McLEAN, Va. – FN Herstal announced today through FNH USA that the Special Operations Forces (SOF) Combat Assault Rifle (SCAR) weapon system (MK 16 and MK17) and the Enhanced Grenade Launcher Module (MK 13) began initial fielding with SOF units in early April 2009. Fielding will continue through the winter of 2009.
The MK 16, MK 17, and MK 13 were officially designated as operationally effective (OE), operationally suitable (OS) and sustainable as a result of a 5-week Field User Assessment conducted by operational SOF forces in late 2008. The OE/OS designation resulted in USSOCOM Commander’s decision to commence the fielding of weapons to the force.
The SCAR system consists of two highly adaptable, modular rifle platforms and a grenade launcher. Now US DoD military-type designated as the MK 16 MOD 0 5.56mm Special Operations Forces Combat Assault Rifle - Light (SCAR-L) and the MK 17 MOD 0 7.62mm Special Operations Forces Combat Assault Rifle – Heavy (SCAR-H), the SCAR platforms are available with three different barrel lengths optimized for conducting operations in close-quarters combat, standard infantry, and longer-range precision fire roles. All SCAR barrels can be easily interchanged by the operator in the field in just minutes to instantly meet the requirements of virtually any mission. The newly designated MK 13 MOD 0 40mm Enhanced Grenade Launcher Module (EGLM) quickly mounts to the underside of either SCAR platform or can be used in a stand-alone platform similar to the M79, providing an additional punch to the individual warfighter’s firepower.
“We at FN are extremely pleased with the OE/OS designation and the initial fielding of the SCAR & EGLM weapon system. It has been a 5-year effort to replace the SOF weapons that the SCAR/EGLM weapon system is designed to replace. SOF operators envisioned, tested, chose, and will now utilize the SCAR weapon system as the next generation assault rifle. The program, now moving into its fifth year, has always held the users’ opinion as the ultimate judge of success,” noted Mark Cherpes, Vice President of Military Operations for FNH USA. “The users’ having confidence to deploy with the weapon speaks volumes for all the SOF operators, USG, USSOCOM, and FN personnel involved in developing the next generation assault rifle. Additionally the SCAR is approved for U.S. Military use through the Joint Requirements Oversight Council (JROC) process,” continued Cherpes.
“The decision to field the SCAR weapon system is the exclamation point we have been waiting for,” noted Gabe Bailey, Marketing Director of Combat Rifles for FNH USA. “The SCAR weapon system and it’s architecture go beyond improving the current weapons in use by SOF units…it provides new benefits and advantages that will enhance mission capability, flexibility, and success like no other weapon system available today.”
The selection of the SCAR in 2004 was the first assault rifle procured by the United States military through a full and open competition since the M4/M16 trials were held in the mid-1960s. Representing the leading edge of current modular assault rifle design, the SCAR development process has covered nearly 5 years thus far and is the result of a close and ongoing interaction between USSOCOM, SOF operators, combat developers, government program office personnel and the engineers and technicians of FN Herstal. Every possible effort has been made to ensure that the new SCAR weapon system is the most reliable, accurate, rugged, safe and ergonomic assault weapon ever to be carried into combat.
FNH USA is the sales and marketing arm of FN Herstal, S. A., Belgium, whose corporate mission is to remain a global leader in the areas of defense, law enforcement and associated commercial markets, providing the highest quality products and the finest in training and logistical support. For further information on FNH USA and the new SCAR and EGLM, please visit www.fnhusa.com.
