
Fusiliers Marins	HK416F-S	Glock 17 FR	FN Minimi 7.62
Equipe de Visite	HK416F-C	Glock 17 FR	Benelli Supernova
Commandos Marine	HK416A5 / SIG 553	Glock 17 / USP	Barrett M107A1
Combat Divers	SIG SG 553	HK USP	Underwater Pistols
5

Armée de l’Air et de l’Espace: Base Protection and CSAR

The Air and Space Force’s small arms requirement is focused on two primary mission sets: the protection of high-value airbases and the Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) of downed aircrews. The primary units responsible for these missions are the Fusiliers Commandos de l’Air (FCA) and the specialized Air Parachute Commandos (CPA 10, 20, and 30).¹⁹

Base Defense: CPA 20 and 30

The CPA 20 and CPA 30 units utilize the HK416F as their standard assault rifle.³ Their role involves the active defense of airbases and the recovery of personnel in contested environments.¹⁹ For perimeter security, they utilize the FN Minimi and the HK417.⁵ Given their frequent proximity to sensitive aircraft, these units are increasingly equipped with anti-drone systems, including the handheld NEROD F5 microwave jammer, which can neutralize the control signals of unauthorized drones without damaging nearby friendly electronics.⁵

Specialized and CSAR Missions: CPA 10 and Aircrews

CPA 10, which serves as a special operations unit under COS, utilizes more advanced platforms like the SIG MCX VIRTUS. This weapon is prized for its modularity and its ability to fire the.300 AAC Blackout cartridge, which is exceptionally quiet when suppressed, making it ideal for covert infiltration and personnel recovery.¹⁴

For aircrew survival, French helicopter and transport crews are equipped with the HK MP7A1 Personal Defense Weapon (PDW).¹⁴ Chambered in the high-velocity 4.6 x 30 mm round, the MP7A1 is compact enough to be worn in a holster while in the cockpit but offers far greater range and armor-penetrating capability than a traditional 9 mm handgun.¹⁸

Table 5: Air Force Small Arms and Specialist Gear

Category	Primary System	Caliber	Strategic Value
Standard FCA Rifle	HK416F	5.56 mm	Standardization / Logistics
Aircrew PDW	HK MP7A1	4.6 mm	Compact / AP Capability
CPA 10 Specialized	SIG MCX VIRTUS	.300 BLK	Stealth / Modularity
Precision Sniper	Cadex CDX-40	.408 CheyTac	Extreme Range Neutralization

Gendarmerie Nationale: The Internal-Military Hybrid

The Gendarmerie Nationale occupies a unique position as a military force with police status. Their small arms inventory reflects this dual mission, requiring weapons suitable for both routine law enforcement and counter-terrorism/military intervention.

Standard Sidearm: SIG Pro SP 2022

The Gendarmerie continues to use the SIG Pro SP 2022 as its standard-issue pistol.¹³ Selected in 2002 for its durability and polymer construction, the SP 2022 is a double-action/single-action (DA/SA) hammer-fired pistol, which provides a layer of safety for officers in high-stress situations due to its heavy first trigger pull.²³ Despite the military’s shift to the Glock 17, the Gendarmerie remains satisfied with the SIG platform for domestic security duties.²²

Submachine Gun Procurement: HK UMP

In response to a solicitation for a collective weapon with greater range and fire volume than a handgun, the Gendarmerie (along with the National Police) selected the HK UMP in 9 x 19 mm.²⁵ The contract awarded to Heckler & Koch France SAS includes 2,000 operational units.²⁵ The UMP utilizes a simple blowback action and a polymer frame, making it lighter and more cost-effective than the legacy MP5, while its Picatinny rails allow for the easy mounting of tactical lights and optical sights.²⁵

Table 6: Gendarmerie Small Arms Profile

Weapon Category	System	Caliber	Primary User
Duty Pistol	SIG SP 2022	9 x 19 mm	General Duty
Intervention SMG	HK UMP9	9 x 19 mm	PSIG / Specialized Units
High-Threat Rifle	HK G36	5.56 mm	GIGN / AGIGN
Intervention Rifle	HK416	5.56 mm	GIGN

Elite Intervention: GIGN

The Groupe d’Intervention de la Gendarmerie Nationale (GIGN) possesses an expansive arsenal, ranging from the HK G36 to the HK416. They are known for utilizing niche systems like the CZ 805 BREN 2 in 7.62 x 39 mm, which was selected for its superior stopping power in close-quarters urban environments. They also employ various precision rifles, including the PGM Ultima Ratio in 7.62 mm for short-to-medium range surgical intervention.¹³

Special Operations Command (COS): Technical Excellence

The Commandement des Opérations Spéciales (COS) oversees special operations across all branches, ensuring that units like the 1er RPIMa (Army), Commandos Marine (Navy), and CPA 10 (Air Force) have access to the most advanced hardware available. COS units often serve as the first to field new technologies that later trickle down to conventional forces.

Standardized vs. Specialist Weapons

While special operations forces use the HK416A5 as their baseline rifle, they have heavily adopted the SIG MCX VIRTUS for missions requiring specialized suppression and compactness.¹⁴ They also utilize the FN SCAR-L and SCAR-H for specific mission profiles requiring modularity and range.⁵

For heavy suppression, COS units are equipped with the Dillon Aero M134D Minigun, mounted on vehicles and helicopters.¹⁴ They also utilize the HK GMG automatic grenade launcher for engaging clustered enemy infantry and light vehicles at distances up to 2,000 meters.¹⁴

Table 7: COS Specialized Small Arms Inventory

System	Caliber	Application	Advantage
SIG MCX VIRTUS	5.56 /.300 BLK	Infiltration / CQB	Caliber Modularity
FN Evolys	5.56 / 7.62 mm	Light Support	High Lethality/Low Weight
Dillon M134D	7.62 mm	Aerial/Vehicle Defense	3,000 rounds/min ROF
HK MP5 SD	9 mm	Stealth / Hostage Rescue	Integrated Silencer

Anti-Tank and Heavy Infantry Systems

The modernization of French small arms extends to man-portable anti-tank and support systems. The Army has fully transitioned to the Akeron MP (Moyenne Portée), a fifth-generation anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) that replaces the MILAN and Javelin.⁵ The Akeron MP is a “fire-and-forget” system that also allows for manual intervention via a fiber-optic link, enabling the operator to engage targets out of the line of sight.⁵

For shorter-range engagement, the Saab AT4CS and the Nammo M72 LAW remain standard for their reliability and ease of use in urban warfare.¹⁴ Furthermore, the introduction of the Carl Gustaf M4 (84 mm recoilless rifle) has provided infantry squads with a versatile platform capable of firing anti-armor, anti-structure, and anti-personnel rounds, including programmable airburst munitions.⁶

Table 8: Man-Portable Support Weapons

System	Type	Caliber	Tactical Role
Akeron MP	ATGM	140 mm	High-Precision Anti-Tank
Carl Gustaf M4	Recoilless Rifle	84 mm	Versatile Direct Fire
Saab AT4CS	Rocket Launcher	84 mm	Compact Anti-Armor
HK GMG	Auto Grenade Launcher	40 mm	Area Suppression

Individual Equipment and Optronics: The Force Multiplier

The effectiveness of modern French small arms is fundamentally tied to the “small equipment” modernization initiative, which includes new ballistic protection, uniforms, and optronics.⁵

Night Vision and Thermal Sights

The Thales JVN O-NYX night vision goggles have replaced the older Lucie models, providing soldiers with a wider field of view and improved image clarity.⁵ For precision shooters, the SCROME and Schmidt & Bender day scopes are complemented by thermal imaging clip-on systems, such as the Safran JIM Compact and the Thales Sophie, which allow for target detection in complete darkness and through obscurants like smoke and fog.⁵

Handheld Jammers and Electronic Warfare

Reflecting the modern threat environment, the French infantry is increasingly equipped with handheld electronic warfare tools. The NEROD RF and NEROD F5-5 jammers are designed to disrupt the control and GPS signals of enemy drones, providing a critical defensive layer for ground units.¹³ These systems are man-portable and shaped like a rifle, allowing for intuitive aiming and deployment in high-stress situations.¹³

Industrial Realities and Strategic Autonomy

From an intelligence perspective, the most critical aspect of French small arms procurement is the reliance on foreign manufacturers. The closure of the Saint-Étienne arsenal created a void that has been filled primarily by German (Heckler & Koch), Belgian (FN Herstal), and Austrian (Glock) firms.²

To mitigate this dependency, France has emphasized a “European pillar” within its procurement strategy. The DGA ensures that contracts are awarded to European firms and often requires that a portion of the maintenance or component production be handled within France or the broader EU.⁸ For instance, the recent contract for anti-tank mines mandates that all design and assembly occur within EU territory, a clause aimed at protecting the strategic sovereignty of the European defense industrial base.⁹

Moreover, the “war economy” model introduced in response to the Russia-Ukraine conflict has seen a massive effort to stockpile small-caliber ammunition. The relocation of propellant powder manufacturing back to France is a clear indicator that the Ministry of the Armed Forces views domestic logistics as a critical component of military readiness in the 2025–2030 timeframe.¹¹

Future Outlook: Caliber Standardization and the 6.8 mm Debate

As the French Armed Forces conclude their transition to the HK416F and Glock 17 FR, the next major strategic hurdle will be the potential emergence of a new NATO caliber. The U.S. Army’s Next Generation Squad Weapons (NGSW) program, which utilizes the 6.8×51 mm cartridge, has initiated discussions within French defense circles regarding the longevity of the 5.56 mm standard.³

While there is currently no formal plan for France to move toward 6.8 mm, the DGA and the Defence Staff are closely monitoring the operational feedback from the U.S. deployment of the XM7 rifle. Any future transition would likely be a decade-long process, given that the delivery of the HK416F fleet is scheduled to conclude in 2028.³ For the immediate future (2025–2030), the focus remains on perfecting the integration of the current 5.56 mm and 7.62 mm platforms into the Scorpion digital battlefield.

Conclusion

The small arms of the French Armed Forces in 2025 represent a balance between technical maturity and strategic necessity. By standardizing the HK416F and Glock 17 FR across all branches, France has simplified its logistics while significantly enhancing the lethality and reliability of its infantry. The specialization of Naval Commandos and Air Force CSAR units with systems like the SIG MCX and HK MP7 ensures that niche requirements are met with world-class technology.

Underpinning these physical assets is a robust digital and industrial framework. The Scorpion program transforms the individual soldier from an isolated combatant into a networked sensor, while the DGA’s focus on European strategic autonomy and a “war economy” ensures that the French military remains resilient in the face of shifting global power dynamics. As France moves toward 2030, its small arms inventory will continue to be a reflection of its broader ambition: to be a globally influential power capable of autonomous action in an increasingly volatile security landscape.

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