FAMAS: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 04:50, 18 November 2025

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The FAMAS (French: Fusil d'Assaut de la Manufacture d'Armes de Saint-Étienne, lit. 'Assault rifle from the Saint-Étienne Weapon Factory') is a bullpup assault rifle designed and manufactured in France by MAS in 1978.

Beginning in 2017, the FAMAS was replaced in most frontline units in the French Army by the HK416F, and the FAMAS is expected to remain in limited service until 2028.^[1]

History

The first French bullpup rifles were developed between 1946 and 1950 at the AME (Template:Langx) and MAS, testing rounds such as .30 US Carbine, 7.92×33mm Kurz, 7.65×38mm (Made by Cartoucherie de Valence) and some other intermediate calibres.Script error: No such module "Unsubst".

Since France was engaged in the First Indochina War at the time, and was also the second-largest contributor to NATO, the research budgets for new types of weapons were limited and priority was given to the modernisation and production of existing service weapons.

Nevertheless, approximately forty different 7.62×51mm NATO calibre prototype rifles were developed between 1952 and 1962, most notably the FA-MAS Type 62. However, the United States' adoption of the M16 rifle and 5.56×45mm cartridge caused the French to rethink their approach, and consequently, the Type 62 was not adopted.^[2]^[3]^[4]

In the 1960s, MAS began to manufacture under licence the Heckler & Koch G3 battle rifle and later on the Heckler & Koch HK33 assault rifle as temporary substitutes.Script error: No such module "Unsubst".

At the same time, the French embraced the idea of developing a new 5.56 mm automatic rifle. However, adopting the German-designed HK33 was considered unsatisfactory for many members of the French high command.

General Marcel Bigeard was also against the idea of relying on foreign weapons. While visiting the Manufacture d'Armes de Saint-Étienne, he asked the engineers to develop a homemade French 5.56 mm automatic rifle, which subsequently led to the creation and adoption of the FAMAS.

The FAMAS project began in 1967 under the direction of General Paul Tellié (1919-2014) and the first prototype was completed in 1971, with French military evaluation of the rifle beginning in 1972.^[5]

When production problems delayed the general issue of the new rifles, and with the 1978 Battle of Kolwezi showing an immediate need for a more modern weapon to be comparable with the assault rifles of enemy forces, the French Army began searching for an emergency temporary rifle until the FAMAS came into full production.

While the Heckler & Koch HK33 was considered, with a batch of 1,200 examples tested, it was ultimately turned down in favour of the SIG SG 540, made under licence by Manurhin as a temporary resort until enough domestically built FAMAS were produced to issue to French forces.

In late 1978, the French military accepted the FAMAS as their standard-issue rifle, the FAMAS F1.

Service

The FAMAS first saw service in Chad during Operation Manta and again in desert operations during Operation Desert Storm and in other various missions.^[6]

Officially, operational conditions proved the weapon to be reliable and trustworthy under combat conditions. It is known affectionally by French troops as "The Bugle" (Template:Langx) due to its distinctive shape.^[7]^[8]

Replacement

File:Legionnaires.jpg

Legionnaires from the 2nd Foreign Parachute Regiment during a patrol with the new standard-issue assault rifle of the French Armed Forces, the HK416F

In 2017, the French armed forces began retiring the FAMAS in favour of the German-made HK-416.

When the Manufacture d'Armes de Saint-Etienne (MAS) factory closed in 2002, no more domestic rifles could be made. The last batch of newly produced FAMAS, built in 2002, saw more than a decade of heavy service by 2016. As of 2014, the French armed forces currently use an estimated 400,000 FAMAS F1 and G2 rifles still stored in their arsenal.^[9] The military also ceased manufacture of special steel-case ammunition for the FAMAS.^[10] Because the FAMAS did not function properly with NATO standard brass-cased ammunition (chamber fluting can allow the F1 to use brass cases but only G2 rifles can use common STANAG magazines),^[10] and coupled with concern over the age of existing weapons, the French military sought a replacement for the FAMAS.

In May 2014, the French Ministry of Armed Forces announced a European Union-wide tender for a minimum of 90,000 rifles and carbines to be issued across the entire French armed forces.^[11] In August 2016, the Ministry selected Heckler and Koch's HK416 to replace the FAMAS as the new general-issue service rifle.^[12]^[13] Under the contract, the new rifle was designated as the HK416F, with 'F' standing for French version.^[14] 16,000 rifles will be annually purchased until a final total of 90,000 to 102,000 rifles are delivered. The new rifles are expected to remain in active French service for at least 30 years.^[13]^[15]

The FAMAS will be issued to the French National Guard and domestic police units, and will continue to serve in reserve and non-combat units until 2028, when a phaseout of the FAMAS with the HK416 can occur.^[16]

Design details

Action

File:FAMAS Bolt-gr.PNG

A schematic of the lever-delayed blowback mechanism used in the FAMAS

The FAMAS is a bullpup assault rifle, where the ammunition feed is behind the trigger. The receiver housing is made of a special steel alloy, and the rifle furniture is made of fibreglass.

The FAMAS uses a lever-delayed blowback action, an action type also used in the French AA-52 machine gun derived from the prototypes built during Army Technical Department tests having taken place between the First and Second World Wars.

The FAMAS is known^[17] for its high rate of fire of around 900–1,100 rounds per minute.^[18]

Ergonomics

File:FAMAS Infanterie 2REI.jpg

Soldier of the 2nd Foreign Infantry Regiment using FAMAS Infanterie upgraded with an Aimpoint red dot sight

Fire mode is controlled by a selector within the trigger guard, with three settings: safe (central position), single shot (to the right), and automatic fire (to the left). Automatic fire can be in three-shot bursts (Template:Langx) or fully automatic; this is determined by another selector, located under the housing and behind the magazine.

The FAMAS G2 weighs Script error: No such module "convert".. The G1 and G2 have a large, grip-length trigger guard like that of the Steyr AUG to allow easy access to the trigger when wearing gloves.

Both F1 and G2 models of the FAMAS feature a bipod attached to the upper hand-guard.

The FAMAS-G2 and some F1 sport a "polyvalent hand-guard" which features a standard NATO Accessory Rail, allowing a variety of sights to be mounted, notably red dot sights and night vision units.

Ammunition

File:FAMAS.jpg

Cutaway of the muzzle of a FAMAS F1 on display at the Weapons Department in the Museum of Art and Industry in Saint-Étienne, France

File:Fusilier marin remise des fourragère le 06 juin 2009. Recadré.jpg

A fusilier marin with his FAMAS G2

The FAMAS uses a delayed blowback operating system that functions best with French-specified steel-casing 5.56×45mm ammunition. Using standard brass-casing 5.56×45mm NATO ammunition employed by other armies can create over-pressure and case ruptures in the FAMAS during extraction, which can lead to severe malfunctions.^[10]

Using incorrectly built ammunition also results in approximately two minor injuries for every million rounds fired from a FAMAS.^[10] As a result, the French military has discreetly banned the use of foreign-produced ammunition in all French-issued FAMAS.^[10]

However, fluting the chamber will completely remove these malfunctions, although the brass casings will still be deformed and will not be able to be reloaded without reshaping.

The FAMAS F1 uses a proprietary 25-round magazine. It has a chrome-lined barrel with 1 turn in 12 inch (1:12 inch) rifling and functions best with the Script error: No such module "convert". (M193 type) ammunition. When using the French made 5.56 mm Script error: No such module "convert". ammo it has a muzzle velocity of Script error: No such module "convert"..^[19]

The FAMAS G2 uses M16-type, NATO-compatible 30-round STANAG magazines.^[19] It has a chrome-lined barrel with 1 turn in 9 inch (1:9 inch) rifling and functions equally well with both the older Script error: No such module "convert". (M193 type) ammo and the newer Script error: No such module "convert". (SS109 type) ammo.^[19] When using the French made 5.56 mm Script error: No such module "convert". ammo it has a muzzle velocity of Script error: No such module "convert"..^[19]

During training with blank ammunition, a special plug is added to the muzzle of the FAMAS. This plug is necessary for automatic or semi-automatic blank fire operation, and functions by blocking part of the gas used in a blank cartridge.

Rifle grenades

File:FAMAS-F1 firing APAV40.svg

Alidade for direct fire of the APAV 40 grenade

The FAMAS can use a variety of rifle grenades up to Script error: No such module "convert".. Notable examples include the antipersonnel APAV40 and the anti-tank AC58.

The FAMAS features two alidades for aiming rifle grenades with several modes:

direct fire at Script error: No such module "convert"., in anti-vehicle role
indirect fire, in anti-personnel role:
- with the FAMAS inclined by 45°, allowing fire from Script error: No such module "convert".
- with the FAMAS inclined by 75°, allowing fire from Script error: No such module "convert".

In indirect fire mode, the grenade support (more exactly named "grenade enforcement ring" in French) is moved forward or backwards on the barrel which has markings (12/13?). This changes the position of the grenade on the barrel and automatically the volume of the chamber in which the gas expands to push the grenade forward.

Each position of the grenade support has a number which is multiplied by a certain fixed number depending on the alidade position, 45° or 75°; this will accurately indicate the firing distance of the grenade.

The FAMAS can also accommodate an external grenade launcher as an add-on module under the hand guard; the US M203 grenade launcher is sometimes used.

Variants

FAMAS F1

File:FAMAS-F1 parts assembled.svg

Template:Ordered list

After adoption by the French military, the FAMAS F1 replaced both the aging MAS 49/56 rifle and MAT-49 submachine gun. Approximately 400,000 FAMAS F1 assault rifles were produced by MAS.

While a capable rifle, the F1 had numerous problems to overcome. For instance, many plastic pieces on the rifle easily broke, including critical parts like the cheek riser. The FAMAS was also susceptible to malfunction on occasion due to poorly built, or rather improperly used, magazines.

The FAMAS was designed around the concept of single-use, disposable magazines; when the limited budget of the French military forced soldiers to repeatedly reuse the disposable magazines, the FAMAS would experience malfunctions.

MAS would eventually manufacture more durable magazines for the FAMAS that improved reliability.

FAMAS G1

The F1 was followed by the G1 version that included several minor improvements, such as redesigned grips and an enlarged trigger guard for operation with gloves.Script error: No such module "Unsubst".

FAMAS G2

File:FAMAS-G2-IMG 8894-white.jpg

FAMAS G2 with bayonet

The FAMAS G2 was developed in 1994 to comply with NATO standards by accepting standard NATO magazines and by employing tighter barrel rifling to accurately fire both older 5.56 mm Script error: No such module "convert". ammunition and new standard 5.56×45mm NATO Script error: No such module "convert". ammunition.^[20]

The ammunition specific lever-delayed blowback mechanism of the FAMAS F1 designed around French Script error: No such module "convert". steel cased ammunition was slightly revised for reliably using 5.56×45mm NATO ammunition.

The FAMAS G2 features a larger trigger guard compared to the F1, a redesigned magwell and magazine catch accepting STANAG magazines, a small hand-guard protrusion (bump) on the front of fore-stock under the muzzle, a 1/9 inch rifling twist, instead of the 1/12 inch rifling twist of the F1.

The FAMAS G2 also included several other upgrades taken from the G1 model, such as an enlarged trigger guard and improved hand guards made from reinforced fiberglass instead of plastic, and also the ability to take standard brass cased ammunition as well as French made steel ammunition.

The French Navy purchased the FAMAS G2 in 1995 and issued it to their Fusiliers Marins and Commandos Marine. However, the French army refused to purchase the G2, preferring to rely on the FAMAS F1 as their primary rifle.

FAMAS Infantry

The FAMAS Infantry is an improvement of the FAMAS F1, obtained by retrofitting an accessory rail onto the top of the handguard. This allows mounting combat optics, most notably reflex sights or the 4×26.4 SCROME J4 telescopic sight.^[21]

FAMAS FÉLIN

The FAMAS FÉLIN was developed from the G2 as part of the Infantryman programme with integrated equipment and links (Félin). An improved version of the FAMAS F1 is integrated in the Félin system.

FAMAS Valorisé

A FAMAS F1 whose carry handle has been replaced by the new version intended for the FAMAS Félin, lowered and originally equipped with 2 Picatinny rails.

In addition, the bipod joint has been moved back about ten centimetres and each foot is now bent in 2 points forward, so that in the folded position they do not interfere with the ejection of empty cases.

FAMAS Commando

The FAMAS Commando was a short-barrelled version of the FAMAS G2 for international exports, with a barrel length of 285mm (11.2 in) without the integrated bipod. Prototypes of the weapon differ, with different iron sights and ergonomics.

The FAMAS Commando saw no international interest and only initial prototypes exist and solely kept by the French Ministry of the Interior.^[22]

Conflicts

The FAMAS has been used in the following conflicts: Script error: No such module "Template wrapper".Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".

Users

File:A Cameroon soldier provides security during a patrol as part of a culmination exercise of infantry squad tactics March 18, 2014, during Central Accord 14 in Koutaba, Cameroon 140318-A-IS772-025.jpg

A Cameroonian soldier patrols with his FAMAS F1

File:Famas (1).jpg

FAMAS F1 used by Serbian Police Special Forces

File:FAMAS Users.png

A map with FAMAS users in blue

File:Flag of Argentina.svg Argentina: G2 types bought in the 1990s for the Amphibious Commando Group.^[35]
File:Flag of Brazil.svg Brazil: Special forces.^[36]
File:Flag of Cambodia.svg Cambodia: Used by Cambodian troops during the coup in 1997.^[35]
File:Flag of Cameroon.svg Cameroon: Used by BIR.^[37]
File:Flag of the Central African Republic.svg Central African Republic^[38]
File:Flag of Chad.svg Chad: Presidential Guard^[39] and Army.^[40]
File:Flag of Djibouti.svg Djibouti^[41]
File:Flag of France.svg France: Used by the GIGN and French Armed Forces since 1979, with over 700,000 rifles purchased.^[25] Began to be replaced by the Heckler & Koch HK416 starting in 2017.^[42] Also used by several law enforcement agencies.^[25]
File:Flag of Gabon.svg Gabon^[43]
File:Flag of Indonesia.svg Indonesia: Komando Pasukan Katak (KOPASKA) tactical diver group and Komando Pasukan Khusus (Kopassus) special forces group.^[44]
Template:Flagdeco Iraqi insurgents^[45]
File:Flag of Côte d'Ivoire.svg Ivory Coast:^[46] Alassane Ouattara's FRCI are said to have received some FAMAS in 2011^[47] but that claim is disputed.^[48]
File:Flag of FLNKS.svg Kanak and Socialist National Liberation Front^[24]
File:Flag of Lebanon.svg Lebanon^[41]
File:Flag of Papua New Guinea.svg Papua New Guinea: Used in 2012 mutiny, likely "acquired" from F1 rifle stocks in Vanuatu.^[35]^[49]
File:Flag of Russia.svg Russia: Some captured by Russian troops in the Russo-Ukrainian War.^[50]
File:Flag of Senegal.svg Senegal^[51]
File:Flag of Suriname.svg Suriname: On September 14-15, 2023, an unknown number of FAMAS were donated to the Suriname army to help them fight against illegal fishing and gold mining.^[52]
File:Flag of the Syrian revolution.svg Syria: FAMAS F1s used by the Syrian Arab Army, Islamic State and Kurds.^[32]
File:Flag of Ukraine.svg Ukraine: 1,000 FAMAS delivered by France in response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.^[33]
File:Flag of the United Arab Emirates.svg United Arab Emirates^[23]
File:Flag of Vanuatu.svg Vanuatu: Provided by France as military assistance to Vanuatu Mobile Forces to replace their L1A1 Self-Loading Rifles in 2009.^[53] Reportedly used FAMAS F1s in 1994.^[35]

Non-state actors

Template:Flagdeco Iraqi insurgents^[45]
Template:Country data ISIS^[32]
File:Flag of Kurdistan.svg Kurdistan: Peshmerga^[32]
File:Flag of FLNKS.svg Kanak and Socialist National Liberation Front^[24]
Taliban: Captured from French troops killed in Afghanistan.^[32]

Sources and references

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↑ France launches FAMAS replacement tender Template:Webarchive – IHS Jane's Defence Weekly, 22 May 2014
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↑ ^a ^b http://www.janes.com/article/64230/french-army-selects-hk416-to-replace-famas Template:Webarchive French Army selects HK416 to replace FAMAS. Nicholas de Larrinaga. London. IHS Jane's Defence Weekly. 30 September 2016
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↑ BREAKING: Heckler & Koch CONFIRMED Winner of French AIF Rifle Contract; FN to Appeal French Decision Template:Webarchive - Thefirearmblog.com, 14 September 2016
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↑ ^a ^b ^c Marchington, James (2004). The Encyclopedia of Handheld Weapons. Lewis International, Inc. Template:ISBN
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External links

Template:Sister project

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Template:Delayed Blowback Firearms Template:Bullpup Firearms Template:Current French infantry weapons Template:Authority control

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[9] France launches FAMAS replacement tender Template:Webarchive – IHS Jane's Defence Weekly, 22 May 2014

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[15] BREAKING: Heckler & Koch CONFIRMED Winner of French AIF Rifle Contract; FN to Appeal French Decision Template:Webarchive - Thefirearmblog.com, 14 September 2016

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[bishop1998-23] Bishop, Chris. Guns in Combat. Chartwell Books, Inc (1998). Template:ISBN.

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[marchington2004-25] Marchington, James (2004). The Encyclopedia of Handheld Weapons. Lewis International, Inc. Template:ISBN

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 }}
-The '''FAMAS''' ([[French language|French]]: ''Fusil d'Assaut de la Manufacture d'Armes de Saint-Étienne'', <small>[[Literal translation|lit.]] </small>'Assault rifle from the [[Saint-Étienne]] Weapon Factory') is a [[bullpup]] [[assault rifle]] designed and manufactured in France by [[Manufacture d'armes de Saint-Étienne|MAS]] in 1978. It is known by French troops as ''Le Clairon'' (The [[Bugle]]) due to its distinctive shape.<ref name="FAMAS" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=FA-MAS F1 Manual English |url=https://www.forgottenweapons.com/wp-content/uploads/manuals/FAMAS%20F1%20manual%20English.pdf |website=FA-MAS 5,56 F1}}</ref>
+The '''FAMAS''' ([[French language|French]]: ''Fusil d'Assaut de la Manufacture d'Armes de Saint-Étienne'', <small>[[Literal translation|lit.]] </small>'Assault rifle from the [[Saint-Étienne]] Weapon Factory') is a [[bullpup]] [[assault rifle]] designed and manufactured in France by [[Manufacture d'armes de Saint-Étienne|MAS]] in 1978.
-The FAMAS is known<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-08-26 |title=FAMAS Commando Prototypes |url=https://www.forgottenweapons.com/famas-commando-prototypes/ |access-date=2023-08-26 |archive-date=26 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230826212739/https://www.forgottenweapons.com/famas-commando-prototypes/ |url-status=live }}</ref> for its high rate of fire of around 900–1,100 rounds per minute.<ref name="NI" />
 Beginning in 2017, the FAMAS was replaced in most frontline units in the [[French Army]] by the [[Heckler & Koch HK416|HK416F]], and the FAMAS is expected to remain in limited service until 2028.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-04-14|title=POTD: FAMAS in the 126e Régiment d'Infanterie|url=https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2021/04/14/potd-french-famas-in-the-126e-regiment-dinfanterie/|access-date=2021-04-14|website=The Firearm Blog|language=en-US}}</ref>
 ==History==
-The first French bullpup rifles were developed between 1946 and 1950 at the AME (''Atelier Mécanique de Mulhouse'') and MAS, testing rounds such as [[.30 US Carbine]], [[7.92×33mm Kurz]], 7.65×38mm (Made by ''Cartoucherie de Valence'') and some other intermediate calibres.{{Citation needed|date=February 2011}} Since France was engaged in the [[First Indochina War]] at the time, and was also the second-largest contributor to [[NATO]], the research budgets for new types of weapons were limited and priority was given to the modernisation and production of existing service weapons. Nevertheless, approximately forty different [[7.62×51mm NATO]] calibre prototype rifles were developed between 1952 and 1962, most notably the [[FA-MAS Type 62]]. However, the United States' adoption of the [[M16 rifle]] and [[5.56×45mm]] cartridge caused the French to rethink their approach, and consequently, the Type 62 was not adopted.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.forgottenweapons.com/lorem-ipsum/rifles/french-mas-type-1955 |title=French MAS Type 1955 |publisher=Forgotten Weapons |access-date=30 May 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110617074513/http://www.forgottenweapons.com/lorem-ipsum/rifles/french-mas-type-1955 |archive-date=17 June 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.forgottenweapons.com/lorem-ipsum/rifles/french-mas-type-62 |title=French MAS Type 62 |publisher=Forgotten Weapons |access-date=30 May 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110617074519/http://www.forgottenweapons.com/lorem-ipsum/rifles/french-mas-type-62 |archive-date=17 June 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.securityarms.com/20010315/galleryfiles/3000/3005.htm |title=FA-MAS Type 62 |publisher=Securityarms.com |access-date=30 May 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716031951/http://www.securityarms.com/20010315/galleryfiles/3000/3005.htm |archive-date=16 July 2011 |url-status=live }}</ref>
+The first French [[bullpup]] rifles were developed between 1946 and 1950 at the AME ({{Langx|fr|Atelier Mécanique de Mulhouse}}) and MAS, testing rounds such as [[.30 US Carbine]], [[7.92×33mm Kurz]], 7.65×38mm (Made by ''Cartoucherie de Valence'') and some other intermediate calibres.{{Citation needed|date=February 2011}}
+Since France was engaged in the [[First Indochina War]] at the time, and was also the second-largest contributor to [[NATO]], the research budgets for new types of weapons were limited and priority was given to the modernisation and production of existing service weapons.
+Nevertheless, approximately forty different [[7.62×51mm NATO]] calibre prototype rifles were developed between 1952 and 1962, most notably the [[FA-MAS Type 62]]. However, the United States' adoption of the [[M16 rifle]] and [[5.56×45mm]] cartridge caused the French to rethink their approach, and consequently, the Type 62 was not adopted.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.forgottenweapons.com/lorem-ipsum/rifles/french-mas-type-1955 |title=French MAS Type 1955 |publisher=Forgotten Weapons |access-date=30 May 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110617074513/http://www.forgottenweapons.com/lorem-ipsum/rifles/french-mas-type-1955 |archive-date=17 June 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.forgottenweapons.com/lorem-ipsum/rifles/french-mas-type-62 |title=French MAS Type 62 |publisher=Forgotten Weapons |access-date=30 May 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110617074519/http://www.forgottenweapons.com/lorem-ipsum/rifles/french-mas-type-62 |archive-date=17 June 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.securityarms.com/20010315/galleryfiles/3000/3005.htm |title=FA-MAS Type 62 |publisher=Securityarms.com |access-date=30 May 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716031951/http://www.securityarms.com/20010315/galleryfiles/3000/3005.htm |archive-date=16 July 2011 |url-status=live }}</ref>
+In the 1960s, MAS began to manufacture under licence the [[Heckler & Koch G3]] [[battle rifle]] and later on the [[Heckler & Koch HK33]] [[assault rifle]] as temporary substitutes.{{cn|date=March 2025}}
+At the same time, the French embraced the idea of developing a new 5.56&nbsp;mm automatic rifle. However, adopting the German-designed HK33 was considered unsatisfactory for many members of the French high command.
+General [[Marcel Bigeard]] was also against the idea of relying on foreign weapons. While visiting the Manufacture d'Armes de Saint-Étienne, he asked the engineers to develop a homemade French 5.56&nbsp;mm automatic rifle, which subsequently led to the creation and adoption of the FAMAS.
+The FAMAS project began in 1967 under the direction of General Paul Tellié (1919-2014) and the first prototype was completed in 1971, with French military evaluation of the rifle beginning in 1972.<ref name="modernfirearms" />
-In the 1960s, MAS began to manufacture under licence the [[Heckler & Koch G3]] [[battle rifle]] and later on the [[Heckler & Koch HK33]] [[assault rifle]] as temporary substitutes.{{cn|date=March 2025}} At the same time, the French embraced the idea of developing a new 5.56&nbsp;mm automatic rifle. However, adopting the German-designed HK33 was considered unsatisfactory for many members of the French high command. General [[Marcel Bigeard]] was also against the idea of relying on foreign weapons; while visiting the Manufacture d'Armes de Saint-Étienne, he asked the engineers to develop a homemade French 5.56&nbsp;mm automatic rifle, which subsequently led to the creation and adoption of the FAMAS.
+When production problems delayed the general issue of the new rifles, and with the 1978 [[Battle of Kolwezi]] showing an immediate need for a more modern weapon to be comparable with the assault rifles of enemy forces, the [[French Army]] began searching for an emergency temporary rifle until the FAMAS came into full production.
-The FAMAS project began in 1967 under the direction of General Paul Tellié (1919-2014) and the first prototype was completed in 1971, with French military evaluation of the rifle beginning in 1972.<ref name="modernfirearms"/> When production problems delayed the general issue of the new rifles, and with the 1978 [[Battle of Kolwezi]] showing an immediate need for a more modern weapon to be comparable with the assault rifles of enemy forces, the [[French Army]] began searching for an emergency temporary rifle until the FAMAS came into full production.
+While the Heckler & Koch HK33 was considered, with a batch of 1,200 examples tested, it was ultimately turned down in favour of the [[SIG SG 540]], made under licence by [[Manurhin]] as a temporary resort until enough domestically built FAMAS were produced to issue to French forces.
-While the Heckler & Koch HK33 was considered, with a batch of 1,200 examples tested, it was ultimately turned down in favour of the [[SIG SG 540]], made under licence by [[Manurhin]] (''Manufacture de Machines du Haut Rhin'') as a temporary resort until enough domestically built FAMAS were produced to issue to French forces. In late 1978, the French military accepted the FAMAS as their standard-issue rifle, the FAMAS F1.
+In late 1978, the French military accepted the FAMAS as their standard-issue rifle, the FAMAS F1.
 ===Service===
-The FAMAS first saw service in [[Chad]] during [[Operation Manta]] and again in desert operations during Operation [[Desert Storm]] and in other various missions.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Meet Heckler & Koch's HK416: The Rifle You Need To Know About|url=https://nationalinterest.org/blog/buzz/meet-heckler-kochs-hk416-rifle-you-need-know-about-48057|website=National Interest|date=19 March 2019}}</ref> Officially, operational conditions proved the weapon to be reliable and trustworthy under combat conditions. The FAMAS is affectionately known by French-speaking troops as ''le Clairon'' ("the [[Bugle]]") because of its shape.<ref name="FAMAS">{{Cite web|last=Eger|first=Chris|title=FAMAS BULLPUP ASSAULT RIFLES: LE 'BUGLE' (VIDEO)|url=https://www.guns.com/news/2014/03/26/famas-bullpup-assault-rifles-le-bugle-video|website=Guns.com}}</ref>
+The FAMAS first saw service in [[Chad]] during [[Operation Manta]] and again in desert operations during Operation [[Desert Storm]] and in other various missions.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Meet Heckler & Koch's HK416: The Rifle You Need To Know About|url=https://nationalinterest.org/blog/buzz/meet-heckler-kochs-hk416-rifle-you-need-know-about-48057|website=National Interest|date=19 March 2019}}</ref>
-[[Senegal]] and the [[United Arab Emirates]] received a small number of FAMAS F1 rifles from France,{{citation needed|date=October 2017}} though it was unknown when they received them. [[Djibouti]] uses this weapon in its military and the gendarmerie<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.force-publique.net/sources/Annuaire/Djibouti-gb.html |title=Djibouti-gb |access-date=11 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190111121716/https://www.force-publique.net/sources/Annuaire/Djibouti-gb.html |archive-date=11 January 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref> as the standard infantry weapon. The [[Philippines]] also received a limited number and is used by the [[Philippine National Police]] [[Special Action Force]].<ref name="Article">{{cite web|url=http://www.riflesnguns.com/node/649 |title=Famas F-1 |access-date=10 December 2008 |publisher=Rifles n Guns |date=2 January 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070222055838/http://www.riflesnguns.com/node/649 |archive-date=22 February 2007}}</ref>
+Officially, operational conditions proved the weapon to be reliable and trustworthy under combat conditions. It is known affectionally by French troops as "The [[Bugle]]" ({{Langx|fr|Le Clairon}}) due to its distinctive shape.<ref name="FAMAS">{{Cite web |last=Eger |first=Chris |title=FAMAS BULLPUP ASSAULT RIFLES: LE 'BUGLE' (VIDEO) |url=https://www.guns.com/news/2014/03/26/famas-bullpup-assault-rifles-le-bugle-video |website=Guns.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=FA-MAS F1 Manual English |url=https://www.forgottenweapons.com/wp-content/uploads/manuals/FAMAS%20F1%20manual%20English.pdf |website=FA-MAS 5,56 F1}}</ref>
 ===Replacement===
 [[File:Legionnaires.jpg|thumb|Legionnaires from the 2nd Foreign Parachute Regiment during a patrol with the new standard-issue assault rifle of the French Armed Forces, the HK416F]]
-In 2017, the French armed forces began retiring the FAMAS in favour of the German-made [[Heckler & Koch HK416|HK416]].
+In 2017, the French armed forces began retiring the FAMAS in favour of the German-made [[Heckler & Koch HK416|HK-416]].
-When the Manufacture d'Armes de Saint-Etienne (MAS) factory closed in 2002, no more domestic rifles could be made. The last batch of newly produced FAMAS, built in 2002, saw more than a decade of heavy service by 2016. As of 2014, the French armed forces currently use an estimated 400,000 FAMAS F1 and G2 rifles still stored in their arsenal.<ref>[http://www.janes.com/article/38273/france-launches-famas-replacement-tender France launches FAMAS replacement tender] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140524022855/http://www.janes.com/article/38273/france-launches-famas-replacement-tender |date=24 May 2014 }} – IHS Jane's Defence Weekly, 22 May 2014</ref> The military also ceased manufacture of special steel-case ammunition for the FAMAS.<ref name="secretdefense.blogs.liberation.fr" /> Because the FAMAS did not function properly with [[NATO]] standard brass-cased ammunition (chamber fluting can allow the F1 to use brass cases but only G2 rifles can use common STANAG magazines),<ref name="secretdefense.blogs.liberation.fr" /> and coupled with concern over the age of existing weapons, the French military sought a replacement for the FAMAS.
+When the [[Manufacture d'Armes de Saint-Etienne]] (MAS) factory closed in 2002, no more domestic rifles could be made. The last batch of newly produced FAMAS, built in 2002, saw more than a decade of heavy service by 2016. As of 2014, the French armed forces currently use an estimated 400,000 FAMAS F1 and G2 rifles still stored in their arsenal.<ref>[http://www.janes.com/article/38273/france-launches-famas-replacement-tender France launches FAMAS replacement tender] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140524022855/http://www.janes.com/article/38273/france-launches-famas-replacement-tender |date=24 May 2014 }} – IHS Jane's Defence Weekly, 22 May 2014</ref> The military also ceased manufacture of special steel-case ammunition for the FAMAS.<ref name="secretdefense.blogs.liberation.fr" /> Because the FAMAS did not function properly with [[NATO]] standard brass-cased ammunition (chamber fluting can allow the F1 to use brass cases but only G2 rifles can use common STANAG magazines),<ref name="secretdefense.blogs.liberation.fr" /> and coupled with concern over the age of existing weapons, the French military sought a replacement for the FAMAS.
 In May 2014, the French [[Ministry of Armed Forces (France)|Ministry of Armed Forces]] announced a European Union-wide tender for a minimum of 90,000 rifles and carbines to be issued across the entire French armed forces.<ref>{{Cite web|title = France Launches Program to Replace FAMAS Rifle - The Firearm Blog|url = http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2014/05/20/france-launches-program-replace-famas-rifle/|website = The Firearm Blog|date = 20 May 2014|access-date = 2016-01-30|language = en-US|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150717180033/http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2014/05/20/france-launches-program-replace-famas-rifle/|archive-date = 17 July 2015|url-status = live}}</ref> In August 2016, the Ministry selected Heckler and Koch's [[HK416]] to replace the FAMAS as the new general-issue service rifle.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2016/08/30/breaking-next-french-infantry-rifle-german-heckler-koch-reportedly-wins-french-aif-rifle-competition/|title=BREAKING: The Next French Infantry Rifle Is German - Heckler & Koch Reportedly WINS French AIF Rifle Competition - The Firearm Blog|date=30 August 2016|access-date=10 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160913094959/http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2016/08/30/breaking-next-french-infantry-rifle-german-heckler-koch-reportedly-wins-french-aif-rifle-competition/|archive-date=13 September 2016|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="janes.com">http://www.janes.com/article/64230/french-army-selects-hk416-to-replace-famas {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161003135923/http://www.janes.com/article/64230/french-army-selects-hk416-to-replace-famas |date=3 October 2016 }} French Army selects HK416 to replace FAMAS. Nicholas de Larrinaga. London. IHS Jane's Defence Weekly. 30 September 2016</ref> Under the contract, the new rifle was designated as the HK416F, with 'F' standing for French version.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.defense.gouv.fr/actualites/communaute-defense/la-dga-attribue-le-marche-de-l-arme-individuelle-future-aif |title=La DGA attribue le marché de l'Arme Individuelle Future (AIF) |access-date=13 October 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161014062548/http://www.defense.gouv.fr/actualites/communaute-defense/la-dga-attribue-le-marche-de-l-arme-individuelle-future-aif |archive-date=14 October 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref> 16,000 rifles will be annually purchased until a final total of 90,000 to 102,000 rifles are delivered. The new rifles are expected to remain in active French service for at least 30 years.<ref name="janes.com"/><ref>[http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2016/09/14/breaking-heckler-koch-confirmed-winner-french-aif-rifle-contract-fn-appeal-french-decision/ BREAKING: Heckler & Koch CONFIRMED Winner of French AIF Rifle Contract; FN to Appeal French Decision] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160918105644/http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2016/09/14/breaking-heckler-koch-confirmed-winner-french-aif-rifle-contract-fn-appeal-french-decision/ |date=18 September 2016 }} - Thefirearmblog.com, 14 September 2016</ref>
@@ Line 77: / Line 87: @@
 [[File:FAMAS Bolt-gr.PNG|thumb|A schematic of the lever-delayed blowback mechanism used in the FAMAS]]
-The FAMAS is a [[bullpup]] assault rifle, where the ammunition feed is behind the trigger. The receiver housing is made of a special steel alloy, and the rifle furniture is made of fibreglass. The rifle uses a [[Blowback (arms)#Lever-delayed|lever-delayed blowback]] action, an action type also used in the French [[AA-52 machine gun]] derived from the prototypes built during Army Technical Department tests having taken place between the First and Second World Wars.
+The FAMAS is a [[bullpup]] assault rifle, where the ammunition feed is behind the trigger. The receiver housing is made of a special steel alloy, and the rifle furniture is made of fibreglass.
+The FAMAS uses a [[Blowback (arms)#Lever-delayed|lever-delayed blowback]] action, an action type also used in the French [[AA-52 machine gun]] derived from the prototypes built during Army Technical Department tests having taken place between the First and Second World Wars.
+The FAMAS is known<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-08-26 |title=FAMAS Commando Prototypes |url=https://www.forgottenweapons.com/famas-commando-prototypes/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230826212739/https://www.forgottenweapons.com/famas-commando-prototypes/ |archive-date=26 August 2023 |access-date=2023-08-26}}</ref> for its high rate of fire of around 900–1,100 rounds per minute.<ref name="NI" />
 ===Ergonomics===
 [[File:FAMAS Infanterie 2REI.jpg|thumb|Soldier of the [[2nd Foreign Infantry Regiment]] using FAMAS Infanterie upgraded with an [[Aimpoint]] [[red dot sight]]]]
-Fire mode is controlled by a selector within the trigger guard, with three settings: safe (central position), single shot (to the right), and automatic fire (to the left). Automatic fire can be in three-shot bursts (''rafale'') or fully automatic; this is determined by another selector, located under the housing and behind the magazine.
+Fire mode is controlled by a selector within the trigger guard, with three settings: safe (central position), single shot (to the right), and automatic fire (to the left). Automatic fire can be in three-shot bursts ({{Langx|fr|rafale}}) or fully automatic; this is determined by another selector, located under the housing and behind the magazine.
 The FAMAS G2 weighs {{convert|3.8|kg|lb|2|abbr=on}}. The G1 and G2 have a large, grip-length trigger guard like that of the [[Steyr AUG]] to allow easy access to the trigger when wearing gloves.
@@ Line 93: / Line 107: @@
 [[File:Fusilier marin remise des fourragère le 06 juin 2009. Recadré.jpg|thumb|A fusilier marin with his FAMAS G2]]
-The FAMAS uses a delayed blowback operating system that functions best with French-specified steel-casing 5.56×45mm ammunition. Using standard brass-casing [[5.56×45mm NATO]] ammunition employed by other armies can create over-pressure and case ruptures in the FAMAS during extraction, which can lead to severe malfunctions.<ref name="secretdefense.blogs.liberation.fr">{{Cite web |url=http://secretdefense.blogs.liberation.fr/defense/2009/09/larm%C3%A9e-a-de-s%C3%A9rieuses-difficult%C3%A9s-avec-les-munitions-du-fusil-famas.html |title=L'armée rencontre de sérieuses difficultés avec les munitions du fusil Famas |access-date=3 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150111004617/http://secretdefense.blogs.liberation.fr/defense/2009/09/larm%C3%A9e-a-de-s%C3%A9rieuses-difficult%C3%A9s-avec-les-munitions-du-fusil-famas.html |archive-date=11 January 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref> Using incorrectly built ammunition also results in approximately two minor injuries for every million rounds fired from a FAMAS.<ref name="secretdefense.blogs.liberation.fr"/> As a result, the French military has discreetly banned the use of foreign-produced ammunition in all French-issued FAMAS.<ref name="secretdefense.blogs.liberation.fr"/> However, fluting the chamber will completely remove these malfunctions, although the brass casings will still be deformed and will not be able to be reloaded without reshaping.
+The FAMAS uses a delayed blowback operating system that functions best with French-specified steel-casing 5.56×45mm ammunition. Using standard brass-casing [[5.56×45mm NATO]] ammunition employed by other armies can create over-pressure and case ruptures in the FAMAS during extraction, which can lead to severe malfunctions.<ref name="secretdefense.blogs.liberation.fr">{{Cite web |url=http://secretdefense.blogs.liberation.fr/defense/2009/09/larm%C3%A9e-a-de-s%C3%A9rieuses-difficult%C3%A9s-avec-les-munitions-du-fusil-famas.html |title=L'armée rencontre de sérieuses difficultés avec les munitions du fusil Famas |access-date=3 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150111004617/http://secretdefense.blogs.liberation.fr/defense/2009/09/larm%C3%A9e-a-de-s%C3%A9rieuses-difficult%C3%A9s-avec-les-munitions-du-fusil-famas.html |archive-date=11 January 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref>
+Using incorrectly built ammunition also results in approximately two minor injuries for every million rounds fired from a FAMAS.<ref name="secretdefense.blogs.liberation.fr" /> As a result, the French military has discreetly banned the use of foreign-produced ammunition in all French-issued FAMAS.<ref name="secretdefense.blogs.liberation.fr" />
+However, fluting the chamber will completely remove these malfunctions, although the brass casings will still be deformed and will not be able to be reloaded without reshaping.
 The FAMAS F1 uses a proprietary 25-round magazine. It has a chrome-lined barrel with 1 turn in 12 inch (1:12 inch) rifling and functions best with the {{convert|55|gr|g|abbr=on}} (M193 type) ammunition. When using the French made 5.56&nbsp;mm {{convert|55|gr|g|abbr=on}} ammo it has a muzzle velocity of {{convert|3150|ft/s|m/s|abbr=on}}.<ref name="HoggWeeks2000">{{cite book |title=Military Small Arms of the 20th Century |edition=7 |last1=Hogg |first1=Ian V. |last2=Weeks |first2=John S. |publisher=Krause Publications |year=2000 |pages=238–239 |isbn=978-0873418249}}</ref>
@@ Line 111: / Line 129: @@
 ** with the FAMAS inclined by 45°, allowing fire from {{convert|120|to|340|m|abbr=on}}
 ** with the FAMAS inclined by 75°, allowing fire from {{convert|60|to|170|m|abbr=on}}
-In indirect fire mode the grenade support (more exactly named "grenade enforcement ring" in French) is moved forwards or backwards on the barrel which has markings (12/13?). This changes the position of the grenade on the barrel and automatically the volume of the chamber in which the gas expands to push the grenade forward. Each position of the grenade support has a number which is multiplied by a certain fixed number depending on the alidade position, 45° or 75°; this will accurately indicate the firing distance of the grenade.
+In indirect fire mode, the grenade support (more exactly named "grenade enforcement ring" in French) is moved forward or backwards on the barrel which has markings (12/13?). This changes the position of the grenade on the barrel and automatically the volume of the chamber in which the gas expands to push the grenade forward.
+Each position of the grenade support has a number which is multiplied by a certain fixed number depending on the alidade position, 45° or 75°; this will accurately indicate the firing distance of the grenade.
 The FAMAS can also accommodate an external grenade launcher as an add-on module under the hand guard; the US [[M203 grenade launcher]] is sometimes used.
@@ Line 139: / Line 159: @@
 }}]]
-After adoption by the French military, the FAMAS F1 replaced both the aging [[MAS 49]]/56 rifle and [[MAT-49]] [[submachine gun]]. Approximately 400,000 FAMAS F1 assault rifles were produced by MAS. While a capable rifle, the F1 had numerous problems to overcome. For instance, many plastic pieces on the rifle easily broke, including critical parts like the cheek riser. The FAMAS was also susceptible to malfunction on occasion due to poorly built, or rather improperly used, magazines. The FAMAS was designed around the concept of single-use, disposable magazines; when the limited budget of the French military forced soldiers to repeatedly reuse the disposable magazines, the FAMAS would experience malfunctions. MAS would eventually manufacture more durable magazines for the FAMAS that improved reliability.
+After adoption by the French military, the FAMAS F1 replaced both the aging [[MAS 49]]/56 rifle and [[MAT-49]] [[submachine gun]]. Approximately 400,000 FAMAS F1 assault rifles were produced by MAS.
+While a capable rifle, the F1 had numerous problems to overcome. For instance, many plastic pieces on the rifle easily broke, including critical parts like the cheek riser. The FAMAS was also susceptible to malfunction on occasion due to poorly built, or rather improperly used, magazines.
+The FAMAS was designed around the concept of single-use, disposable magazines; when the limited budget of the French military forced soldiers to repeatedly reuse the disposable magazines, the FAMAS would experience malfunctions.
+MAS would eventually manufacture more durable magazines for the FAMAS that improved reliability.
 ===FAMAS G1===
-The F1 was followed by the G1 version that included several minor improvements, such as redesigned grips and an enlarged trigger guard for operation with gloves.{{cn|date=January 2024}} However, the G1 remained conceptual and was never actually produced.
+The F1 was followed by the G1 version that included several minor improvements, such as redesigned grips and an enlarged trigger guard for operation with gloves.{{cn|date=January 2024}}
 ===FAMAS G2===
 [[File:FAMAS-G2-IMG 8894-white.jpg|thumb|FAMAS G2 with bayonet]]
-The FAMAS G2 was developed in 1994 to comply with NATO standards by accepting standard [[STANAG magazine|NATO magazines]] and by employing tighter barrel rifling to accurately fire both older 5.56&nbsp;mm {{convert|55|gr|g|abbr=on}} ammunition and new standard [[5.56×45mm NATO]] {{convert|62|gr|g|abbr=on}} ammunition.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Morgan|first=Martin|title=Classic Guns: French FAMAS Bullpup Rifle|url=https://www.shootingillustrated.com/articles/2018/9/13/classic-guns-french-famas-bullpup-rifle/|website=Shooting Illustrated}}</ref> The ammunition specific lever-delayed blowback mechanism of the FAMAS F1 designed around French {{convert|55|gr|g|abbr=on}} steel cased ammunition was slightly revised for reliably using 5.56×45mm NATO ammunition. The FAMAS G2 also included several other upgrades taken from the G1 model, such as an enlarged trigger guard and improved hand guards made from reinforced fiberglass instead of plastic, and also the ability to take standard brass cased ammunition as well as French made steel ammunition. The [[French Navy]] purchased the FAMAS G2 in 1995 and issued it to their [[Fusiliers Marins]] and [[Naval commandos (France)|Commandos Marine]]. However, the French army refused to purchase the G2, preferring to rely on the FAMAS F1 as their primary rifle.
+The FAMAS G2 was developed in 1994 to comply with NATO standards by accepting standard [[STANAG magazine|NATO magazines]] and by employing tighter barrel rifling to accurately fire both older 5.56&nbsp;mm {{convert|55|gr|g|abbr=on}} ammunition and new standard [[5.56×45mm NATO]] {{convert|62|gr|g|abbr=on}} ammunition.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Morgan|first=Martin|title=Classic Guns: French FAMAS Bullpup Rifle|url=https://www.shootingillustrated.com/articles/2018/9/13/classic-guns-french-famas-bullpup-rifle/|website=Shooting Illustrated}}</ref>
+The ammunition specific lever-delayed blowback mechanism of the FAMAS F1 designed around French {{convert|55|gr|g|abbr=on}} steel cased ammunition was slightly revised for reliably using 5.56×45mm NATO ammunition.
 The FAMAS G2 features a larger trigger guard compared to the F1, a redesigned magwell and magazine catch accepting [[STANAG magazine]]s, a small hand-guard protrusion (bump) on the front of fore-stock under the muzzle, a 1/9 inch rifling twist, instead of the 1/12 inch rifling twist of the F1.
+The FAMAS G2 also included several other upgrades taken from the G1 model, such as an enlarged trigger guard and improved hand guards made from reinforced fiberglass instead of plastic, and also the ability to take standard brass cased ammunition as well as French made steel ammunition.
+The [[French Navy]] purchased the FAMAS G2 in 1995 and issued it to their [[Fusiliers Marins]] and [[Naval commandos (France)|Commandos Marine]]. However, the French army refused to purchase the G2, preferring to rely on the FAMAS F1 as their primary rifle.
 ===FAMAS Infantry===
@@ Line 155: / Line 187: @@
 ===FAMAS FÉLIN===
-The FAMAS FÉLIN was developed from the G2 as part of the Infantryman programme with integrated equipment and links (FÉLIN)
+The FAMAS FÉLIN was developed from the G2 as part of the Infantryman programme with integrated equipment and links (Félin). An improved version of the FAMAS F1 is integrated in the [[Félin]] system.
-An improved version of the FAMAS F1 is integrated in the [[Félin]] system.
+===FAMAS Valorisé===
+A FAMAS F1 whose carry handle has been replaced by the new version intended for the FAMAS Félin, lowered and originally equipped with 2 Picatinny rails.
-===FAMAS Valorisé===
+In addition, the bipod joint has been moved back about ten centimetres and each foot is now bent in 2 points forward, so that in the folded position they do not interfere with the ejection of empty cases.
-A FAMAS F1 whose carry handle has been replaced by the new version intended for the FAMAS Félin, lowered and originally equipped with 2 Picatinny rails. In addition, the bipod joint has been moved back about ten centimetres and each foot is now bent in 2 points forward, so that in the folded position they do not interfere with the ejection of empty cases.
 ===FAMAS Commando===
-The FAMAS Commando was a short-barrelled version of the FAMAS G2 for international exports, with a barrel length of 285mm (11.2 in) without the integrated bipod. Prototypes of the weapon differ, with different iron sights and ergonomics. The FAMAS saw no international interest and only initial prototypes of the Commando exist and solely kept by the French Ministry of the Interior.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.forgottenweapons.com/famas-commando-prototypes/|title = FAMAS Commando Prototypes|date = 17 July 2020}}</ref>
+The FAMAS Commando was a short-barrelled version of the FAMAS G2 for international exports, with a barrel length of 285mm (11.2 in) without the integrated bipod. Prototypes of the weapon differ, with different iron sights and ergonomics.
+The FAMAS Commando saw no international interest and only initial prototypes exist and solely kept by the French Ministry of the Interior.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.forgottenweapons.com/famas-commando-prototypes/|title = FAMAS Commando Prototypes|date = 17 July 2020}}</ref>
 ==Conflicts==
@@ Line 190: / Line 224: @@
 <!--READ FIRST: This section is for cited entries only. Please do not add entries into this list without a citation from a reliable source. All entries without a citation will be removed. Thank you.-->
-* {{flag|Brazil}}: Special forces<ref>{{Cite web |title=ELITES OF THE EXÉRCITO BRASILEIRO – Small Arms Review |date=11 March 2011 |url=https://smallarmsreview.com/elites-of-the-exercito-brasileiro/ |access-date=2022-10-19 |language=en-US}}</ref>
-*{{CMR}}<ref>{{cite news|title=Des militaires camerounais arrêtés au Tchad|url=https://www.bbc.com/afrique/region-39857709|language=fr|work=[[BBC News]]|date=9 May 2017|access-date=12 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180912105234/https://www.bbc.com/afrique/region-39857709|archive-date=12 September 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>
+* {{flag|Argentina}}: G2 types bought in the 1990s for the Amphibious Commando Group.<ref name="spfamas">https://www.safar-publishing.com/post/non-french-use-of-the-famas-rifle</ref>
-* {{CAF}}<ref>{{cite book|title=The Central African Republic and Small Arms: A Regional Tinderbox|first1=Eric G.|last1=Berman|first2=Louisa N.|last2=Lombard|date=December 2008|publisher=[[Small Arms Survey]]|isbn=978-2-8288-0103-8|url=http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/fileadmin/docs/D-Book-series/book-07-CAR/SAS-Central-African-Republic-and-Small-Arms.pdf|pages=82, 94|access-date=4 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170107035838/http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/fileadmin/docs/D-Book-series/book-07-CAR/SAS-Central-African-Republic-and-Small-Arms.pdf|archive-date=7 January 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>
+* {{flag|Brazil}}: Special forces.<ref>{{Cite web |title=ELITES OF THE EXÉRCITO BRASILEIRO – Small Arms Review |date=11 March 2011 |url=https://smallarmsreview.com/elites-of-the-exercito-brasileiro/ |access-date=2022-10-19 |language=en-US}}</ref>
-* {{flag|Chad}}: Presidential Guard<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.france24.com/fr/20080318-lopposant-tchadien-saleh-toujours-porte-disparu-tchad-reportage|title=L'opposant tchadien Saleh toujours porté disparu|date=18 March 2008|publisher=[[France 24]]|access-date=16 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181016130017/https://www.france24.com/fr/20080318-lopposant-tchadien-saleh-toujours-porte-disparu-tchad-reportage|archive-date=16 October 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> and Army<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ecpad.fr/tchad-instruction-de-70-eleves-officiers-tchadiens-au-combat-dinfanterie/|website=ecpad.fr|publisher=[[Ministry of the Armed Forces (France)|French Ministry of Defense]]|title=Tchad : Instruction de 70 élèves-officiers tchadiens au combat d'infanterie|date=30 March 2015|access-date=16 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181016125947/http://www.ecpad.fr/tchad-instruction-de-70-eleves-officiers-tchadiens-au-combat-dinfanterie/|archive-date=16 October 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>
+* {{flag|Cambodia}}: Used by Cambodian troops during the coup in 1997.<ref name="spfamas"/>
+* {{flag|Cameroon}}: Used by BIR.<ref>{{cite news|title=Des militaires camerounais arrêtés au Tchad|url=https://www.bbc.com/afrique/region-39857709|language=fr|work=[[BBC News]]|date=9 May 2017|access-date=12 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180912105234/https://www.bbc.com/afrique/region-39857709|archive-date=12 September 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>
+* {{flag|Central African Republic}}<ref>{{cite book|title=The Central African Republic and Small Arms: A Regional Tinderbox|first1=Eric G.|last1=Berman|first2=Louisa N.|last2=Lombard|date=December 2008|publisher=[[Small Arms Survey]]|isbn=978-2-8288-0103-8|url=http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/fileadmin/docs/D-Book-series/book-07-CAR/SAS-Central-African-Republic-and-Small-Arms.pdf|pages=82, 94|access-date=4 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170107035838/http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/fileadmin/docs/D-Book-series/book-07-CAR/SAS-Central-African-Republic-and-Small-Arms.pdf|archive-date=7 January 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>
+* {{flag|Chad}}: Presidential Guard<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.france24.com/fr/20080318-lopposant-tchadien-saleh-toujours-porte-disparu-tchad-reportage|title=L'opposant tchadien Saleh toujours porté disparu|date=18 March 2008|publisher=[[France 24]]|access-date=16 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181016130017/https://www.france24.com/fr/20080318-lopposant-tchadien-saleh-toujours-porte-disparu-tchad-reportage|archive-date=16 October 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> and Army.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ecpad.fr/tchad-instruction-de-70-eleves-officiers-tchadiens-au-combat-dinfanterie/|website=ecpad.fr|publisher=[[Ministry of the Armed Forces (France)|French Ministry of Defense]]|title=Tchad : Instruction de 70 élèves-officiers tchadiens au combat d'infanterie|date=30 March 2015|access-date=16 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181016125947/http://www.ecpad.fr/tchad-instruction-de-70-eleves-officiers-tchadiens-au-combat-dinfanterie/|archive-date=16 October 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>
 * {{flag|Djibouti}}<ref name="jones2009">Jones, Richard D. ''Jane's Infantry Weapons 2009/2010''. Jane's Information Group; 35 edition (27 January 2009). {{ISBN|978-0-7106-2869-5}}.</ref>
 * {{flag|France}}: Used by the [[GIGN]] and [[French Armed Forces]] since 1979, with over 700,000 rifles purchased.<ref name="marchington2004">Marchington, James (2004). ''The Encyclopedia of Handheld Weapons''. Lewis International, Inc. {{ISBN|1-930983-14-X}}</ref> Began to be replaced by the [[Heckler & Koch HK416]] starting in 2017.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Mizokami|first=Kyle|title=How The FAMAS Rifle Became A Game-Changer for the French Military|url=https://nationalinterest.org/blog/buzz/how-famas-rifle-became-game-changer-french-military-104422|website=National Interest|date=13 December 2019}}</ref> Also used by several [[Law enforcement in France|law enforcement agencies]].<ref name="marchington2004" />
@@ Line 202: / Line 239: @@
 * {{flagicon image|Flag_of_FLNKS.svg}} [[Kanak and Socialist National Liberation Front]]<ref name="New Caledonia" />
 * {{flag|Lebanon}}<ref name="jones2009" />
-* {{flag|Papua New Guinea}}<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/world/pngs-mutineers-trade-guns-for-amnesty/story-e6frg6so-1226257690011 | title=PNG's mutineers trade guns for amnesty | date=31 January 2012 | work=The Australian | access-date=29 February 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120207141623/http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/world/pngs-mutineers-trade-guns-for-amnesty/story-e6frg6so-1226257690011 | archive-date=7 February 2012 | url-status=live }}</ref>
+* {{flag|Papua New Guinea}}: Used in 2012 mutiny, likely "acquired" from F1 rifle stocks in Vanuatu.<ref name="spfamas"/><ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/world/pngs-mutineers-trade-guns-for-amnesty/story-e6frg6so-1226257690011 | title=PNG's mutineers trade guns for amnesty | date=31 January 2012 | work=The Australian | access-date=29 February 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120207141623/http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/world/pngs-mutineers-trade-guns-for-amnesty/story-e6frg6so-1226257690011 | archive-date=7 February 2012 | url-status=live }}</ref>
-* {{flag|Russia}}: Some captured by Russian troops.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://armourersbench.com/2024/06/09/famas-in-ukraine/ | title=FAMAS in Ukraine | date=9 June 2024 }}</ref>
+* {{flag|Russia}}: Some captured by Russian troops in the Russo-Ukrainian War.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://armourersbench.com/2024/06/09/famas-in-ukraine/ | title=FAMAS in Ukraine | date=9 June 2024 }}</ref>
 * {{flag|Senegal}}<ref name="NMAA">{{cite web|first1=Jeremy |last1=Binnie|first2=Erwan|last2= de Cherisey|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170622123315/http://www.janes.com/images/assets/520/71520/New-model_African_armies.pdf|title= New-model African armies|publisher= Jane's|date= 2017|archive-date= 22 June 2017|url=http://www.janes.com/images/assets/520/71520/New-model_African_armies.pdf}}</ref>
-* {{flag|Suriname}}: On September 14-15, 2023, an unknown number of FAMAS were donated to the Suriname army to help them fight against illegal fishing and [[Placer mining|gold mining]]<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-09-24 |title=L'armée française donne ses fusils FAMAS désormais inutilisés à l'armée du Suriname |url=https://www.lefigaro.fr/international/l-armee-francaise-donne-ses-fusils-famas-desormais-inutilises-a-l-armee-du-surinam-20230924 |access-date=2023-09-25 |website=Le Figaro}}</ref> The weapons were awarded in a ceremony attended by French ambassador, Nicolas de Lacoste.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://armyrecognition.com/defense_news_september_2023_global_security_army_industry/suriname_armed_forces_receive_french_famas_assault_rifles.html | title=Suriname armed forces receive French FAMAS assault rifles &#124; Defense News September 2023 Global Security army industry &#124; Defense Security global news industry army year 2023 &#124; Archive News year | date=25 September 2023 }}</ref>
+* {{flag|Suriname}}: On September 14-15, 2023, an unknown number of FAMAS were donated to the Suriname army to help them fight against illegal fishing and [[Placer mining|gold mining]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-09-24 |title=L'armée française donne ses fusils FAMAS désormais inutilisés à l'armée du Suriname |url=https://www.lefigaro.fr/international/l-armee-francaise-donne-ses-fusils-famas-desormais-inutilises-a-l-armee-du-surinam-20230924 |access-date=2023-09-25 |website=Le Figaro}}</ref>
-* {{flag|Syria}}: A few FAMAS F1s used by the [[Syrian Arab Army]], [[Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant|Islamic State]] and [[Peshmerga|Kurds]]<ref name="Syria">{{cite news|title=Des Famas en Syrie, preuve que la France arme les islamistes?|language=fr|url=http://www.francesoir.fr/politique-monde/des-famas-en-syrie-preuve-que-la-france-arme-les-islamistes|date=30 August 2018|work=[[France-Soir]]|access-date=12 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180912130959/http://www.francesoir.fr/politique-monde/des-famas-en-syrie-preuve-que-la-france-arme-les-islamistes|archive-date=12 September 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>
+* {{flag|Syria}}: FAMAS F1s used by the [[Syrian Arab Army]], [[Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant|Islamic State]] and [[Peshmerga|Kurds]].<ref name="Syria">{{cite news|title=Des Famas en Syrie, preuve que la France arme les islamistes?|language=fr|url=http://www.francesoir.fr/politique-monde/des-famas-en-syrie-preuve-que-la-france-arme-les-islamistes|date=30 August 2018|work=[[France-Soir]]|access-date=12 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180912130959/http://www.francesoir.fr/politique-monde/des-famas-en-syrie-preuve-que-la-france-arme-les-islamistes|archive-date=12 September 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>
-* {{flag|Ukraine}}: 1,000 delivered by France in response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.<ref name="MAF">{{cite web |last1=Ministry of Armed Forces (France) |title=Ukraine: la France dresse le bilan des équipements militaires livrés |url=https://www.defense.gouv.fr/actualites/ukraine-france-dresse-bilan-equipements-militaires-livres |website=Ministère des Armées |access-date=4 March 2024 |language=fr |date=4 March 2024 |author1-link=Ministry of Armed Forces (France) }}</ref>
+* {{flag|Ukraine}}: 1,000 FAMAS delivered by France in response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.<ref name="MAF">{{cite web |last1=Ministry of Armed Forces (France) |title=Ukraine: la France dresse le bilan des équipements militaires livrés |url=https://www.defense.gouv.fr/actualites/ukraine-france-dresse-bilan-equipements-militaires-livres |website=Ministère des Armées |access-date=4 March 2024 |language=fr |date=4 March 2024 |author1-link=Ministry of Armed Forces (France) }}</ref>
 * {{flag|United Arab Emirates}}<ref name="bishop1998">Bishop, Chris. ''Guns in Combat''. Chartwell Books, Inc (1998). {{ISBN|0-7858-0844-2}}.</ref>
-* {{flag|Vanuatu}}<ref>{{cite web|url=http://modestclub.com/wp-content/themes/thematic/lib/vanuatu%20daily%20newspaper-74754.html |title=Vanuatu Daily Newspaper |work=modestclub.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131104191621/http://modestclub.com/wp-content/themes/thematic/lib/vanuatu%20daily%20newspaper-74754.html |archive-date= 4 November 2013 }}</ref>
+* {{flag|Vanuatu}}: Provided by France as military assistance to [[Vanuatu Mobile Forces]] to replace their [[L1A1 Self-Loading Rifle]]s in 2009.<ref>https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/187375/vanuatu-mobile-force-replaces-its-firearms</ref> Reportedly used FAMAS F1s in 1994.<ref name="spfamas"/>
+===Non-state actors===
+* {{flagdeco|Iraq|1991}} [[Iraqi insurgency (2003–11)|Iraqi insurgents]]<ref name="SAS 2012 10">{{cite book|url=http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/publications/by-type/yearbook/small-arms-survey-2012.html|chapter-url=http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/fileadmin/docs/A-Yearbook/2012/eng/Small-Arms-Survey-2012-Chapter-10-EN.pdf|chapter=Surveying the Battlefield: Illicit Arms in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Somalia|title=Small Arms Survey 2012: Moving Targets|publisher=[[Cambridge University Press]]|year=2012|author=Small Arms Survey|author-link=Small Arms Survey|pages=320–321|isbn=978-0-521-19714-4|access-date=30 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180831002411/http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/publications/by-type/yearbook/small-arms-survey-2012.html|archive-date=31 August 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref>
+* {{flag|ISIS}}<ref name="Syria"/>
+* {{flag|Kurdistan}}: [[Peshmerga]]<ref name="Syria"/>
+* {{flagicon image|Flag_of_FLNKS.svg}} [[Kanak and Socialist National Liberation Front]]<ref name="New Caledonia" />
+* [[Taliban]]: Captured from French troops killed in Afghanistan.<ref name="Syria"/>
 ==See also==

FAMAS: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 04:50, 18 November 2025

Contents

History

Service

Replacement

Design details

Action

Ergonomics

Ammunition

Rifle grenades

Variants

FAMAS F1

FAMAS G1

FAMAS G2

FAMAS Infantry

FAMAS FÉLIN

FAMAS Valorisé

FAMAS Commando

Conflicts

Users

Non-state actors

See also

Sources and references

External links

Navigation menu

FAMAS: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 04:50, 18 November 2025

History

Service

Replacement

Design details

Action

Ergonomics

Ammunition

Rifle grenades

Variants

FAMAS F1

FAMAS G1

FAMAS G2

FAMAS Infantry

FAMAS FÉLIN

FAMAS Valorisé

FAMAS Commando

Conflicts

Users

Non-state actors

See also

Sources and references

External links

Navigation menu

Search