FN Herstal Launches Modular Multi Weapon Mount System at DSEI 2025

At the Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI) 2025 exhibition in London, Belgian arms manufacturer FN Herstal unveiled its new Multi Weapon Mount (MWM) system. Designed to enhance flexibility and firepower across land and naval platforms, the MWM aims to provide a modular solution capable of integrating various NATO-standard crew-served weapons with minimal reconfiguration.

Modular Firepower for Diverse Combat Scenarios

The FN Herstal Multi Weapon Mount is a manually operated weapon station engineered to accommodate a wide range of machine guns. According to FN Herstal’s official release and corroborated by industry sources at DSEI 2025, the MWM can mount:

7.62×51mm NATO machine guns (e.g., FN MAG)
.50 caliber M2HB heavy machine guns
40mm automatic grenade launchers (AGLs)

The system is designed for quick interchangeability between these weapon types without requiring significant mechanical adjustments or tools. This modularity allows commanders to tailor firepower based on mission type—ranging from convoy protection and base defense to littoral security operations aboard patrol boats.

Design Features Optimized for Mobility and Protection

The MWM features a manually operated traverse and elevation mechanism with ergonomic controls optimized for use under combat conditions. While not a Remote Weapon Station (RWS), the mount includes integrated recoil mitigation components and adjustable cradle geometries to ensure compatibility with different barrel lengths and recoil profiles.

Key design elements include:

360° manual traverse capability
Elevation range from -20° to +70°
Integrated pintle interface compatible with NATO-standard ring mounts or vehicle pedestals
Optional ballistic shield kits for gunner protection

The mount’s structural components are constructed from corrosion-resistant alloys suited for both desert and maritime environments. FN Herstal emphasized that the system has passed environmental endurance testing per NATO STANAG standards.

Land and Naval Integration Potential

The MWM was developed with cross-domain adaptability in mind. On land platforms such as light tactical vehicles or armored personnel carriers (APCs), it offers a low-profile alternative to heavier RWS units while maintaining multi-caliber support. For naval applications—especially on small patrol craft or fast attack boats—the MWM provides an affordable yet flexible solution where weight constraints or budget limitations preclude fully stabilized RWS installations.

During DSEI demonstrations, FN Herstal displayed configurations mounted on both JLTV-class vehicles and RHIB-type boats. The company noted that several European navies have expressed interest in adopting the system for coastal patrol missions where threats range from asymmetric swarm attacks to piracy interdiction.

Comparison with Remote Weapon Stations and Legacy Gun Mounts

The Multi Weapon Mount fills a niche between legacy pintle mounts—often limited in traverse/elevation—and high-cost Remote Weapon Stations that require power integration, sensors, and fire control systems. While lacking automated targeting or stabilization features found in RWS platforms like Kongsberg’s PROTECTOR or Rafael’s Samson family, the MWM offers:

Lighter weight (~60–80 kg depending on configuration)
No electrical power requirement—ideal for austere environments
Simplified logistics due to commonality across multiple calibers

This makes it particularly attractive for expeditionary forces or nations operating mixed fleets of older vehicles needing cost-effective lethality upgrades without full digital integration.

Market Outlook and Industrial Strategy

The unveiling of the MWM aligns with FN Herstal’s broader strategy of expanding its portfolio beyond small arms into integrated weapon solutions. The company has previously fielded remote weapon stations such as deFNder® Light/Medium/Heavy but sees manual mounts like the MWM as complementary offerings targeting different user segments.

No official procurement contracts were announced at DSEI; however, sources within the Belgian defense industry suggest that trials are underway with at least two NATO member states evaluating prototypes under operational conditions. Additionally:

A Middle Eastern customer reportedly expressed interest in outfitting border security vehicles with MWMs paired with thermal optics.
A Southeast Asian navy is considering it as part of an upgrade package for aging fast attack craft currently equipped with legacy .50 cal mounts.

If adopted widely, the MWM could become a standard lightweight mounting solution across multiple theaters where simplicity, robustness, and modularity outweigh advanced automation needs.

Conclusion: A Tactical Bridge Between Simplicity and Modularity

The FN Herstal Multi Weapon Mount represents a pragmatic response to evolving battlefield requirements where flexibility often trumps complexity. By enabling rapid switching between calibers while maintaining ruggedness suitable for both land and maritime domains, it offers armed forces an adaptable tool without committing to expensive electronic subsystems.

DSEI 2025 served as an effective launchpad for this offering; further trials will determine whether it secures traction among NATO allies seeking scalable lethality enhancements across legacy fleets or new light platforms alike.