FLARM F4: A Review of the Ukrainian Rifle

The FLARM F4 is a Ukrainian-manufactured 5.56 mm caliber rifle, originally developed in 2022 for the civilian market. However, following the onset of the Russian invasion, it has since been fielded by Ukrainian infantry.

The design is based on the AR-15 platform, widely known through its use in the American Colt M4 and M16 rifles, yet the FLARM F4 incorporates several key modifications. Most notably, it employs an enhanced short-stroke gas piston system.

This upgraded gas system has significant operational advantages over the direct impingement system found in the original AR-15 design. It minimizes the ingress of combustion byproducts into the weapon’s internals, thereby reducing both heat generation and fouling within the bolt carrier group — resulting in improved reliability and ease of maintenance under combat conditions.

“This solution is a significant improvement over the direct impingement gas system. As a result, there is less carbon buildup and fouling on the bolt carrier components, which contributes to increased durability and reliability. Additionally, the short-stroke piston allows for a higher rate of fire,” company representatives told Militarnyi in an interview.

During development, Ukrainian designers drew inspiration from the gas system design of the German Heckler & Koch, specifically the one used in the HK416 assault rifle. However, they note that the Ukrainian system features significant structural differences.

In the company’s video showcasing live-fire testing of the rifle, a guest — a sniper platoon commander of the Ukrainian Air Assault Forces with the callsign Coyote — highlights the weapon’s excellent stability during firing, as well as the smooth and responsive trigger mechanism. These characteristics make the rifle well-suited for medium-range engagements in the role of a designated marksman rifle.

Another advantage is its weight — under 3 kilograms. This is achieved through the extensive use of lightweight materials: the handguard and upper receiver are forged from anodized aluminum alloy.

Production

Currently, all components of the FLARM F4 rifle are manufactured in Slovakia at the Grand Power arms facility, following technical designs developed by Ukrainian engineers. The company is actively considering the establishment of domestic production capabilities within Ukraine.

The FLARM F4 is offered in configurations featuring either a short (11.5-inch) or long (15-inch) barrel. For the civilian market, these rifles are equipped with carbonitrided barrels and a 1:8 twist rate, optimized for accuracy and barrel life.

Company representatives report that the rifle has seen widespread use in frontline conditions by Ukrainian military personnel who procured the weapon independently. As of now, no official government procurement contracts have been announced. Nonetheless, the manufacturer has expressed readiness to supply a dedicated military version of the FLARM F4 to Ukraine’s Defense Forces. The current design already incorporates features required for military service, including chrome-lined barrels and internal components that offer enhanced corrosion resistance and durability.

In addition to the FLARM F4 series, the company also produces a range of pistols and carbines chambered in 9×21 mm for the civilian market. Furthermore, its engineering team is developing a proprietary light machine gun. While details remain classified, the project is said to be progressing under strict confidentiality.

It is worth noting that Ukrainian forces are already actively using AR-15 platform-based weapons. Notably, rifles from the American company Daniel Defense are widely used among Special Operations Forces, while Ukrainian-made UAR-15 rifles are fielded in significant numbers by units of the National Guard and the Armed Forces of Ukraine.