Norway’s Armed Forces are using the FN Minimi Light Machine Gun (5,56×45 NATO) since the late 80s. As late as 2011 they bought another 1,900 of them. They are in use with forces like the HJK/FSK, KJK, and MJK.

The name FN Minimi is short for Mini Mitrailleuse, in French.

Below you can see the Norwegians train with their FN Minimi in various scenarios and climates.

Below: Homeguard group Polar Bear VI of Oslofjord HV-01 practice-offensive operation in buildings.

FN Minimi on full auto, Aimpoint red dot on top. You can do it with gloves on or off. I prefer to do it with them on. Interesting to see to left-handed shooters in one picture.

That’s a lot of firepower. Two FN Minimis and an HK416. Notice everyone is shooting weak handed (could be their strong hand, but statistically not).

The Minimi has a welded receiver made from stamped steel. The bipod has three position adjustment.

The Minimi is fed by disintegrating-link M27 ammunition belts. The LMG feeds from the left side and uses an open bolt.

Below you can see Chief of Defense, Admiral Haakon Bruun-Hanssen, as he participates in a live fire exercise with the 2nd Battalion. Ole-Sverre Haugli / Forsvaret

The Minimi uses a gas-actuated long-stroke piston system. The Minimi is refearred to as a SAW (Squad Automatic Weapon) and it fires from an open bolt, which is safer when the firearm gets very hot. It is fully-automatic only, and air-cooled. It feeds from either a magazine (box) or via a belt.

FN Minimi during winter.

Norwegian Army signalman with a MINIMI 5.56 mm light machine gun, during exercise Rein II. Photo by Ole-Sverre Haugli/Forsvaret. Tan meets snow.

All pictures taken by  Torbjørn Kjosvold / Forsvaret, Alexander Sylte / Forsvaret and Ole-Sverre Haugli / Forsvaret (Norwegian Defense)