Mk-48 LMG

The Mk 48, classified as a Light Weight Machine Gun (LWMG), was developed by Fabrique Nationale Manufacturing Inc. in the early 2000s. The design originated from a requirement issued by the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) for a replacement for M60-based platforms. FN designed the weapon as a scaled-up version of the Mk 46 Mod 0, based on an early 7.62mm prototype of the FN Minimi. Production began in 2003, with USSOCOM units receiving the first deliveries in August of that year to provide a portable platform with higher reliability than preceding designs.

This gas-operated, open-bolt machine gun utilizes an air-cooled system and is fully automatic. Its construction incorporates five MIL-STD-1913 Picatinny rails located on the receiver, barrel, and handguard to support SOPMOD kit accessories, including optical sights and target-designating devices. To reduce overall mass, the design omits the emergency magazine feed port found on the M249. Feeding is accomplished via disintegrating or non-disintegrating belts from loose storage, boxes, or clip-on pouches. The weapon features a fixed polymer or collapsible metallic buttstock, an integral folding bipod, and a tripod-mounting lug. A folding carrying handle is included to facilitate barrel changes without heat-resistant equipment. The system maintains high parts commonality with the M249 and Mk 46 families to simplify maintenance.

The Mk 48 entered service in 2003 and has been deployed in the War in Afghanistan and the Iraq War. It is employed by United States special operations units, including the Navy SEALs, the 75th Ranger Regiment, and MARSOC, as well as the Indian special forces and the Czech 601st Special Forces Group. The Mod 0 served as the initial replacement for the Mk 43. The subsequent Mod 1 update introduced an adjustable buttstock, a modified rail interface, and barrel-attached heat guards. In 2019, a Mod 2 prototype was developed to meet a USSOCOM interest in the 6.5mm Creedmoor cartridge, though production models remain focused on the standard 7.62mm chambering.