The American-manufactured equivalent of the FN Herstal Minimi 5.56mm air-cooled, gas-operated light machine gun. Formerly designated the M249 SAW (Squad Automatic Weapon). The M249 has a quick-change barrel and is usually provided with a bipod and either a fixed or retractable buttstock. It can use linked ammunition belts or box magazines.
In 2022, the U.S. Army selected the SIG Sauer M250 light machine gun to replace the M249 SAW.
