The U.S. Army's ongoing Next Generation Squad Weapon (NGSW) program will determine which firearm will replace the M4 carbine and the M249 SAW. Eventually, the NGSW could replace the M240 medium machine gun as well. However, it seems that the FN America-produced M240 could be sticking around a little longer.

On Monday, a Department of Defense (DoD) notice stated that FN American—a business unit of the Belgium-based FN Hertsal—had been awarded a new contract for the production of the M240L variant.

"FN America LLC, Columbia, South Carolina, was awarded a $49,973,579 firm-fixed-price contract for M240L medium machine guns and titanium receivers. Bids were solicited via the internet with two received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of Jan. 27, 2027. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Newark, New Jersey, is the contracting activity (W15QKN-22-D-0010)," the DoD notice stated.

A Long Haul With the Army

After being adopted by the U.S. Army in 1977, the M240 medium machine gun continues to be used extensively by the infantry and is also employed on ground vehicles, watercraft, and aircraft. While far from the lightest machine gun in terms of weight, it is noted for its reliability.

U.S. Army and U.S. Marine Corps infantry units began using the upgraded M240G and M240B in the mid-90s. The M240L variant, which is five pounds lighter due to its titanium receiver and polymer trigger frame, is equipped with a 21.7-inch quick-change lightweight barrel and a redesigned collapsible buttstock assembly. It’s only 21.7-inches in overall length, and it is also equipped with the forward-mounted MIL-STD 1913 rail kit for use with optics, lights, and laser devices.

The gas-operated medium machine gun is chambered for the 7.62x51mm NATO cartridge. It operates from an open bolt to reduce heat buildup and potential chambered round cook-off. It has a rate of fire of 550 to 650 rounds per minute (RPM).

Making It Silent

Last month, U.S. Army Contracting Command issued a “sources sought” notice, which called for a suppressor that could demonstrate a minimum service life of 10,000 rounds, with a desired service life of 25,000 rounds.

"The suppressor should be able to survive 50 to 125 of the 200 round belt standard duty cycles, in order to achieve the service life to 10,000 to 25,000 rounds," the notice also stated. "The suppressor should weigh between 16 to 56 ounces at zero rounds and should not extend past the end of the muzzle more than 4-10 inches."

In addition, the Contracting Command said that the suppressor should not change the typical cleaning cycle of the M240, which currently consists of a wipe and lube at 2,000 rounds and full cleaning at 4,000 rounds.

Given the investment for the new models and the suppressor, it would seem that the M240L will be in service for many years to come.

Peter Suciu is a Michigan-based writer who has contributed to more than four dozen magazines, newspapers and websites. He regularly writes about military small arms, and is the author of several books on military headgear including A Gallery of Military Headdress, which is available on Amazon.com.

Image: Reuters.