On Saturday [18th August] the French Ministère des Armées published an Invitation To Tender for 2,600 precision rifles to replace the 7.62mm FR-F2 bolt action sniper rifle, writes Bob Morrison.
The French DGA requirement is for 2,600 semi-automatic precision rifles (Fusil de Précision Semi-Automatique or FPSA) chambered for the NATO 7.62x51mm round complete with day sights, 1,800 image intensifiers, 1,000 infrared sights, 3.15 million armour piercing rounds, 3.15 million precision rounds, maintenance tools, spares, training manuals and technical documentation. The application deadline is 5th October.
The current FR-F2 (Fusil à Répétition modèle F2 ) is an updated version of mid-1960s French rifle which entered service a little over 30 years ago. Although still widely used by the French Army it has been partially replaced in some frontline infantry units by the Heckler & Koch HK417.
FR-F2 rifles photographed on Otterburn during Ex BOARS HEAD 2012 [© BM]
