FN F2000

The F2000 mechanics are based on a gas-operated system with a rotating bolt, but the true innovation lies in its patented forward ejection method. A swinging rocker pushes spent casings into a tunnel parallel to the barrel, ejecting them near the muzzle on the right side, thus eliminating any risk to the operator regardless of the shoulder used.

The receiver is constructed almost entirely of high-strength polymers, featuring a removable handguard that can accommodate 40 mm GL1 grenade launcher modules or other electro-optic accessories. The Tactical version provides a top MIL-STD-1913 Picatinny rail for the installation of a wide range of sighting systems, making the weapon extremely flexible for various engagement scenarios.

The most significant adoption occurred in 2006 when Slovenia selected the F2000 S as its new standard-issue service rifle for the armed forces, ordering approximately 14,000 units. Other major contracts included Saudi Arabia, which purchased thousands of units for its National Guard, and Belgium, which issued it to the Special Forces Group and paratroopers.

The weapon saw active service in various conflicts, including the war in Afghanistan and operations in Libya, demonstrating good reliability in desert environments due to the almost total enclosure of its internal mechanical system. Beyond regular units, it has been spotted in use by elite formations in Peru, Chile, and Pakistan, often configured with integrated grenade launchers for patrolling operations.

Despite its innovative design, the F2000 faced market resistance due to the perceived complexity of the ejection system and the rise of the company's own FN SCAR program. Many users preferred a return to more conventional architectures, leading to the cessation of production for the FS2000 civilian variant in some markets during the last decade.

Nevertheless, the technical legacy of the F2000 remains crucial for demonstrating the feasibility of a truly ambidextrous bullpup assault system without the need for field stripping by the user. It remains an iconic piece of Belgian firearms engineering, celebrated for its distinctive aesthetics and for pioneering the integration of advanced fire control electronics.