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FN P90

The FN P90 is a Belgian-made compact personal defense weapon and submachine gun developed by FN Herstal in the late 1980s for NATO requirements.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The FN P90 is a Belgian-made compact personal defense weapon and submachine gun developed by FN Herstal in the late 1980s for NATO requirements. It is chambered in 5.7×28mm and is known for its bullpup layout, top-mounted 50-round magazine, and fully ambidextrous controls.

Design

The FN P90 uses an unconventional bullpup configuration that places the action and magazine behind the trigger. Its top-mounted magazine and ambidextrous controls were intended to make it compact and easy to use in confined spaces.

Development

FN Herstal developed the P90 in the late 1980s in response to NATO interest in a compact weapon for personnel who did not normally carry full-size infantry firearms. It was paired with the 5.7×28mm cartridge as part of an integrated weapon system.

Service use

The P90 has been adopted in military and law-enforcement roles and is described by FN as being in use in more than 40 countries. It is associated especially with close-quarters and vehicle-crew applications.

Variants

FN markets several variants of the standard P90, including the P90 Tactical and P90 USG. Civilian market versions such as the PS90 differ by removing full-automatic capability and altering the barrel configuration to meet local laws.

Key facts

  • The P90 was developed by FN Herstal for NATO as part of a personal defense weapon concept.
  • It uses FN's 5.7×28mm cartridge, which was created alongside the weapon system.
  • Its design is compact and bullpup, with the action and magazine placed behind the trigger.
  • The standard magazine holds 50 rounds and sits horizontally on top of the weapon.
  • The P90 is fully ambidextrous, including its operating controls.
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Canadian context

The FN P90 is relevant to Canadian readers mainly as an internationally known firearm often discussed in military, policing, and firearms-policy contexts, including the civilian PS90 variant and the 5.7×28mm cartridge.

Frequently asked questions

What is the FN P90?
The FN P90 is a compact personal defense weapon and submachine gun made by FN Herstal in Belgium.
What ammunition does the FN P90 use?
It uses the 5.7×28mm cartridge.
Why is the FN P90 unusual?
It is known for its bullpup layout, horizontal top-mounted magazine, and fully ambidextrous controls.
How many rounds does its magazine hold?
The standard magazine holds 50 rounds.
Was the FN P90 designed for NATO?
Yes. FN developed it in the late 1980s for NATO as a personal defense weapon.
Is the FN P90 used outside Belgium?
Yes. FN says it is deployed by more than 40 nations.

References

  1. FN America — https://fnamerica.com/products/rifles/fn-p90/
    Supports: Development for NATO, 5.7×28mm weapon system, deployment by more than 40 nations, 50-round magazine, ambidextrous controls, variants
  2. FN Herstal — https://fnherstal.com/en/defence/portable-weapons/fn-p90/
    Supports: Product type, compact lightweight design, 50-cartridge magazine, 5.7×28mm NATO calibre
  3. FN Herstal — https://fnherstal.com/app/uploads/technical-data-fn-p90_0.pdf
    Supports: Technical data including magazine capacity and effective range
  4. BICC SALW Guide — https://salw-guide.bicc.de/pdf/weapons/044/fn-p90.std.en.pdf
    Supports: Bullpup design, compact dimensions, horizontally mounted feeding system, PDW concept