U.S. Army to field next-gen XM7 rifle and XM250 Automatic Rifle for 2024 deployment

In a significant stride towards modernizing its infantry arsenal, the U.S. Army has delivered the Next Generation Squad Weapon (NGSW) rifle and automatic rifle to soldiers for testing, with plans to officially field them to a unit in 2024.  The Army provided the XM7 rifle, XM250 automatic rifle, and the advanced XM157 fire control optic to a platoon in the 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, initiating user tests. 

A squad from the 75th Ranger Regiment also participated in these tests, conducted over several months. The 101st Airborne Division is slated to witness the official fielding of these cutting-edge weapons by the second quarter of fiscal year 2024, representing a strategic leap in the Army's small arms capabilities.

The XM7 is designed to replace the M4 for close combat units, including infantry, scouts, combat engineers, and special operations forces. Simultaneously, the XM250 is set to take over the role of the M249 Squad Automatic Weapon for these units, ushering in a new era of firepower. 

Shift to 6.8mm cartridge 

Distinguishing itself from its predecessors, the XM7 and XM250 utilize the recently developed 6.8mm cartridge, a shift from the 5.56mm round used in the legacy M4 and M249. This change aims to enhance penetration, accuracy, and lethality, particularly against enemy body armor. 

The decision to adopt the 6.8mm cartridge emerged from the 2017 Small Arms Ammunition Configuration Study, identifying firepower and range gaps. The Marine Corps has been actively involved in the collaborative testing and evaluation process, providing valuable feedback.

The 6.8mm cartridge demonstrated superior penetration capabilities, outperforming the 5.56mm round and even surpassing the 7.62mm round used in the M240 machine gun system. Live-fire tests showcased the ability to penetrate barriers and turn cover into concealment. 

Revolutionizing fire control

The weapons, built by Sig Sauer under a 10-year contract with a ceiling value of $4.5 billion, and the Vortex Optics/Sheltered Wings XM157 fire control, with a cost ceiling of $2.7 billion, will shed the "X" in their names upon official fielding. 

The XM157 fire control, a pivotal component of the NGSW, introduces computer-aided ballistics. This innovation allows seamless coordination between the round, weapon, and optic, ensuring enhanced accuracy. Shooters can now make rapid adjustments for distance and bullet drop, revolutionizing small arms capabilities. 

The XM157 fire control incorporates preprogrammed ballistics information and can be fitted to various small arms weapon systems within the Army's inventory, providing versatility and adaptability. As the U.S. Army prepares to usher in these advancements, the NGSW represents a paradigm shift in infantry weaponry, combining cutting-edge technology with enhanced firepower to meet the evolving challenges on the modern battlefield.