- FN Herstal released photos showing the production of its FN DEFENDER remote weapon station at its Herstal facility.
- The system supports FN machine guns up to .50 caliber, including the high-rate M3R, and is designed for day and night remote operation.
Belgian defense manufacturer FN Herstal has released rare behind-the-scenes photos from its production line, showing the assembly process of its advanced FN DEFENDER Remote Weapon Station (RWS).
In a caption shared by FN Herstal, the company stated: “Behind every FN DEFENDER stands the expertise of our production teams. Skilled. Precise. Relentless. Crafted in Herstal. Deployed worldwide.”
The DEFENDER series is part of FN Herstal’s growing family of remote weapon systems designed to deliver accurate firepower while ensuring the operator remains under full armor protection. The FN DEFENDER Medium variant is engineered to support multiple mission types, integrating various FN machine guns up to .50 caliber—including the FN M3R, which fires at 1,100 rounds per minute.
According to company specifications, the FN DEFENDER can be configured with the FN MAG 7.62mm machine gun, the FN M2HB-QCB .50 caliber weapon, or the high-rate FN M3R. The system features 360° traverse, elevation angles between -40° and +70° depending on weapon type, and an overall height of less than 630 mm. Fully loaded without optional kits, the RWS weighs approximately 200 kilograms.
The photos show one such system during final assembly, with visible modular components including the sensor suite, ammunition box, and fire control modules. The modularity allows rapid integration across a range of armored vehicles or naval platforms, depending on mission requirements.
FN Herstal emphasized that the DEFENDER is built for both day and night operations, with advanced sighting systems and fire control integration. Each unit includes wide-angle imaging capability and stabilized targeting functions, enabling precise firing in dynamic combat environments.
The system’s ammunition handling architecture supports either 300 rounds of 12.7mm or 600 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, depending on the chosen configuration. A ruggedized exterior and low profile design provide additional protection and concealment, particularly for vehicles operating in urban or close-quarter environments.
FN Herstal is owned by the Herstal Group, which also includes US-based Browning and Winchester brands. The firm remains one of Europe’s most trusted defense suppliers, with its small arms and integrated systems in use by NATO forces and partners around the world.