The Norwegian Armed Forces have decided to purchase up to 1,300 M2A2N Heavy Machine Guns(HMGs) from firearms producer US Ordnance.

Jane’s Defence Weekly reported on that the U.S. Ordnance has been selected to supply 1,300 M2A2N HMGs with quick change barrels by the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency.

The order will continue over 7 years and replace the existing Browning M2 heavy machine guns designed toward the end of World War I by John Browning.

According to the U.S. Ordnance, the M2A2 machine gun is an air-cooled, belt-fed machine gun that fires from a closed bolt and operates on the short recoil principle with fixed headspace and timing. It is capable of both sustained automatic and accurate single-shot fire. It can be mounted on a vehicle, boat, helicopter or other aircraft. Ammunition may be fed from either the left or right side of the gun, making it suitable for use by both infantry and in armored vehicles.

The M2A2 weapon system has been tested to well over 50,000 rounds. Its single-breech lock system allows for field rebuild, eliminating the need for depot-level maintenance during its lifetime and thereby greatly reducing logistical support.

U.S. Ordnance developed its M2A2 12.7mm weapon after years of experience manufacturing machine guns for the U.S. Department of Defense and U.S. Foreign Allies. Its M2A2 offers the proven performance of the existing M2HB machine gun but also features fixed headspace and timing.

This upgrade improves the performance of the battle-proven M2HB weapon system, largely increases the safety level for operating personnel and affords barrel changing on crew-served or coaxial-mounted weapons in 10 or fewer seconds. Only one person needs to change the M2A2 barrel, thereby reducing exposure to enemy fire and quickly readying the weapon for continued operation.