U.S. Special Operations Command is looking for a new machine gun that weighs about 10 pounds and fires 5.56x45mm NATO rounds. The Flyweight Assault Machine Gun would replace the Mk 46, which has been in service for about 30 years.
The command expects to award a contract for the machine gun in late next year and start fielding the weapon in fiscal year 2028 after testing has been completed.
The new machine gun must have a maximum length of 39 inches, an effective range of at least 500 meters, a quick-change barrel, and a collapsable buttstock. It should also be compatible with SOCOM's Visual Augmentation Systems and Weapon Accessories.
