On Thursday, May 28, 2026, Belgium’s FN Browning Group and British company Accuracy International concluded a strategic acquisition agreement under which the group will acquire the global specialist in precision rifles, known for the Arctic Warfare family.
AT-X MIL / Photo: Accuracy International
The agreement brings together two highly complementary players and further strengthens FN Browning Group’s leading position in both its Defense and Security division and its Hunting and Sport Shooting division, while also making a significant contribution to the United Kingdom’s sovereign industrial capabilities in small arms.
Colonel Will Waugh, Dismounted Close Combat Team Leader National Armaments – Materiel said:
“The MoD has a long history of working with both FN and Accuracy International with some of our most important small arms capabilities being procured from both companies. The joining of these companies is great news for the MoD and gives us continued access to cutting edge capabilities”
Julien Compère, CEO of FN Browning Group added:
“Accuracy International brings a unique and highly specialised expertise in precision rifle systems that perfectly complements our defence and security solutions as well as our hunting and sports shooting offerings. This transaction also directly contributes to the UK’s strategic autonomy in defence and reflects our long-term commitment to the United Kingdom and our role as a trusted industrial partner to the UK Ministry of Defence.”
Tom Irwin, Director of Accuracy International:
“Joining FN Browning Group represents a strong strategic opportunity for Accuracy International. We share the same culture of engineering excellence, performance and dependability. This agreement enables us to preserve what defines Accuracy International while benefiting from the scale, global footprint and long-standing institutional relationships of FN Browning Group.”
A highly complementary portfolio
Founded in 1980 and headquartered in Portsmouth, Accuracy International is internationally recognized as a benchmark in precision rifles. It supplies its solutions to armed forces, law enforcement agencies, and highly demanding sport shooters around the world, including to more than 50 countries over the past five years.
Within FN Browning Group’s portfolio, Accuracy International naturally complements FN, the Group’s flagship defense and security brand, which specializes in small arms, integrated weapon systems, NATO-standard ammunition, and high-quality equipment for armed forces and security agencies. It also strengthens the Group’s hunting and sport shooting offering alongside the Browning and Winchester brands.
Strengthening the UK’s strategic autonomy in small arms
The acquisition represents a significant step forward for the sovereignty of the UK defense industry. Together, FN UK and Accuracy International are the only established manufacturers of machine guns and precision rifles for the British Armed Forces in the United Kingdom.
By leveraging FN Browning Group’s global network, the transaction will enhance Accuracy International’s export opportunities, further strengthening its position in global markets. Together, FN UK and Accuracy International will contribute to a stronger, more resilient defense industrial base that supports national security, drives innovation, and delivers high-value engineering jobs across the United Kingdom.
Michelle Cantoni, CEO of FN UK said:
“By combining FN UK’s industrial capabilities with Accuracy International’s expertise, this acquisition strengthens the UK’s sovereign defence industrial base and reinforces our commitment to delivering world-class equipment to the British Armed Forces. By integrating Accuracy International’s specialist manufacturing, innovation culture, and highly skilled workforce with FN UK, we are reinforcing the UK’s ability to design, develop, and sustain critical small-arms capabilities and skills onshore.”
Preserving brand identity and centers of excellence
Accuracy International will continue to operate under its own brand, retaining its engineering culture and its UK and US manufacturing bases.
The company will remain focused on what defines its reputation: uncompromising precision, durability, and performance. At the same time, it will benefit from FN Browning Group’s global reach, industrial scale, and long-standing experience in serving the defense, security, hunting, and sport shooting markets worldwide.
Global and transatlantic market presence
The transaction also strengthens FN Browning Group’s global presence in precision rifles, including Accuracy International’s established operations in the United States, which serve the North American market and ensure regulatory compliance.
Combined with FN Browning Group’s existing industrial contribution in Europe, the United Kingdom, and the United States, this combination increases the Group’s ability to serve both institutional customers and high-end sport shooters on a global scale.
A strategic investment aligned with a shared long-term vision
The transaction is fully aligned with FN Browning Group’s purpose, “Driving Leading Brands,” and its strategy of investing in key and sovereign defense capabilities, strengthening NATO and allied industrial ecosystems, and developing premium, high-value products for the military, security, hunting, and sport shooting markets.
The transaction remains subject to customary regulatory approvals. FN Browning Group was advised by Stephens for M&A, Jones Day for legal matters, and PwC for financial and tax matters. Accuracy International was advised by Oaklins S&W for M&A and Trethowans for legal matters.