HK416F
Heckler & Koch · Assault Rifle · In Service · 2017
Also known as: HK416F-S, HK416F-C, Fusil d'assaut HK416F
Overview
The HK416F (F for France) is the standard-issue assault rifle of the French Armed Forces, adopted on 22 September 2016 to replace the FAMAS. Based on the HK416A5 platform, it is offered in two configurations: a Standard variant (HK416F-S) with a 14.5-inch (368 mm) barrel and a Short variant (HK416F-C) with an 11-inch (279 mm) barrel. The rifle uses Heckler & Koch's proprietary short-stroke gas piston system derived from the G36, providing improved reliability and reduced fouling versus direct impingement designs. France ordered an initial 93,080 rifles (38,505 standard + 54,575 short), later expanded with additional 12,000-rifle batches.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 4000 g (141.1 oz) |
| Overall Length | 931 mm (36.65") |
| Folded Length | 831 mm (32.72") |
| Barrel Length | 368 mm (14.49") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated Short Stroke |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Two Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 30 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 880 m/s (2887 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 1700 J (1254 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 500 m (547 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 800 m (875 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 850 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 178 mm (7.01") |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Aluminum |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
| Finish | Matte Black |
Calibers
- 5.56x45mm NATO · primary · 5.56 NATO — also known as .223 Remington, 5.56 NATO, SS109, M855
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic, Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine, Stanag Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety Selector, Ambidextrous Safety
- Features: Ambidextrous Controls, Picatinny Rail, Telescoping Stock, Free Floating Barrel, Cold Hammer Forged Barrel, Bayonet Lug, Flash Hider
Variants
- HK416F-C (Court / Short) — Short Barrel
- HK416F-S (Standard) — Standard Barrel
Base model
Service history
Operators
- French Armed Forces · adopted 2017
- French Foreign Legion · adopted 2018
- Gendarmerie Nationale · adopted 2017
Conflicts
- Operation Barkhane (2014-2022)
- Mali War (2012-present)
- Operation Chammal (anti-ISIS) (2014-present)
Production
Estimated total produced: 117,000 · Production years: 2017-present
Initial 93,080 ordered; expanded with subsequent 12,000-rifle batches and additional procurement; total expected 117,000+ for French Armed Forces
Origin
Country of origin: Germany
Designer: Heckler & Koch (German-American team)
Notes
The HK416F endurance specification required 31,000 rounds (including 10,000 blanks) of service life. The rifle is fully compatible with French-issued accessories including the FÉLIN integrated optic system, a 40mm grenade launcher (HK269F), and a dedicated bayonet.
Background
When France adopted the HK416F to replace the iconic French-made FAMAS bullpup, it marked the first time since the 1870s that the French infantryman's standard service rifle was not designed and manufactured in France - a decision that prompted national debate about French defense industrial sovereignty.