Beretta have unveiled their new rifle, the New Assault Rifle Platform or NARP. Chambered in 5.56×45 NATO, the NARP program has developed an AR-pattern rifle that uses a short-stroke gas piston system and a rotating bolt locking system. According to EDR, NARP is the name of the development program rather than the rifle itself, with the weapon to be named at a later date.

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Development of the rifle reportedly began in 2018, with pre-production prototypes being built in 2022. Developmental testing was aided by the Italian Armed Forces and the design was refined and evolved. The rifle is an apparent successor to Beretta’s current ARX-160, introduced in 2008. According to Beretta, the rifle has surpassed NATO requirements and has a mean rounds between stoppage (MRBS) of approximately 15,000 rounds.

NARP (Beretta Defense Technologies)

Like many current military-configured AR-pattern rifles, the NARP rifle leans heavily on AR-style ergonomics and is fully ambidextrous, weighs around 3.2-3.3kg or around 7lbs, and is available in various barrel lengths: 11,5″, 14,5″, 16″. It has an MLOK forend with a full-length 12 o’clock Picatinny rail and can be mounted with a suppressor. The weapon is select-fire with the traditional 90-degree throw for the safe, semi and full-automatic settings. The rifle’s recoil spring is in the upper receiver which allows a full range of buttstocks to be fitted, including an adjustable folding stock developed by Beretta.

Here’s what Beretta says about the NARP at BerettaDefense.com:

From Beretta’s century-long experience, an advanced platform designed to meet the needs of the modern Military and Law Enforcement forces. Entirely designed, developed and manufactured in Italy, NARP has been designed to increase and enhance five operational key capabilities: lethality, reliability, ergonomics, modularity and signature reduction.

Beretta have also shared a promo video for the NARP:

The rifle uses Beretta’s B-Silent suppressor technology and while the initial chambering for the rifle will be 5.56x45mm, Beretta are considering additional calibers including .300 Blackout, 6.5mm Creedmoor, and 7.62×51mm. Initial low-rate production of the new rifle is planned for 2024.

NARP at DSEI 2023 (courtesy of Gregory Knowles)

Specification for the NARP:

• Caliber – 5.56×45
• Operating Principle – Gas Operated Short Stroke Piston
• Locking System – Locked Breech, Rotating Bolt
• Barrel Length – 11,5″ – 14,5″ – 16″
• Receiver Material – 7075 Aluminum
• Accessory Rail – Mil-std-1913/stanag 4640 + M-lok® Interfaces
• Charging System – Non Reciprocating T-lever
• Stock – Telescopic/foldable (Optional)/collapsible (Optional)
• Length Min/max – Approx 806-888 Mm (34,9″) With Extended Stock (14,5″ Barrel)
• Magazine Capacity – 30

Find out more at BerettaDefense.com