The Fabrique Nationale d'Armes de Guerre (French for 'National Factory of Weapons of War') was established in 1889 to manufacture 150,000 Mauser Model 89 rifles ordered by the Belgian government.

In 1897, the company entered into a long-lasting relationship with John Browning, a well-known American firearms designer.

[3] The company was an important manufacturer of motor vehicles in Belgium, a development championed by Alexandre Galopin as managing director.

Established 1949 in Liers, it manufactured parts, and made and assembled complete engines under licence from British, French and US companies.

When four European countries, including Belgium, adopted the F-16 fighter in 1977, FN Herstal built an entirely new plant that made parts, assembled and tested the engines for these aircraft.

[12] FN Browning Group was interested in January 2025 to purchase Sofisport, which "employs a total of 1,000 people at fifteen active sites in France, Italy, Spain, the UK and Canada.

[13][14] FN Browning Group commemorated its 135th anniversary with an exhibition in Liège's La Boverie museum from 25 April to 26 July 2025.