06/26/2014 Richard de Silva - DefenceIQ
France’s procurement agency (DGA) declared a new tender on May 16 for its Arme Individuelle Future (AIF) replacement programme to the armed forces FAMAS standard assault rifle.
A total of 90,000 weapons are to be purchased, comprised of 45,000 assault rifles and 45,000 carbines, all chambered in 5.56 mm x 45 NATO ammunition. The tender includes all additional accessories, spare parts, maintenance kits, and instruction and technical support, as well as the provision of under-barrel 40 mm grenade launchers, 38 million training cartridges, 21,000 training rounds, 92,000 40 x 46 low velocity grenades, 13,000 smoke grenades, and 51,000 dual purpose anti-personnel/anti-tank cartridges.
The tender requires the AIF standard to be integrated with the other aspects of the France’s FELIN future soldier system modernisation programme.
A deadline for submissions has been set for June 26, with decisions to be made ahead of the final contract issue in December of next year. Eligible rifles must be manufactured within the European Union or the European Economic Area.
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