FN Delivers Weapon System Test Samples to DoW’s Irregular Warfare Technical Support Directorate

via Soldier Systems Daily

McLean, VA — October 8, 2025) FN America, LLC is pleased to announce that it has delivered test and evaluation samples of two all-new weapon systems – LICC-IWS and LICC-AMG – along with ammunition as part of a long-term development contract with the Department of Defense’s Irregular Warfare Technical Support Directorate (IWTSD). FN also conducted new equipment training (NET) and armorer’s training for both systems to demonstrate maintenance at the unit level.

FN America developed the weapon systems with feedback from individual operators, based on the U.S. Government goal of providing overmatch against near-peer threats. The systems were recently assigned National Stock Numbers (NSN), simplifying the acquisition process.

The LICC-IWS program is comprised of the 6.5×43 LICC (Lightweight Intermediate Caliber Cartridge) ammunition, the LICC-IWS (Individual Weapon System) with FN® IPC (Improved Performance Carbine), purpose-built magazine and signature suppressor. The LICC-AMG is based on the success of the prototype LICC ammunition and LICC-IWS system and is comprised of the LICC-AMG (Assault Machine Gun) belt-fed machine gun, signature suppressor, family of common ammunition, and lightweight links. Multiple users will test the operational samples , providing critical feedback to aid FN and IWTSD in the final development of the systems.

“FN’s ultimate goal is to advance from development into production and field a final solution that provides  operators a system that is easier to operate, more accurate and more effective than anything available today,” said Mark Cherpes, President and CEO for FN America. “After this test and evaluation phase, our plan is to take user feedback, fine-tune the systems and move into low-rate initial production.”

LICC Weapon Systems and Ammunition

FN designed the LICC-IWS individual weapon system to improve lethality, accuracy, durability, balance and handling over the M4A1. The improved performance derives from a new 6.5×43 LICC lightweight ammunition , based on the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit’s .264 USA; a 25-round purpose-built, polymer magazine; a signature suppressor, and the FN IPC. The FN IPC features a completely new architecture, well-suited to meet the challenging program requirements and address the feedback from operators who have contributed since the beginning of the program.

The LICC-IWS IPC handles much like an M4A1 but with key improvements to deliver a fully ambidextrous platform with unique takedown method and highly adjustable buttstock, which allows for user-selectable left- or right-hand side fold capability. It operates from a robust long-stroke gas piston system and features multiple buffers that reduce felt recoil, resulting in an extremely soft shooting weapon.

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