Come Back Alive Foundation Equips Ukrainian Brigade with FN Minimi Machine Guns

The Come Back Alive Foundation has purchased FN Minimi infantry machine guns for the soldiers of the 47th “Magura” Mechanized Brigade.

The unit published this news on its Telegram channel.

The Ukrainian military received a batch of 14 Belgian-made FN Minimi machine guns in 7.62×51 mm NATO caliber.

“These handguns are more modern and lighter. They can be used with various optical sights that increase the accuracy and efficiency of shooting, including in the dark,” the military said.

The soldiers of the 47th Brigade published footage of them unpacking and testing the new weapons before performing combat missions.

Judging by the published footage, the “Magura” soldiers received FN Minimi machine guns in the latest Mk.3 modification with a 422 mm barrel.

FN Minimi Mk.3

The Minimi is designed to enhance the firepower of infantry units, providing effective fire at ranges up to 600-800 meters, combined with high mobility.

The machine gun is based on a gas-operated automatic weapon, where the barrel is locked by turning the bolt. Ammunition is fed from a metal strip. The latest version of the Mk.3 weighs about 8.2 kilograms.

The new model has modernized ammunition feed tray and bolt release lever mechanism, which greatly facilitated the process of loading the tape with one hand.

The machine gun includes an adjustable ergonomic stock, an integrated forend and bipod, and several Picatinny rails for mounting additional equipment.

One of the features of the FN Minimi Mk.3 is the ability to quickly convert the 7.62mm caliber machine gun into a 5.56mm caliber version in the field by one infantryman.

The defense forces have been actively using these machine guns since 2022. They were received in large quantities as part of international military aid from the United States, Belgium, the Netherlands, and other countries.