FÉLIN FÉLIN ( " Fantassin à Équipement et Liaisons Intégrés " , Integrated Infantryman Equipment and Communications ) is the name for the French infantry combat system of the 2000s . It combines a modified FAMAS rifle with a host of other electronics , clothing , pouches , and body armour . The helmet is an integral SPECTRA helmet fitted with real - time positioning and information system , and with light amplifiers for night vision . Power sources will be made of two rechargeable Li - ion batteries . The €1 . 1bn ( FY2012 ) project will see 22 , 588 units delivered between 2010 and 2015 , at a unit cost of €38 , 000 ( €49 , 000 including development costs ) . The system entered service in late 2011 , when 300 were deployed to Afghanistan . History . Between 1997 and 2000 , the Félin programme was in its demonstration phase , focusing primarily on : communications , observation ( day and night , by trying to increase range ) , protection ( detectability : visual , acoustic and electromagnetic , protection against attack ) , power / energy and mobility ( system weight , ergonomics , location and navigation aid ) . During the first half of 2000 , several operational trials were conducted , notably engagements between groups ( one equipped with some of the Félin features , one without ) . The trials were successful , as the group equipped with the new features was significantly more efficient , even though it was carrying earlier versions of the system which had not been optimised in weight . In 2001 , the definition phase of the programme started . Engineering teams re - thought every step and system , putting aside all the previously tested demonstrators and updating the systems to the state of the art of their respective technologies . Meanwhile , a bidding started for French and European industrial producers . After several years of development and trials , the programme is now reaching completion . The first orders have been signed and the first deliveries should happen in 2007 . In November 2009 , 22 , 588 Félin systems had been ordered . The system was first deployed on the front - line on 7 September 2010 with the 1st Line Infantry Regiment in the Surobi District , which is occupied by the French forces in Afghanistan . Description . Three major systems can be distinguished : Individual system . The individual system is made up of six sub - systems : Clothing and armour . Basic combat clothing has a full cut allowing free movement . Bellows pockets provide ample carrying capacity . The material ( fabric ) offers good mechanical properties but still allows good air permeability . The fibres ( aramid / viscose FR ) are flame - and wash - resistant . The flak jacket accommodates : The electronic jacket integrates the electronics ( computer unit , manager unit , radio , man - machine interface , GPS , cables and connector ) , flexible water bottle , FAMAS magazines and grenades , and optimises weight distribution on the soldier . The equipment is autonomous and can be used alone . The NRBC combat clothing is similar to permanent combat clothing . It is designed to allow combat phases to be carried out with the same efficiency as that achieved with conventional combat clothing . Camouflage . There have been many rumours about introduction of a new camouflage pattern . Demonstrators model have been disclosed sporting DPM , flecktarn and an original spot camouflage pattern showing similarities to German Flecktarn and Australian Auscam ( see picture below ) , however latest demonstrators suggest that early Félin systems should use French standard CCE camouflage pattern . The French Army have selected the Kermel V50 and VMC40 fabrics to equip its troops within the context of the Félin Project . Portable electronic platform ( PEP ) . The PEP lies at the heart of the Félin system . Designed to utilise all the electronic resources found on the electronic jacket ( computer , energy manager , peripheral equipment interfaces , user interfaces ) , The system is built around a USB 2 . 0 . digital data bus . This choice of open broadband digital data bus and extensive connectivity gives the portable electronic platform , and hence the system , strong interoperability . Individual energy sources . Peripheral equipment can be connected to the physical connection ports situated at the front of the battery units . Power sources will be made of two rechargeable Li - ion batteries , provided partially by the Swiss Leclanché group Weapons . FAMAS will remain the infantryman ’ s basic weapon , updated into Félin FAMAS . The FN Minimi ( 5 . 56 mm calibre light machine gun ) and the FRF2 ( 7 . 62 calibre precision firing rifle ) can accommodate a telescopic night sight with no need for changes . FAMAS accommodates a man - machine interface , a second grip and a telescopic sight . The sight is equipped with a day imager and a night imager ( the infantryman ’ s sight will be light intensifying , and one soldier per squad will have a thermal sight : uncooled IR ) , a restitution eyepiece , a clear sight for instinctive shooting . The sight has an integrated video camera that transmits received images to the system . A wire connection links the weapon to the system . The Minimi sight uses similar technology to the FAMAS IR sight . The sight supports man - machine interfaces and integrates resources for radio communication with the rest of the Félin system . The FRF2 precision rifle sight is based on the use of uncooled infrared sensors , combined with adapted magnifying optics . It also includes radio communication resources . The PAPOP , a dual weapon combining a grenade launcher and an assault rifle , complete with a targeting computer , is currently being developed . Helmet . The helmet is composed of three components : head protection , communication headset and optronic equipment . The ballistic shell optimises protection and load - bearing ergonomics ( weight distribution ) . It can accommodate various items required for the mission ( facial protection screens ) and its shape is compatible with all firing positions of the weapons used . A lightweight , integrated protective shield protects the infantryman from various threats ( wind , rain , dust , UV ) . Non - linear earplugs afford auditory protection . The NBC mask can be equipped with a filter cartridge or linked to the ventilation powerpack . A tube built into the NBC mask can be used to take in liquids ( water , food ) . The communication headset is linked to the radio . It holds the microphone and earpiece and works by bone vibrations ( bone conduction transducer ) . It works independently from the helmet and can therefore remain in operation when the helmet is removed . The optronic equipment is composed of mission interface overshell integrating the optronics , head camera ( EBCMOS light intensification technology ) , image display units ( OLED technology ) allowing data and icons transmitted on the bus system to be displayed , images and video coming from the weapon or the head camera . The image display unit is fixed to the helmet : its screen can be brought into line with infantryman ' s eye . When not in use , it can be folded away so as not to hinder the soldier . Félin information network . The Félin information network ( RIF ) allows information to be shared throughout the infantry section . Each radio can subscribe to two networks simultaneously . This offers the squad leader some flexibility in organising communication networks in his section . Each network has an audio conference channel , with priority given to the squad leader , an alert channel from the infantryman to his leader , and a data transmission channel . Voice and data transmission is based on tried and tested DECT civilian technology ( domestic cordless telephone technology ) . Each sub - network works from a base carried by the squad leader . As RIF sets are all identical , a soldier can replace his commander if necessary by configuring his set as base . The radio is configured by the Félin computer , thereby limiting the number of control buttons needed on the set . Specific systems . Dismounted soldier ’ s Terminal Information System ( TIS ) . The TIS is made up of software supported by the computer , a man - machine interface and a communication interface box connected to a PR4G VS4 portable radio set . Multipurpose infrared binoculars . for the squad leader are based on uncooled IR technology . Transport / Carrying Case . The Félin weapon and subsidiary systems are transported and stored in a Storm iM3220 plastic moulded carry case with foam cut - outs designed for each part . The case is manufactured by Pelican Products . Collective systems . Collective recharging unit ( MRC ) . Used to recharge the soldiers ’ individual batteries . It uses aluminum - air metal - air fuel cells . Vehicle kits . ( AMX - 10P , VBCI , VAB ) all have a common structure and are designed for easy integration into vehicles , where they provide the power supply for the mounted soldiers ’ systems . Deliveries / Programme . 31 , 455 individual Félin systems are to be delivered to France , as follows :