UK Police Select FN 15 ASR for National Carbine Framework

Eric B
by Eric B

FN UK has been awarded the UK Police Primary Carbine System (PPCS) Framework Agreement with its FN 15 Advanced Semi-Automatic Rifle (ASR), making the platform available for adoption across UK police forces. With the framework now in place, all UK police services are able to procure the FN 15 ASR as an approved primary carbine option.

The FN 15 ASR was developed specifically to meet law enforcement requirements, with the program accelerated to align with the timelines of the UK police tender process. A defining feature of the rifle is its fully symmetrical ambidextrous control layout. Unlike many ambidextrous designs that alter traditional ergonomics, the FN 15 ASR maintains familiar control placement while allowing identical movements for both right- and left-handed users.

FN’s law enforcement carbines draw heavily on the company’s long-standing experience supplying military small arms. Reliability is a central design focus, supported by high-quality components and extensive testing. Barrels used on FN law enforcement semi-automatic and select-fire carbines are internally coated with the same hard chrome lining applied to FN belt-fed machine guns, a treatment intended to enhance service life and resistance to wear.

Durability is further addressed through the use of cold hammer forged (CHF) barrels, produced from FN’s proprietary 21CrMoV5-11 steel. This manufacturing process is widely recognized for improving barrel strength and longevity under sustained use. Each FN 15 ASR is also subjected to comprehensive quality control measures, including visual and functional inspections during final assembly.

The FN 15 platform was first introduced to the U.S. commercial market in 2014 and has since expanded into law enforcement-specific and select-fire configurations, including the FN 16. Between 2014 and 2024, more than 130,000 FN 15-series rifles have been produced and delivered to law enforcement agencies, federal customers, and commercial markets.

Michelle Cantoni, CEO of FN UK, commented:

“This is a great opportunity for FN to reach into the UK law enforcement market with a newly developed product, tailored to their requirements. As the sole manufacturer in the UK of assault rifles and machine guns we are proud to empower those who serve, defend and protect us with the most dependable security solutions.”

With its inclusion in the PPCS framework, the FN 15 ASR now represents a standardized, approved option for UK police forces seeking a modern semi-automatic patrol carbine.


Source: FN Herstal

Eric B
Eric B

Ex-Arctic Ranger. Competitive practical shooter and hunter with a European focus. Always ready to increase my collection of modern semi-automatics, optics, thermals and suppressors. TCCC Certified. Occasionaly seen in a 6x6 Bug Out Vehicle, always with a big smile.

More by Eric B

Comments
Join the conversation
5 of 18 comments
  • Usmcgrunt2 Usmcgrunt2 22 hours ago

    What optic are they going with?

  • James Hanley James Hanley 21 hours ago

    This is misleading, they are one of 6 companies on a framework. Each of the roughly 50 Police Forces has the choice to test and then buy what they want as long as its one of the six, or they go outside the framework and run there own competition. I doubt FN will sell anything if I'm honest.


    Expect the same press release to come out from the other 5 companies shortly.


    Optics, they can use what they have in inventory or select a new one, the Framework did not include optics.

    • Night Vision Viking Night Vision Viking 15 hours ago

      The article literally states what you just explained, apart from any other companies being on the list.

Next