Iconic British arms maker Accuracy International — famous for its military sniper rifles and long-range competition rifles — is to be acquired by famous Belgian arms firm FN Browning as part of a deal announced a few days ago.
The deal is being pitched as less about economics and more about enhancing the United Kingdom’s sovereign defence capabilities.
The official media release states: “The acquisition represents a significant step forward for the United Kingdom’s defence industrial sovereignty. Together, FN UK and Accuracy International are the UK’s only established manufacturers of machine guns and precision rifles for the UK armed forces.”
Readers with long memories or an interest in history will recall the British also used to have the ability to make its own rifles and machine-guns under one umbrella until the late 1980s when Royal Ordnance was privatised and the Royal Small Arms Factory at Enfield was closed down.
Accuracy International director Tom Irwin said joining FN Browning represented a strong strategic opportunity for the British precision rifle-maker.
“We share the same culture of engineering excellence, performance and dependability,” he said.
“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.”
FN Browning has confirmed Accuracy International will continue to operate as its own brand, and the rifle-maker will retain its UK and US manufacturing sites as well as its engineering culture.
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