Next Generation Squad Weapon

{{Short description|U.S. military program to develop small arms}} thumb|upright=1.35|A U.S. Army graphic detailing the competitors for the program as of December 2020.

The '''Next Generation Squad Weapon''' ('''NGSW''') program is a United States military program created in 2017 by the U.S. Army to replace the 5.56mm M4 carbine, the M249 SAW light machine gun, and the 7.62mm M240 machine gun, with a common system of 6.8mm cartridges and to develop small arms fire-control systems for the new weapons.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |date=12 July 2018 |title=Army is saying goodbye to the M249 Squad Automatic Rifle after thirty years |url=https://popularmilitary.com/army-saying-goodbye-m249-squad-automatic-rifle-thirty-years/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231005121519/https://popularmilitary.com/army-saying-goodbye-m249-squad-automatic-rifle-thirty-years/ |archive-date=5 October 2023 |access-date=20 August 2021 |website=Popular Military}}</ref><ref name=":3" />

Seven defense manufacturers competed in the program, with five attempting to design and produce the weapons and two attempting to create and supply fire-control optics.<ref name="tfb fcs contract">{{Cite web |last=Moss |first=Matthew |date=7 January 2022 |title=Vortex Win US Army Next Generation Squad Weapons - Fire Control Contract - |url=https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2022/01/07/vortex-win-us-army-next-generation-squad-weapons-fire-control-contract/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220603013530/https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2022/01/07/vortex-win-us-army-next-generation-squad-weapons-fire-control-contract/ |archive-date=3 June 2022 |website=The Firearm Blog}}</ref> The winners were officially announced by the Army in early 2022: SIG Sauer to produce the XM7 rifle and XM250 automatic rifle, Vortex Optics to produce the XM157 fire-control system,<ref name="tfb fcs contract" /> and Winchester to produce the custom 6.8×51mm Common Cartridge ammunition designed by SIG Sauer.<ref name=":42">{{Cite web |author= |date=19 April 2022 |title=Army awards Next Generation Squad Weapon contract |url=https://www.army.mil/article/255827/army_awards_next_generation_squad_weapon_contract |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220420013414/https://www.army.mil/article/255827/army_awards_next_generation_squad_weapon_contract |archive-date=20 April 2022 |access-date=19 April 2022 |website=U.S. Army}}</ref><ref name=":02">{{Cite web |last=Cox |first=Matthew |date=20 December 2018 |title=Army to Seek Prototypes for M4/M249 SAW Replacements in Early 2019 |url=https://www.military.com/kitup/2018/12/20/army-seek-prototypes-m4-m249-saw-replacements-early-2019.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220315145136/https://www.military.com/kitup/2018/12/20/army-seek-prototypes-m4-m249-saw-replacements-early-2019.html |archive-date=15 March 2022 |access-date=20 August 2021 |website=Military.com |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":12">{{Cite web |last=Woody |first=Christopher |date=12 June 2017 |title=The Army wants to ditch the M249 SAW and give the infantry more firepower |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/army-looking-for-replacement-for-m249-squad-automatic-weapon-2017-6 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220525075356/https://www.businessinsider.com/army-looking-for-replacement-for-m249-squad-automatic-weapon-2017-6 |archive-date=25 May 2022 |access-date=20 August 2021 |website=Business Insider |language=en-US}}</ref> The program was expected to cost $10 million in the first year of production, and $150 million the next.<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":02" /><ref name=":12" />

== History == The NGSW program began in 2017, after the U.S. Congress issued an order for the U.S. Army to conduct an assessment regarding the need to upgrade existing M4 carbines with SOCOM's SOPMOD free-floating rail. It was concluded that the M4 carbine was still favored by troops and also performed well under stress. Feeding issues and other problems were fixed by using different ammunition types and magazines. Despite this, the M4 had difficulty penetrating the types of bulletproof vests used by Russian and Chinese troops, especially at longer ranges.{{fact|date=May 2022}} Pressure to develop a new weapon system also arose from military programs created by other countries, such as Russia's Ratnik program.{{fact|date=May 2022}} The U.S. Army's Soldier Enhancement Program released its findings in December 2017, which recommended proceeding with the Next Generation Squad Weapon Program as a more cost-effective solution compared to only retrofitting M4s with free-float rail systems.<ref name="congress ngsw">{{cite web |date=5 June 2018 |title=S. Rept. 115-262 - The John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act For Fiscal Year 2019 |url=https://www.congress.gov/congressional-report/115th-congress/senate-report/262 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190915235940/https://www.congress.gov/congressional-report/115th-congress/senate-report/262 |archive-date=15 September 2019 |access-date=3 June 2022 |website=Congress.gov |publisher=Library of Congress}}</ref>

Previous attempts to replace the M4 failed due to lack of funding, poor submissions, or re-evaluation of tactics and requirements.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Winward |first=Tim |date=27 May 2000 |title=Objective Infantry Combat Weapon |url=http://216.117.156.23/features/tangofox/2000/february/oicw.shtml |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210307220940/https://web.archive.org/web/20000527170738/http://216.117.156.23/features/tangofox/2000/february/oicw.shtml |archive-date=7 March 2021 |access-date=21 April 2022 |website=Tango Fox}}</ref>{{Reliable source|date=June 2022}}<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cox |first=Matthew |date=October 2017 |title=Army: Gun Makers Didn't Meet Reliability Standard |url=https://www.military.com/daily-news/2013/06/14/army-gun-makers-didnt-meet-reliability-standard.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130618063923/https://www.military.com/daily-news/2013/06/14/army-gun-makers-didnt-meet-reliability-standard.html |archive-date=18 June 2013 |access-date=21 April 2022 |website=Military.com |language=en}}</ref> These included the Objective Individual Combat Weapon program, the Special Purpose Individual Weapon program, and the Advanced Combat Rifle program ''(not to be confused with the Adaptive Combat Rifle)''.

== Program components ==

=== Weapons === thumb|The SIG M7, the winning assault rifle submission for the NGSW program thumb|SIG M250, the winning automatic rifle with inserted ammunition belt

In 2017, the U.S. Army issued requirements for prototype Next Generation Squad Weapon submissions.<ref name=":2"/><ref name=":3">{{Cite web |title=Next Generation Squad Weapons (NGSW) |url=https://asc.army.mil/web/portfolio-item/fws-cs-2/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240113074709/https://asc.army.mil/web/portfolio-item/fws-cs-2/ |archive-date=13 January 2024 |access-date=7 October 2021 |website=U.S. Army Acquisition Support Center |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":12" /> The program's rifle requirement, referred to as NGSW-R, was required to use a 6.8mm round and be able to utilize small arms fire-control systems. The program's support weapon, referred to as NGSW-AR, was required to be no longer than {{convert|35|in|abbr=on}}; no heavier than {{convert|12|lb|abbr=on}} including attachments; able to suppress targets out to {{convert|3,900|ft|m|abbr=on}}; able to accurately fire on targets out to {{convert|2,000|ft|m|abbr=on}}; able to make use of small arms fire-control systems.

On April 19, 2022, after 27 months of prototyping and evaluation, the Army announced that SIG Sauer was awarded the NGSW program contract, and would produce the replacements for the M4 carbine and M249 SAW for the next 10 years.<ref name="defense daily">{{Cite web |last=Beinart |first=Matthew |date=19 April 2022 |title=Sig Sauer Wins 10-Year Deal To Deliver Army's Next-Gen Squad Weapons |url=https://www.defensedaily.com/sig-sauer-wins-10-year-deal-to-deliver-armys-next-gen-squad-weapons/army/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220419221747/https://www.defensedaily.com/sig-sauer-wins-10-year-deal-to-deliver-armys-next-gen-squad-weapons/army/ |archive-date=19 April 2022 |access-date=25 April 2022 |website=Defense Daily |language=en-US}}</ref> The new rifle, designated the XM7, is based on the company's SIG MCX Spear rifle, while the new automatic rifle, designated the XM250, is based on the company's SIG MG 6.8mm belt-fed gun.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Beynon |first=Steve |date=19 April 2022 |title=Army Picks Its Replacement for the M4 and SAW |url=https://www.military.com/daily-news/2022/04/19/army-picks-its-replacement-m4-and-saw.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220520175414/https://www.military.com/daily-news/2022/04/19/army-picks-its-replacement-m4-and-saw.html |archive-date=20 May 2022 |access-date=2 June 2022 |website=Military.com |language=en-US}}</ref>

The company was awarded a small initial production order, worth $10.4 million, for about 25 rifles, 15 automatic rifles, and a “large quantity” of ammunition so the weapons could be tested and the production line fine-tuned.<ref name="defense one">{{Cite web |last=Kenney |first=Caitlyn M. |date=20 April 2022 |title=Soldiers Will Have to Wait Until Next Year for New Rifle, Ammo |url=https://www.defenseone.com/business/2022/04/soldiers-will-have-wait-until-next-year-new-rifle-ammo/365906/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220518041807/https://www.defenseone.com/business/2022/04/soldiers-will-have-wait-until-next-year-new-rifle-ammo/365906/ |archive-date=18 May 2022 |access-date=22 April 2022 |website=Defense One |language=en}}</ref>

A U.S. Army press release stated the new weapons would "provide significant capability improvements in accuracy, range and overall lethality. They are lightweight, fire more lethal ammunition, mitigate recoil, provide improved barrel performance, and include integrated muzzle sound and flash reduction."<ref name=":42"/>

The U.S. Army intends to procure 111,428 M7 Rifles, 13,334 M250 Machine Guns, and 124,749 Fire Control systems through the life of the program.<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 2023 |title=Justification Book Volume 1 of 1 Procurement of W&TCV, Army |url=https://www.asafm.army.mil/Portals/72/Documents/BudgetMaterial/2024/Base%20Budget/Procurement/Procurement%20of%20Weapons%20and%20Tracked%20Combat%20Vehicles.pdf }}</ref>

'''Selected:''' * SIG Sauer: SIG MCX SPEAR rifle (M7) and SIG LMG 6.8 (M250) belt-fed machine gun with custom 6.8×51 SIG FURY brass-steel hybrid cartridges. '''Down-selected but rejected:'''

Three manufacturers were down-selected for the final phase of testing, including the ultimately selected SIG Sauer; the other two selected were:<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cox |first=Matthew |date=27 October 2019 |title=Inside the Army's quest for a revolutionary new bullet |url=https://taskandpurpose.com/news/army-ngsw-68mm-ammo-search/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231118192222/https://taskandpurpose.com/news/army-ngsw-68mm-ammo-search/ |archive-date=18 November 2023 |access-date=18 November 2023 |website=Task & Purpose |language=en-US |agency=Military.com}}</ref>

* LoneStar Future Weapons and Beretta USA: RM-277R bullpup rifle and RM-277AR machine gun with True Velocity .277 TVCM polymer-cased cartridges. (''Originally General Dynamics-OTS and Beretta,''<ref>{{Cite web |date=1 December 2019 |title=General Dynamics / Beretta RM277 GD NGSW-R assault rifle (USA) |url=https://modernfirearms.net/en/assault-rifles/u-s-a-assault-rifles/ngsw-r-gd-rm277-2/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230530150346/https://modernfirearms.net/en/assault-rifles/u-s-a-assault-rifles/ngsw-r-gd-rm277-2/ |archive-date=30 May 2023 |access-date=18 November 2023 |website=Modern Firearms |language=en}}</ref> ''until GD handed over to LoneStar Future Weapons''.)<ref name="SSD 3 competitors2">{{Cite web |date=1 September 2021 |title=US Army Grants NGSW Novation from General Dynamics-OTS, Inc to LoneStar Future Weapons |url=https://soldiersystems.net/2021/09/01/us-army-grants-ngsw-novation-from-general-dynamics-ots-inc-to-lonestar-future-weapons/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211214152854/https://soldiersystems.net/2021/09/01/us-army-grants-ngsw-novation-from-general-dynamics-ots-inc-to-lonestar-future-weapons/ |archive-date=14 December 2021 |website=Soldier Systems Daily}}</ref><ref name="TFB ls alliance tv2">{{Cite web |last=Moss |first=Matthew |date=14 April 2021 |title=NGSW: LoneStar Future Weapons Forms Strategic Alliance with True Velocity in Place of General Dynamics |url=https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2021/04/14/lonestar-future-weapons-forms-strategic-alliance-with-true-velocity/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220520185344/https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2021/04/14/lonestar-future-weapons-forms-strategic-alliance-with-true-velocity/ |archive-date=20 May 2022 |website=The Firearm Blog}}</ref><ref name="TV acquire LS2">{{Cite web |last=Moss |first=Matthew |date=10 November 2021 |title=True Velocity Acquires LoneStar Future Weapons |url=https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2021/11/10/true-velocity-acquires-lonestar-future-weapons/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220520185346/https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2021/11/10/true-velocity-acquires-lonestar-future-weapons/ |archive-date=20 May 2022 |website=The Firearm Blog}}</ref><ref name="beretta2">{{Cite web |last=Moss |first=Matthew |date=19 January 2022 |title=[SHOT 2022] Beretta & True Velocity Confirm Partnership & Announce Civilian RM277 |url=https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2022/01/19/beretta-true-velocity-confirm-partnership-announce-civilian-rm277/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220501183157/https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2022/01/19/beretta-true-velocity-confirm-partnership-announce-civilian-rm277/ |archive-date=1 May 2022 |website=The Firearm Blog}}</ref> * Textron Systems: Textron CT System rifle and LSAT light machine gun with Olin Winchester CT 6.8mm polymer-cased telescoped cartridges.<ref name="textron out2">{{Cite web |last=Moss |first=Matthew |date=18 November 2021 |title=Is Textron Out of the NGSW Program? |url=https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2021/11/18/textron-ngsw-program/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220517200600/https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2021/11/18/textron-ngsw-program/ |archive-date=17 May 2022 |website=The Firearm Blog}}</ref>

'''Rejected:'''

* PCP Tactical: Desert Tech MDR<ref name="desert tech subm">{{Cite web |date=10 March 2020 |title=The Desert Tech Next Generation Squad Weapons Prototypes |url=https://soldiersystems.net/2020/03/10/the-desert-tech-next-generation-squad-weapons-submissions/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231005121529/https://soldiersystems.net/2020/03/10/the-desert-tech-next-generation-squad-weapons-submissions/ |archive-date=5 October 2023 |website=Soldier Systems Daily}}</ref> rifle and machine gun with PCP Ammunition 6.8mm polymer case-metal cartridges. *FN-America: HAMR rifle and EVOLYS machine gun with Federal Cartridge Company 6.8mm cartridges.<ref name="FN prototypes">{{Cite web |date=1 August 2018 |title=FN to produce two prototypes for the Next Generation Squad Automatic Rifle program |url=https://www.all4shooters.com/en/shooting/pro-zone/fn-america-will-produce-two-prototypes-for-the-us-army/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211216183331/https://www.all4shooters.com/en/shooting/pro-zone/fn-america-will-produce-two-prototypes-for-the-us-army/ |archive-date=16 December 2021 |website=all4shooters.com}}</ref><ref name="finabel">{{Cite web |author-link=Finabel |date=14 August 2019 |title=NGSW: Future Infantry Weapons? |url=https://finabel.org/ngsw-future-infantry-weapons/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211216183329/https://finabel.org/ngsw-future-infantry-weapons/ |archive-date=16 December 2021 |website=Finabel}}</ref><ref name="fn press release">{{Cite web |date=16 July 2018 |title=FN Down-Selected to Produce Two Prototype Options for U.S. Army Next Generation Squad Automatic Rifle Program |url=https://fnamerica.com/press-releases/fn-selected-produce-two-prototype-options-u-s-army-next-generation-squad-automatic-rifle-program/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211216183327/https://fnamerica.com/press-releases/fn-selected-produce-two-prototype-options-u-s-army-next-generation-squad-automatic-rifle-program/ |archive-date=16 December 2021 |website=FN America}}</ref> * VK Integrated Systems: XR-68 rifle and machine gun with Bachstein Consulting 6.8mm cartridges.<ref>{{Cite web |date=19 June 2019 |title=US Army NGSW Submission 6.8 Sherwood by VK Integrated Systems and Bachstein Consulting |url=https://soldiersystems.net/2019/06/19/us-army-ngsw-submission-6-8-sherwood-by-vk-integrated-systems-and-bachstein-consulting/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210423052800/https://soldiersystems.net/2019/06/19/us-army-ngsw-submission-6-8-sherwood-by-vk-integrated-systems-and-bachstein-consulting/ |archive-date=23 April 2021 |website=Soldier Systems Daily}}</ref> * Cobalt Kinetics: MARS Inc. rifle and machine gun with Cobalt Kinetics 6.8mm cartridges.<ref>{{Cite web |date=28 August 2019 |title=MARS Inc. and Cobalt Kinetics Submit NEW Carbine, LMG and 6.8mm Cartridge for US Army NGSW Program |url=https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2019/08/28/mars-inc-and-cobalt-kinetics-submit-new-carbine-and-lmg-for-us-army-ngsw-program/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201216125340/https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2019/08/28/mars-inc-and-cobalt-kinetics-submit-new-carbine-and-lmg-for-us-army-ngsw-program/ |archive-date=16 December 2020 |website=The Firearm Blog}}</ref>

=== Fire-control systems === thumb|Vortex Optics XM157 platform agnostic fire-control system

The program also included the development of new fire-control systems for small-arms weapons. Two companies entered the competition: Vortex Optics and L3Harris Technologies, both of whose submissions utilized integrated fire-control systems using laser rangefinders, direct view optics, digital overlays, and ballistic calculation systems, as per NGSW program requirements.<ref name=":0" /> In late January 2022, the U.S. Army selected Vortex Optics' offering, designated the '''XM157''' fire-control system.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Keller |first=Jared |date=2 February 2021 |title=This could be the Army's next-generation rifle optic of choice |url=https://taskandpurpose.com/military-tech/army-next-generation-squad-weapon-fire-control-l3harris/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220605234723/https://taskandpurpose.com/military-tech/army-next-generation-squad-weapon-fire-control-l3harris/ |archive-date=5 June 2022 |access-date=6 October 2021 |website=Task & Purpose |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Edwards |first=Jane |date=10 January 2022 |title=Vortex Optics to Produce Next-Gen Fire Controls Under $2.7B Army Follow-On OTA |url=https://www.govconwire.com/2022/01/vortex-optics-to-produce-next-gen-fire-controls-under-2-7b-army-follow-on-ota/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220216063545/https://www.govconwire.com/2022/01/vortex-optics-to-produce-next-gen-fire-controls-under-2-7b-army-follow-on-ota/ |archive-date=16 February 2022 |website=GovConWire}}</ref>

=== Ammunition === NGSW weapon proposals used proponent designed cartridges with government-issued 6.8mm general-purpose projectiles. This allowed each proposed weapon and cartridge to be designed together to meet the performance requirements. In January 2022, Winchester was awarded a contract to produce the ammunition. In April 2022, with the selection of the MCX Spear, SIG Sauer's hybrid metal cartridge would become the new cartridge subsequently referred to as 6.8x51mm Common Cartridge by the U.S. Army.<ref name=":42"/>

== References ==

Category:Trial and research firearms of the United States