First Look: FN ARKA

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FN has just announced the ARKA, a 5.56 rifle that blends AR ergos with the SCAR operating system.

Aiming to meet the demands of modern militaries and law enforcement, FN Herstal has just launched the ARKA, and they’re calling it a next-generation service rifle. Chambered for 5.56x45mm NATO, the ARKA combines the short-stroke piston system of the SCAR with the controls and ergonomics of the AR-15.

Benefits offered by the short-stroke gas system include excellent reliability and optimized function with suppressors. Meanwhile, the AR-style controls offer widespread familiarity and easy manipulation. The AR-inspired controls on the ARKA include its T-shaped charging handle, magazine release, fire selector and bolt catch, all of which are fully ambidextrous as well. The ARKA is also compatible with standard AR-pattern buttstocks and pistol grips.

A few different configurations of the ARKA will be available, including a 14.5-inch barrel version with either a short or long M-LOK handguard and an 11.25-inch barrel version with a short M-LOK handguard. Both are also available in black or FDE. FN also says that the ARKA will be offered with either a select-fire or a semi-auto-only fire control group, but despite that, there’s no word on civilian market sales at this time. At least initially, the ARKA will only be for military and LEO customers.

Christophe Soleil, VP of Small Arms for FN, said this about the ARKA:

FN is pleased to complement its rifle portfolio with this new AR-15-type platform that is built upon the proven performance of the FN SCAR, currently in service with over 20 armed forces worldwide. The FN ARKA provides equivalent levels of reliability, durability, and performance, allowing customers to select the ergonomics and architecture that best suit their preferences.

More information will be available when the ARKA is displayed at EUROSATORY in Paris (June 15-19).

To read more about the FN ARKA, visit fnherstal.com.

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