Introduction
The FN F2000 is a Belgian-designed assault rifle developed by FN Herstal in the early 2000s. This model stands out for its resolutely futuristic design, bullpup configuration (breech located behind the trigger) and novel front ejection system.
Chambered in 5.56×45 mm NATO, the F2000 was designed to offer a compact, ambidextrous and modular platform for modern armed forces. Although it has not been widely adopted, it remains a technological showcase and an emblematic example of European innovation in light weaponry.
Development and concept
FN Herstal launched development of the F2000 in the late 1990s to meet the needs of modern armies for compactness, modularity and ergonomics. The rifle was officially presented at the IDEX trade show in 2001.
The specifications aimed to :
Offer a fully ambidextrous bullpup weapon, with no modifications required
Improving ergonomics with a fluid, wraparound design
An integrated platform with optics, handle, grenade launcher and other accessories
Simplified maintenance, without complex tools
Technical data
| Element | Detail |
|---|---|
| Calibre | 5.56×45 mm NATO |
| Overall length | 694 mm |
| Barrel length | 400 mm |
| Weight | ~3.6 kg (without accessories) |
| Capacity | STANAG 30-shot loader |
| Firing rate | ~850 shots/min |
| Mechanism | Indirect gas, rotary cylinder head |
| Effective range | ~500 m |
Ergonomics and operation
The F2000 is based on a full bullpup configuration, enabling a standard 400 mm barrel to be housed in a very compact weapon. Its ergonomics have been designed to suit both right- and left-handed shooters, thanks to :
A closed front ejection system: empty holsters are ejected through a conduit at the front of the weapon, avoiding any danger to the left-handed user.
A simple firing selector: combined with a wide trigger guard, it can be used even when wearing gloves.
Integrated carrying handle, which includes a concealed optical rail in the standard version
The wrap-around polymer housing gives the F2000 a unique silhouette, with no protruding parts, reducing the risk of snagging on equipment or vehicles.
Main variants
F2000 Standard: basic version with integrated 1.6x bezel (removable)
F2000 Tactical: without bezel, with Picatinny rail for modular optics
F2000 GL1: equipped with FN GL1 40 mm grenade launcher mounted under the handguard
F2000 S: semi-automatic version for the civilian market (rare and limited)
Use and export
Although technologically advanced, the F2000 was not the commercial success we had hoped for. Its adoption remained limited to a few countries and special units:
Slovenia: main user in the armed forces
India: restricted use in certain units
Belgium: tests without official adoption by the army
Libya: spotted in some government forces before 2011
He has also appeared in numerous video games and films, contributing to his reputation among the general public.
Comparison with other bullpup guns
| Model | Caliber | Overall length |
|---|---|---|
| F2000 | 5.56×45 mm | 694 mm |
| Steyr AUG | 5.56×45 mm | 790 mm |
| TAR-21 | 5.56×45 mm | 725 mm |
The F2000 is more compact than its competitors, while retaining a 400 mm barrel. Its ambidextrous ergonomics and unique ejection system make it a distinct, if mechanically more complex, option.
Conclusion
The FN F2000 is a bold, innovative assault rifle. Its bullpup configuration, wraparound design and front ejection system make it an atypical weapon, both modern and futuristic.
Although not widely adopted, its avant-garde design philosophy left its mark on the history of small arms. Today, it remains a prized curiosity for collectors, special forces and gun technology enthusiasts.
