The increasing complexity of contemporary military operations, particularly in urban and hybrid environments, has brought renewed attention to the squad’s capacity to deliver accurate, sustained fire. At the lowest tactical level, the challenge lies in equipping units with a weapon that is both mobile and capable of fire support. Historically, this has meant accepting compromise. The question today is whether that compromise remains necessary.
The development of the FN EVOLYS® 5.56 ultralight machine gun by FN suggests that it may no longer be.
“Firepower at the squad level has long required a compromise between mobility and volume of fire. That compromise is now being questioned.”
Addressing an Operational Blind Spot
In many NATO and partner nations, infantry squads operate with a mix of assault rifles and belt-fed light machine guns. The weight and role disparity between a 3 to 4 kg rifle and a 7 to 8 kg machine gun often imposes a binary choice on units: either favour mobility and ease of handling, or select a platform with higher sustained fire potential. This structural choice directly influences how squads are composed, how they manoeuvre, and how they deliver fire support in a wide range of missions.
Several efforts have been made to address this gap, notably through the adoption of heavy-barrel weapons aimed at enhancing fire support capabilities within the squad. While these platforms can offer increased endurance, they inherently limit firepower due to their closed bolt design. The balance between firepower and mobility remains difficult to achieve, and current options tend to favour one at the expense of the other.
The need for a belt-fed weapon that combines lightweight design with operational agility therefore remains more relevant than ever. Especially in close-quarters engagements, having a lightweight weapon that can sustain a high level of firepower is crucial to maintaining the upper hand over the threat.
A Lightweight Platform Built for Mobility
The FN EVOLYS® 5.56 was designed with this need in mind. Weighing approximately 5.5 kg, the platform offers a significant reduction in weight compared to legacy light machine guns. Its form factor supports dynamic movement, allowing the operator to engage in tasks such as entering confined spaces, climbing, or responding to threats at elevated angles.
Key design features support this mobility. A side-opening feed cover, monolithic top rail for in-line optics, and simplified reloading system contribute to a more intuitive and efficient handling experience. These are characteristics more commonly associated with rifles than with belt-fed weapons.
“The EVOLYS® doesn’t replace existing systems. It sits in a space that was never truly addressed.”
Selective Fire Control as a Tactical Asset
One of the most distinctive aspects of the FN EVOLYS® is its ability to switch between semi-automatic and full-automatic fire. This enables precision engagement of point targets while still allowing for true suppressive fire when needed.
This level of control improves ammunition efficiency and reduces collateral effects, particularly in dense environments. It also aligns with evolving doctrines that place increasing value on controlled effects, sustainment, and operational agility.
Modern operational contexts also place growing emphasis on reducing a soldier’s acoustic, visual and thermal signature. The FN EVOLYS® was developed with this in mind. Its internal mechanism has been specifically engineered to work effectively with a sound suppressor, reducing back-pressure and minimising gas blowback towards the operator’s face. This allows for discreet engagement without compromising reliability, even during extended firing sequences.
The weapon can be operated in a similar way to a standard rifle, but offers significantly greater firepower when the situation demands it.
“From the outset, the FN EVOLYS® was engineered with suppressor compatibility in mind, ensuring reduced signature and minimal gas blowback without affecting reliability.”
Relevance of 5.56 mm in a Transitional Period
The FN EVOLYS® is chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO, a calibre still in widespread use. It has been made clear that 5.56mm weapons will remain a key component of modern infantry arsenals. Moreover, NATO interoperability continues to depend heavily on this calibre.
In this context, a lightweight 5.56 mm belt-fed system that can be fielded without disrupting logistics or retraining is not only practical, but essential.
“While new calibres are explored, the need for adaptable and efficient 5.56 platforms remains firmly in place.”
Reframing Expectations at Squad Level
The FN EVOLYS® challenges traditional assumptions about what a machine gun should be. Rather than being defined by volume of fire alone, it reflects a shift toward modularity, adaptability, and smart engineering focused on the realities of modern combat.
It is not intended to replace heavier systems such as the FN MINIMI® Light Machine Gun or the FN MAG® General Purpose Machine Gun. Instead, it offers a complementary capability that fills a niche between rifle and light machine gun, particularly for units that operate in complex, close-range or urban settings.
The EVOLYS® is an invitation to reconsider how fire support is delivered at the squad level. Not through more weight or more calibre, but through a better balance of precision, control, and tactical usability.
Learn more about the FN EVOLYS® 5.56 here