FN Arka®, maintaining the SCAR reliability with AR-15 ergonomics

It is undoubtful that in the western world when talking small arms, the ergonomics of the AR-15 family have become a standard. Several arms manufacturers adopted it, FN Herstal launching its FN Arka 5.56×45 family of rifles at Eurosatory 2026

Standardising ergonomics on assault rifles means savings in terms of training, as soldiers do not have to cancel the muscle memory acquired on the former weapon and rebuild it on the new one. This has become an important selling item; many small arms manufacturers having adopted the AR-15 model. At Eurosatory 2026 FN Herstal will present its FN ARKA, a 5.56×45 mm rifle that maintains the proven and reliable gas operated with short-stroke piston and rotating bolt operating mechanism of the FN SCAR, the adjustable regulator allowing firing in adverse conditions or with a suppressor. The FN ARKA will use the same dual-flow sound suppressor, which advanced gas management protects the user from blowback and ensures a consistent weapon’s cycle. The locking mechanism remains that of the SCAR, capable to cope with considerable overpressure.

As said the ergonomics fully reflect those of the AR-15 family of weapons, T-shaped charging handle, selector and catches being identical, moreover the FN ARKA is also fully ambidextrous and symmetric. Interfaces have been designed in order to allow the use of pistol grips and buttstocks designed for AR-family weapons, typically Magpul buttstocks.

A long Picatinny top rail allows installing all sort of sighting systems, including day/night tandem solutions, while side and lower rails feature M-LOK.

The FN ARKA is available in three configurations Close Quarter Combat with short handguard, Standard with short handguard and Standard with long handguard. All can be provided with auto and semi-auto firing mode, or with semi-auto only, rate of fire being between 600 and 700 rounds per minute, the magazine being of course an M16 compatible magazine. The CQC version has an 11.25-inch barrel (285 mm), the weapon length varying between 735.2 and 820 mm, the mass with empty magazine being 3.2 kg. The FN ARKA STD is fitted with a 14.5-inch (368 mm) barrel hence the weapon length is increased, between 849.5 and 934.5 mm. Also, mass is slightly increased, to 3.9 kg for the short handguard and 4.0 kg for the long handguard version.

EDR On-Line understood that FN Herstal is not considering developing the FN ARKA in another calibre. The new weapon is in the very final stage of development, the company getting ready for serial production.

Photos courtesy FN Herstal