Greyburn: FN Debuts New ARKA Rifle Line
On the eve of a large international tactical expo, FN Herstal raised the curtain on a new rifle for its 2026 catalog, the ARKA.
Blending elements of the famed FN SCAR series with familiar AR ergonomics in a short-stroke piston system with some very AR-18ish internals, the new ARKA was unveiled just before the Eurotatory show in Paris last week.
Chambered initially in 5.56 NATO, the ARKA “prioritizes the ergonomics of high-speed movement,” and includes a fully ambi magazine release, bolt catch, and safety selector along with a T-shaped charging handle and forward assist. Using STANAG pattern mags and able to accept any standard AR pattern pistol grip or stock, the ARKA is also suppressor-ready with both an adjustable gas block and a QD muzzle device.
FN at launch is advertising the ARKA with either a 14.5-inch standard barrel with options for a short or long M-LOK handguard, or an 11.25-inch CQC barrel and short M-LOK handguard. All configurations are available in FDE or black, and with selective fire or semi-auto only trigger packs. All feature a top Pic rail.
Roll those models:
FN says the platform is basically an AR on the outside, and a tough-to-kill SCAR on the inside. A SCAR dressed up in an AR suit, if you will.
“FN is pleased to complement its rifle portfolio with this new AR-15-type platform that is built upon the proven performance of the FN SCAR, currently in service with over 20 armed forces worldwide,” said FN Herstal’s VP for Small Arms, Christophe Soleil. “The FN ARKA provides equivalent levels of reliability, durability, and performance, allowing customers to select the ergonomics and architecture that best suit their preferences.”
While not stated, it is obvious that the gun is intended for European military tenders, with Britain’s Project Greyburn looking for a new 5.56 platform to replace the troubled L85/SA-80 Enfield bullpup. If so, it will go against such guns as Beretta’s NARP and others.
Further, it should be pointed out that FN is currently the only military-grade small arms maker in the UK, with its South London facility making 7.62 and .50 caliber machine guns in England since 2014. It should also be noted that FN recently acquired UK rifle maker Accuracy International.
Ian McCollumn on the rifle, because he happened to be at FN’s range in Belgium.
When is the ARKA coming to America?
Now here’s the bad news.
As these are being shopped at a European Mil/LE show by the Belgian-based arm of FN, the odds are that these won’t be in the U.S. any time super soon. Of course, we could be wrong about that, especially if imported in a large format pistol variant with a semi-auto trigger.
Anything is possible.
Until then, or perhaps in lieu of, keep in mind FN America’s domestic-built SCAR in its current generation accepts lots of AR furniture instead of locking the user into the “Ugg Boot” stock.
