FN Herstal / FN Manufacturing

The M249 Para is a compact variant of the M249 SAW (Squad Automatic Weapon) developed by FN Herstal for airborne and special operations forces. It features a shorter barrel and a collapsible stock for reduced overall length during transport. The M249 Para retains the same gas-operated, open-bolt action as the standard M249. It is chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO and is belt-fed or magazine-fed. The reduction in size and weight makes it more suitable for operations requiring mobility and compact stowage.