Japan to procure Minimi Mk 3 LMGs, G28 E2 snipers

The FN Minimi Mk 3 is a belt-fed, fully automatic, gas-operated, air-cooled LMG. The barrel of Mk 3 is chambered for 5.56×45 mm, and it is available in two lengths – 349 mm and 465 mm. (FN Herstal)

The Japanese Ministry of Defense (MoD) has selected Belgian armaments manufacturer Fabrique Nationale (FN) Herstal's Minimi Mk 3 light machine guns (LMGs) and German handgun manufacturer Heckler & Koch's (H&K's) G28 E2 anti-personnel sniper guns for the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF).

A spokesperson for the MoD told Janes that the country will procure 514 Minimis for JPY920 million (USD6.88 million) and 182 G28 E2 snipers valued at JPY1.13 billion in 2024. “The models are scheduled to be publicly announced in FY [fiscal year] 2023,” he said.

According to Janes Weapons: Infantry, the Japanese MoD announced in February 2023 that it will purchase 3,100 Minimis worth JPY14.9 billion to replace the Sumitomo Heavy Industries-produced Minimi Mk 1 guns in service with the JGSDF.

At the same time, Japan's Ground Staff Office announced the procurement of 900 G28 E2 snipers to replace the in-service M24A2 sniper rifle.

The spokesperson added that the number of firearms to be procured in 2024 represents only the first batch of the total order, and decisions regarding the remaining batches will be decided after the delivery of the first batch.

The FN Minimi Mk 3 is a belt-fed, fully automatic, gas-operated, air-cooled LMG. The barrel of Mk 3 is chambered for 5.56×45 mm, and it is available in two lengths – 349 mm and 465 mm.