The Army has commenced a new chapter in small arms capabilities, choosing Sig Sauer to manufacture the Next Generation Squad Weapon (NGSW), which will significantly enhance the firepower of close combat forces. In a contract that could potentially reach $2.7 billion over the next decade, Sig Sauer will provide both the rifle and automatic rifle variants that utilize the more potent 6.8mm cartridges, aiming to revolutionize the effectiveness, range, and accuracy of the soldiers’ weapons.
This transformational step forward in combat lethality originated from an April 2022 decision when the Army awarded Sig Sauer the contract to replace the M4A1 Carbine and the M249 Squad Automatic Weapon within close combat forces. The decision underscores the Army’s determined effort to respond to evolving threats and to keep its weaponry at the forefront of technology and capability.
The Army delivered the XM7 rifle and the XM250 automatic rifle, along with the advanced XM157 fire control optics, to a platoon in the 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, Kentucky in late September for testing. The sophisticated fire control system, developed by Vortex Optics/Sheltered Wings, integrates computer-aided ballistics, range-finding, and environmental sensors that dramatically improve accuracy and allow for rapid adjustment of fire. It’s a partnership that could yield up to 250,000 optics produced over the next decade, with a cost ceiling set at $2.7 billion.
The XM7 will ultimately replace the M4 for units such as infantry, scouts, combat engineers, and special operations forces, while the XM250 will take over the duties of the M249 Squad Automatic Weapon for these same units. The new systems are intended to be fielded to a yet-to-be-identified unit in the 101st by the second quarter of fiscal year 2024.
It is important to note that the non-close combat units will continue to carry the M4 and M249 for the foreseeable future. The switch to the 6.8mm cartridge comes as part of the Army’s dedication to defeating enemy body armor more effectively and maintaining an edge in lethality and accuracy at increased ranges. Such ammunition advancements not only penetrate hard targets with greater ease but also maintain the capability of reaching and affecting soft targets at extended distances.
Test demonstrations have illustrated the superior performance of the 6.8mm rounds compared to the existing 5.56mm, particularly in their ability to convert cover into mere concealment for enemy forces. The advanced XM157 optics paired with the new firearms are designed to not only enhance lethality but also maintain the essential fundamentals of marksmanship training.
The Army’s selection of Sig Sauer for this significant upgrade also reflects the high confidence in the vendor, which was affirmed by rigorous technical tests, including over 1.5 million rounds of 6.8mm ammunition fired and extensive user acceptance assessments by soldiers.
The NGSW program marks a pivotal advancement, as it’s the first major replacement of small arms and ammunition in six decades. Soldiers will get a more powerful, accurate, and versatile weapon system, which will transform the dynamics of close combat engagements and potentially alter the infantry’s tactical operations.
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