F88

F88 is an alphanumeric designation used in several contexts, but it is most widely associated with a line of Australian military firearms. The F88 Austeyr refers to the standard-issue rifle of the Australian Defence Force, a bullpup assault rifle chambered for 5.56×45mm NATO. It was developed in the late 1980s as part of Australia’s modernization of its infantry weapons and is based on the Steyr AUG design. Production and ongoing updates have involved Australian industry partners working with Steyr, with the rifle entering service in the late 1980s and remaining in use with regular upgrades.

Variants of the F88 Austeyr include the F88S carbine, a shorter version intended for close-quarters use by specialists and vehicle crews, and the EF88 (Enhanced F88), introduced in the 2010s. The EF88 features improved ergonomics, ambidextrous controls, and modular rails to accommodate modern optics and accessories. These updates reflect ongoing efforts to accommodate contemporary combat gear and mission requirements while maintaining compatibility with existing ammunition standards.

In addition to the Australian rifle lineage, the designation F88 has appeared as a model or product code in other contexts. However, there is no single widely recognized alternative meaning that dominates reference usage. In practice, F88 most commonly denotes the Australian F88 Austeyr family within contemporary military equipment contexts.