TYR Tactical

SIG SAUER Selected by U.S. Army for Next Generation Weapons with New Ammunition Technology, Lightweight Machine Gun, Rifle, and Suppressors

NEWINGTON, N.H., (September 3, 2019) – SIG SAUER, Inc. is proud to announce the official award of a contract by the U.S. Army in the down-select process for the Next Generation Squad Weapons (NGSW).  The award encompasses the complete SIG SAUER system consisting of 6.8mm hybrid ammunition, a lightweight machine gun, rifle, and included suppressors.  SIG SAUER will provide single source manufacturing for ammunition, weapons, and suppressors allowing for less risk and increased capability for the U.S. Army.

“The U.S. Army is leading the world in the first significant upgrade to small arms in decades to meet the growing demands of soldiers on the battlefield.  We  are honored to have been selected for the Next Generation Squad Weapons program bringing increased lethality to the warfighter over the legacy weapons,” began Ron Cohen, President & CEO, SIG SAUER, Inc.  “At the core of our submission is our newly developed, high-pressure, 6.8mm hybrid ammunition that is utilized in both weapons, and is a significant leap forward in ammunition innovation,  design, and manufacturing.”   

The SIG SAUER 6.8mm hybrid ammunition is designed for increased penetration at greater distances.  Cohen continued, “using patent-pending technology the SIG SAUER Ammunition division has engineered a completely new cartridge resulting in a more compact round, with increased velocity and accuracy, while delivering a substantial reduction in the weight of the ammunition.”

The primary objectives set forth by the U.S. Army for the NGSW-AR was a weapon with the firepower and range of a machine gun, coupled with  the precision  and ergonomics of a rifle.  The SIG SAUER NGSW-AR submission is an ultra-light, medium caliber machine gun with AR ergonomics, and chambered in 6.8mm hybrid ammunition.  Features include quick detach magazines, side opening feed tray, increased available 1913 rail space for night vision and enablers, folding buttstock, and suppressor.  

Additionally, the Prototype Project Opportunity Notice (PPON) requirements were inclusive of an NGSW-Rifle.  The SIG SAUER NGSW-Rifle submission, also chambered in 6.8mm hybrid, is lightweight and features a free-floating reinforced M-LOK™ handguard, side-charging handle, full ambidextrous controls, folding buttstock, and suppressor.  

“The  U.S. Army challenged the industry to bring forward significant improvements to the legacy weapons.  The SIG SAUER NGSW-AR is lighter in weight, with dramatically less recoil than that currently in service, while our carbine for the NGSW-Rifle submission is built on the foundation of SIG SAUER weapons in service with the premier fighting forces across the globe.  Both weapons are designed with features that will increase the capabilities of the soldier,” commented Cohen.  “The final component of the SIG SAUER Next  Generation Weapons System is our suppressor, which through exhaustively researched design enhancements, reduces harmful backflow and signature.”  

As outlined in the recent award issued by the U.S. Army, SIG SAUER will deliver a complete SIG SAUER system inclusive of the SIG SAUER 6.8mm hybrid ammunition, lightweight machine gun, rifle, and suppressors. 

“SIG SAUER has designed the most comprehensive solution to meet the requirements of the Next Generation  Squad Weapons to enhance mission effectiveness.  We are looking forward to partnering with the U.S. Army throughout this process and ensuring our soldiers are equipped for the demands of the modern battlefield,” concluded Cohen.  

39 Responses to “SIG SAUER Selected by U.S. Army for Next Generation Weapons with New Ammunition Technology, Lightweight Machine Gun, Rifle, and Suppressors”

  1. Chris says:

    sounds like a side-charging mcx

    • Vincenzo Detta says:

      If it is I hope we civvys see it soon!

    • Chris says:

      Sigsauer.com homepage does show a pic of mcx with a folded side charging handle, while keeping the ar type rear ch

      • SVGC says:

        If you look for their CSASS submission or even other pictures posted on here of NGSW you’ll see better quality photos of that setup.

  2. Bill Brandon says:

    This is great news! I heard reports from friends in Big Army that the rifle was really well received by the troops who tested it. Good going SIG!

  3. Rick Batemann says:

    Wow! Very impressive win for SIG and great for our troops. This shows that SIG is capable of innovating and consistently delivering a quality product.

    • Chester Cobblepot says:

      Where have all the mighty fallen? If you rest on your laurels you’ll wither and die (I’m talking to you FN and Colt). This just demonstrates the innovation and competitiveness of SIG.

      • Bill Brandon says:

        Colt was a complete no-show and all FN did was submit the MK48! Holy crap how incredible! FN has now become the Glock of machine guns, no innovation.

        • Vincenzo Detta says:

          So much for the bleating sheep crying when SIG won the MHS with the M17 and M18! This proves SIG isn’t a one trick pony and that they have a lot to bring to the table. I can’t wait to see what’s next!

          • Gear Guy says:

            Throttle back there Turbo, Sig is one of three (3) contractors that were down selected. Sig hasn’t won anything but a ticket to the show.

          • TheScrutineer says:

            Where have you been? Their one trick is that they are cheap.

    • TheScrutineer says:

      Stay thee behind me Satan!
      https://www.facebook.com/rick.batemann.7

      • Rick Batemann says:

        Very good, you found me! You must be one very bored individual to go about trying to fisk people on comment threads.

        I can assure you I’m not a BOT and I’m very real. I’m sorry if my facebook profile and privacy settings don’t meet with your exacting standards.

  4. SecondGradeMath says:

    This is some creative writing on Sig’s part.

    Sig is one of 3 OTAs that is progressing to the next level. The final selection for this program (if it ever happens) hasn’t occured yet.

    Sig just moved on to the next step of the program, along with two others.

    • Alpha2 says:

      ^ This. Although I am sure it is only a formality at this point.

      • Rob says:

        Considering the AAI entry is the cased telescopic entry that the army has been working on for ten years I do somewhat agree that this is a formality but I would assume that the AAI is the entry to beat. Especially considering it is the best leap forward in technology.

        • Joglee says:

          Rifle to beat, but that doesn’t mean they will win.

          • DangerMouse says:

            Sig appears to be the lowest risk entry and most traditional platform.

            I suspect that Textron CT guns, being the “made here” (AKA in-house projects) option, will really have the inside track.

            However, what SSD said about the USMC backing the GD bullpup candidate is interesting and poses a real challenge.

            Remember how the USMC is going big on suppressors. And to get the velocity needed out of this package you need a long barrel. And to put a suppressor on a long barrel almost requires a bullpup in order to maintain practical maneuverability in mechanized, airborne, and urban operations.

    • TheScrutineer says:

      Looks to me like the most creative writing SIG has done is in these comments.

  5. Chester Cobblepot says:

    I used to duty carry a Glock and it was ok. A few years ago my department switched to the P320 and I was sold. I’ve personally purchased a lot of different SIG guns and I’ve never been disappointed. This news makes me really happy because my nephew just enlisted and I know he’ll get an M17 and hopefully he’ll get lucky enough to be issued one of these. I have full faith in the reliability and durability of SIG product.

  6. Vincenzo Detta says:

    Federal didn’t make the cut when it came to the ammo side of the competition. Another dusty old name failing to deliver. All the more better for SIG ammo. One stop shopping for the Army!

  7. CPT Zemo says:

    Thank you Cris Murray, Steve Holland, USAMU & 5th SFG for having the insight and foward vision to develop the 6.8 SPC. Without your work THIS cartridge would have never happened.

    • Seans says:

      What are you talking about. This round has nothing to do with 6.8SPC. And 6.8 SPC is a meh round to begin with.

  8. CK says:

    I would like to say, that the SIG bot shills are out in force today.

    • TheScrutineer says:

      Holy s*&t dude! I’m glad I’m not the only one that has googled some of these names. At least one of them has a fake Facebook account with one profile pic, one background pic and one post singing the praises of SIG (and no friends). If you just Google the poster’s name and SSD you’ll see it’s more consistent than simple fan boy reactions. There are half a dozen names in here, at least, that show up consistently.
      Full disclosure you’ll see me in some of those as well, expressing pretty much the same sentiments I have here.
      This only proves what a shady ass industry this is. Glock is definitely a poster boy for shady activity but they’ve been on cruise control for some time now. I feel like the ‘ol double S has taken a page from that book and run with it. I mean fair is fair and all; the US committed to hostile financial take overs of multiple south American countries in the 70s and 80s but look at what China has done in Africa. Same (both are f***ed up). If you really want to know how I feel about all this just check my comment in the SSD post for “US Marine Corps Adoption of M18 Underscores Success of SIG SAUER Modular Handgun System Program” I wont fill more space with it here. Scrutinize your media brothers!!

  9. Rudy Larez says:

    Love my sig 516

  10. Kyle Kata says:

    Wasn’t one of the goals for the cartridge to be lighter? How is a brass+steel case is visually the same dimensions as an all brass case lighter? Unless there is some magic hollow space around the base, I’m not seeing it.

    • mark says:

      I’m very curious about that as well.

      Shell Shock uses an Aluminum Base + thin wall steel body. The result is a 50% case weight reduction / 20-22% cartridge weight reduction.

      20% weight reduction vs equivalent brass case is the threshold for the NGSW cartridge weight reduction.

      If Aluminum + Steel barely makes it, I’m very curious how Steel + Brass is achieving this weight savings.

  11. Amer-Rican says:

    Hookers and cocaine as a growth strategy isn’t something a gun company can get away with anymore, so low prices may be one of the few legit tactics left. Innovation doesn’t hurt, either.

    • TheScrutineer says:

      HAHA yes! Still if I was plied with hookers and cocaine I’d know I had a proper pirate trying to sell me.

      • DangerMouse says:

        Maybe I could use that to convince my boys to join ROTC. “But boys, when you get older, you can get into project management, think of all the hookers and blow!”

  12. Tommy Gun says:

    Wonder if new ammo will ONLY be available to the military ,not available to non federal LE???.Kinda a back door gun control???I do not want to see it happen,but I could see it happening!

    • SSD says:

      For SIG’s gun? It’s pretty straight forward. Now CT? That’s a distinct possibility. But it’s to the government’s detriment if it happens.

      • Joglee says:

        Government would be a fool to not push that tech to the civilian market.

        I mean you never know, but it would be a major detriment.

  13. OrangeStripe says:

    Wow. I like my 938 and all, but the comments today…

    https://xkcd.com/1019/