The FAL (a French acronym for Fusil Automatique Leger or Light Automatic Rifle) is a widely used battle rifle chambered in 7.62x51mm NATO. Manufactured by FN Herstal, the FAL was introduced in 1951 and has since been described as the "Right Arm of the Free World". During the Cold War, the FAL was adopted by many countries with the exception of the U.S.
FAL rifles have been manufactured in both light and heavy-barrel configurations, with the heavy barrel intended for automatic fire as a section or squad light support weapon and majority are equipped with bipods. The FAL is one of the most widely used rifles in history, having been used in more than 90 countries.