FN Herstal Unveils New Tactical Upgrades for the MAG/240 Platform

by Drew Bryant · May 23, 2026

FN Herstal has officially introduced the new FN MAG General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG) Tactical variant, bringing modern ergonomics and optic-focused upgrades to one of the most battle-proven machine guns ever fielded.

The new Tactical variant introduces a specialized Long Rail Conversion Kit designed to modernize the platform while preserving the reliability and durability the FN MAG, also known as the M240 by U.S. military. The M240 has served in the War on Terror and current conflicts around the world.

FN’s latest evolution of the platform focuses on two critical areas for the modern battlefield: dual-optic capability and improved ergonomics.

Built Around Modern Optic Integration

FN MAG GPMG Tactical w/dual optics (Photo: FN)

The biggest upgrade to the Tactical variant is the new 11-inch monolithic Picatinny top rail. FN designed the system to provide roughly 14 inches of usable mounting space for inline optics, thermals, and night vision devices while still retaining the factory iron sights.

The new top cover also incorporates FN’s ambidextrous SIDE-CLICK feed cover latch for easier manipulation from either side of the weapon.

FN’s AUTO-LOCK System

The new FN Auto-Lock w/ maximum 62 degree opening (Photo: FN)

FN also introduced its new AUTO-LOCK retention system for the feed cover. Instead of opening to a full 90 degrees, the cover now stops at 62 degrees to prevent mounted optics from being impacted during loading or malfunction clearing.

The system also holds the top cover open during operation while still allowing full access to the feed tray.

Improved Ergonomics

The Tactical variant also features a redesigned adjustable buttstock with:

3-position adjustable length of pull
6-position adjustable cheek riser
Folding shoulder support
Soft butt pad

These upgrades allow shooters to better tailor the weapon to modern optics, armor setups, and shooting positions.

Below is the press release from FN Herstal on the new tactical variant for the FN MAG GPMG.

Press Release

Machine gunner and his A-gunner on the new FN MAG Tactical (Photo: FN)

Building on the operational legacy of the FN MAG® GPMG, the latest TACTICAL variant has officially arrived. This release introduces a specialised Long Rail Conversion Kit designed to enhance the platform. By focusing on ergonomics and dual optic capability, the update ensures the FN MAG® series remains a dominant force on the evolving battlefield.

Bold. Accurate. Reliable.

By combining over 135 years of engineering mastery with direct feedback from the field, the FN MAG® TACTICAL with Long Rail is a variant of the long-standing, widely used and combat-proven FN MAG® GPMG. Originally developed by FN Herstal, the FN MAG® is a global benchmark, currently in service with 90 nations across all operational environments. The combat-proven machine gun is engineered for the 7.62x51mm NATO cartridge, with hundreds of thousands of units adopted across the globe, ensuring full interoperability across allied defence forces.

With decades of field-proven reliability, this latest evolution prioritises user interface features.

The FN MAG® TACTICAL with Long Rail is the only package solution that integrates day and night operational capabilities, and refined ergonomics within the general purpose machine gun (GPMG) category. These benefits align with the FN EVOLYS®(ULMG) and FN MINIMI® (LMG) while preserving the platform’s original high-performance and military standards.

Designed differently

The FN MAG® TACTICAL with Long Rail GPMG incorporates enhanced ergonomics that enable seamless adaptation to new equipment and fast and reliable aiming, alongside a rail for in-line day and night or thermal imaging capabilities. While initially adopted for sniper and assault rifles, this evolution in technology is now being extended to machine gun applications.

Key features include:

Long 11’’ monolithic Picatinny type top rail: Designed for accepting approx. 14’’ of operational space for in-line day, night, or thermal optics while maintaining the use of original iron sights. With optimised eye relief, the rail also features an ambidextrous and symmetric feed cover latch based on the FN® SIDE-CLICK system, allowing effortless opening of the cover from either side.

An enhanced feed cover retention mechanism: For improved handling, the FN® AUTO-LOCK retention system holds the feed cover open during loading, unloading or clearing the gun. The mechanism has a built-in opening stop at 62° to preserve optics, and in that position, it can retain up to 2.5 kg optics.

Long, articulated carrying handle: Ensures balanced transport and is fully compatible with barrel changes when full size in-line optics are fitted.

Adjustable tactical buttstock: Enhances user ergonomics and target acquisition through a 3-position length and 6-position cheek rest adjustment. Featuring an integrated folding shoulder rest and soft butt plate, it remains fully compatible with the original GPMG operating system without requiring modification.

These modern enhancements not only apply to the original FN MAG® but are compatible across all configurations, such as M240s (US designation) and L7A2s (UK designation). They are available with all new weapon orders or via a separate kit that allows local armourers or technicians to complete the conversion in minutes using basic tools. Alternatively, the tactical buttstock is available as a stand-alone upgrade.

VP Small Arms Christophe Soleil said: “The new FN MAG® TACTICAL with Long Rail GPMG stands as the definitive choice for military organisations seeking decades of proven reliability alongside modern ergonomics and in-line optic capability. These developments, supported by three pending patents, offer our global customers a unique technology that truly marks the difference on the battlefield.”

Christophe Soleil added: “While maintaining the weapon’s original performance, this fully qualified configuration is supported entirely by FN. As the original designer and manufacturer, we have evolved the FN MAG® to meet modern combat requirements, backed by over 135 years of innovation and industrial excellence.”

The FN MAG® TACTICAL with Long Rail will be displayed at EUROSATORY in Paris (15-19 June). Product information is available here.

Conclusion

FN Herstal’s updates to the MAG platform are not radical reinventions of the machine gun. Instead, they are thoughtful quality-of-life improvements focused on solving modern battlefield problems involving optics integration, ergonomics, and user adaptability. The FN MAG remains one of the most respected GPMG platforms in the world, and these upgrades appear designed to ensure it stays relevant for the next generation of warfare.