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FN FNC

The FNC was developed between 1975 and 1977 for NATO standardization trials, as a less expensive alternative to the M16 rifle.[1][2] The rifle's design is based on the FNC 76 prototype, which itself originated from the commercially unsuccessful FN CAL rifle.[1] This prototype was soon withdrawn from the NATO competition after performing poorly due to its rushed development.

The first state to adopt the FNC was Indonesia, which purchased approximately 10,000 rifles in 1982 for its air force. The Indonesian government later acquired a license to permit Indonesian firm PT Pindad to manufacture the rifle for all branches of the armed forces,[1] as the Pindad SS1 and Pindad SS2.

Trials for the Swedish Armed Forces were held between 1981 and 1982, using updated prototypes that proved the utility and efficiency of the design, impressing both the Swedish military and Belgian Army staff back at home.[1] Sweden adopted a version of the FNC for domestic production in 1986, naming it the Ak 5. Slightly modified, it remains the main service rifle of the Swedish Armed Forces.

The FNC was finally adopted by the Belgian Armed Forces in 1989, as a service-wide replacement for the 7.62×51mm NATO FN FAL, after having been issued in small numbers to airborne infantry units for several years.[1]

The rifle is also used as a service rifle by the armed forces of Tonga, a microstate in the Pacific Ocean.