weapons | Soldier Systems Daily Soldier Systems Daily

Archive for the ‘weapons’ Category

X-Bow Completes Largest Privately-Funded Solid Rocket Motor Test by Non-Traditional Contractor

Wednesday, March 4th, 2026

X-Bow recently successfully completed testing of the XB-34 Ballesta SRM, one of the largest privately-funded solid rocket motors ever tested by a non-traditional defense contractor.

The 34.5-inch diameter XB-34 demonstrates X-Bow’s range from tactical 2-inch motors to strategic-class SRMs. Working Monday-to-Friday and sometimes Saturdays, they’ve tested nearly 300 motors.

This venture-backed, dual-use non-traditional, SRM is 30-50% cheaper than comparable existing options with scalable production at the company’s 220-acre facility, capable of producing thousands of motors annually.

Transition to Production: In the last 5 months X-Bow has secured three production contracts:

$191M production contract for solid rocket motors;

$8.9M production contract for igniters to strengthen their vertical integration, and supply chain;

Another $8.9M production contract for yet to be announced motor.

This achievement positions X-Bow as a key player in addressing the SRM shortage affecting various defense programs, and positions X-Bow for affordable solutions to futuristic challenges such as space-based interceptors as part of Golden Dome.

Posted in Manufacturing, weapons | No Comments »

Global Military Products Receives Contract to Provide Scorpion Light Mobile Mortar System on the Polaris MRZR Alpha 6×6

Wednesday, February 25th, 2026

TAMPA, FL – (Feb. 24, 2026) – Global Military Products, a Global Ordnance Company, received a contract to deliver its Scorpion Light mobile mortar system through the Naval Surface Technology & Innovation Consortium for the U.S. Marine Corps. Mounted on the Polaris MRZR Alpha 6×6, the fully integrated platform enhances the mobility, lethality, operator safety and air transportability of these assets.

“This contract signals a step forward in the Marine Corps’ mortar modernization,” said James Knight, director, Global Military Products. “This partnership delivers a revolutionary ‘shoot and scoot’ capability designed for expeditionary forces operating in high-threat, dispersed environments by providing critical indirect fire support to light infantry formations.”

The Scorpion Light mobile mortar system can be deployed, fire 8 rounds and relocate in less than 2 minutes, which was recently demonstrated on a range at Quantico in conjunction with the Marine Gunners Symposium. Rapid emplacement and displacement are critical for survivability on a modern battlefield, allowing mortar teams to engage targets and reposition before an adversary can return effective counter-battery fire.

The Scorpion Light mobile mortar system will also incorporate an advanced digital fire control system that enables rapid, accurate targeting and re-aiming with minimal crew intervention. Marines can use the rapid-fire control system to engage multiple targets quickly and efficiently during combat operations, elevating operational efficiency, while the expanded payload of the MRZR Alpha 6×6 variant allows for 48 mortars to also be transported.

The pre-production MRZR Alpha 6×6 is manufactured by Polaris. This TRL-8 prototype vehicle is a two-seat platform with a 65 percent larger cargo bed optimized for heavier systems and payloads, like the Scorpion Light. The vehicle has 3,600 lbs (about 1632.93 kg) of payload available, with 3,000 lbs (about 1360.78 kg) of that available in the extended cargo bed. The third axle and short wheelbase also have a positive impact on mobility, enhancing performance in soft soil, mud and bogs. The MRZR Alpha 6×6 maintains top speed and has more than 90 percent parts commonality with the base MRZR Alpha that are currently being fielded with the U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Special Forces.

With its ability to be internally transported by a V-22 Osprey helicopter, the integrated Scorpion Light and MRZR Alpha 6×6 platform provide rapid deployment in remote and austere environments.

The firm-fixed price contract has a ceiling of $4.9M. Once delivered, the systems will undergo Marine Corps live-fire testing and evaluation.

Posted in Advertiser, Mobility, Press Release, USMC, weapons | Comments Off on Global Military Products Receives Contract to Provide Scorpion Light Mobile Mortar System on the Polaris MRZR Alpha 6×6

Breakthrough for Seasnake: Sweden Becomes First NATO Customer

Friday, February 20th, 2026

The newest NATO member, Sweden, has commissioned Rheinmetall to supply eight Seasnake 30 weapon systems for the Swedish Navy. These systems will be the primary armament of the new Combat Boat 90 fast military assault craft. The first order under the framework agreement is worth around €63 million and was placed in February 2026. Delivery of the first system is scheduled for February 2028.

The framework agreement also includes airburst and 30 mm calibre training ammunition, with a term of four years. Spare parts and services are also included in the agreement. Additionally, the contract includes an option for up to 29 extra Seasnake weapon systems.

The Seasnake 30 is a state-of-the-art remote-controlled naval light gun designed for close-range defence. Alongside the weapon itself, the system incorporates modern daylight cameras, infrared sensors, and a laser rangefinder. It features automatic target detection and the ability to track multiple targets simul¬taneously. The revolver cannon’s nominal maximum rate of fire is 1,100 rounds per minute.

Thanks to its integrated airburst capability, the Seasnake 30 is particularly effective against air targets, such as drones. Its low silhouette and compact stealth design also make it difficult for enemy sensors to detect.

This order from Sweden marks an important market success for Rheinmetall, as it positions the Seasnake 30 with a NATO customer for the first time. This decision highlights confidence in the performance and future viability of Rheinmetall’s modern naval weapon systems. At the same time, the order reinforces the Group’s standing as a dependable provider of maritime defence solutions within the alliance.

Posted in C-UAS, Contracts, International, Press Release, weapons | No Comments »

Project Manager Soldier Lethality Relinquishment of Charter

Wednesday, February 18th, 2026

Fort Belvoir, Va

PICATINNY ARSENAL, N.J. –?After three years of dedicated leadership, Colonel Jason Bohannon relinquished his charter as the Project Manager for Soldier Lethality (PM SL) during a ceremony on February 6, 2026.?The traditional military ceremony marked the formal transfer of responsibility for the organization, which is tasked with ensuring Soldiers have overmatch capabilities in individual and crew-served weapons.

Brigadier General Troy Denomy, Capability Program Executive Ground, presided over the event and presented Col. Bohannon with the Legion of Merit. The award recognized Bohannon’s diligent leadership and oversight of a portfolio critical to the nation’s warfighters. Bohannon’s superior initiative, outstanding leadership, and personal courage are a testament to both the organization and the U.S. Army.

Upon assuming command in August 2023, Bohannon stated his goal was to “field the most lethal small arms that ground forces have ever seen.”

His three years as Project Manager were marked by a steadfast commitment to that vision, overseeing the continuous improvement and fielding of systems that enhance both the survivability and lethality of the American Soldier.

Assisting in the ceremony was the Senior Enlisted Advisor for Project Manager Soldier Lethality, Master Sgt. Daniel Saucedo. The event was narrated by Maj. Jonathan DiBianca, and the invocation was provided by Lt. Col. Micah Rue, former Product Manager for Soldier Weapons.

Following the relinquishment, Mr. Dave Oatley, who recently served as the Deputy Project Manager for Soldier Lethality, assumed the duties as the Acting Project Manager.

The ceremony was attended by several distinguished guests, including Gen. David Hodne, Maj. Gen. Reim, Maj. Gen. Sean Davis, and Brig. Gen. Camilla White, whose presence underscored the significance of the Soldier Lethality mission.

By PEO Soldier, Army

Posted in Guest Post, PEO-Soldier, weapons | No Comments »

Groundbreaking Held for KONGSBERG’s Missile Manufacturing and Maintenance Facility in James City County, Virginia

Sunday, February 8th, 2026

Jan. 16, 2026 – Kongsberg Defense and Aerospace, Inc. (‘KONGSBERG’) held a groundbreaking ceremony Friday for its first state-of-the-art US-based missile production facility in James City County, Va.

Speakers at the event included Kongsberg Defence and Aerospace (Norway) President Eirik Lie, James City County Board of Supervisors Chair Dr. John McGlennon, Virginia Secretary of Transportation Hon. Shep Miller, U.S. Representative Rob Wittman (VA-1) and Norwegian Ambassador to the United States Anniken Huitfeldt.

This facility, located in Toano, Va, between Richmond and Williamsburg and conveniently near Naval Station Yorktown, will help the company meet global demand for its precision strike missiles.

“This new KONGSBERG factory will provide additional production capacity, sustainment and in-country tech refresh capabilities for our Naval Strike Missile (NSM) and Joint Strike Missile (JSM) – both highly advanced, fifth generation cruise missiles capable of both maritime strike and land attack,” said Lie.

The United States Navy awarded KONGSBERG a multi-year procurement contract for NSM in 2024 for the Navy’s Over-the-Horizon weapon wystem, as well as the Marine Corps’ NMESIS (Navy Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System). The United States Air Force selected the JSM in 2024 for use on the F-35A Joint Strike Fighter.

“We are proud to invest in defense manufacturing in the United States and excited to onshore our world-class capabilities in James City County, Va. The state of Virginia, including the Virginia Economic Development Partnership and the Hampton Roads Alliance, have been integral in this process and we look forward to growing our presence in the US as we ramp up hiring,” said Heather Armentrout, KDA, Inc. president and general manager.

The KONGSBERG facility was announced in September 2024 and will create more than 180 jobs in the James City County area. It will inject more than $100 million in economic benefits, as well as create opportunities for local suppliers to support the production and manufacturing of these weapons.

Preparatory site work has commenced with construction expected to begin by Q2 2026. Missile manufacturing will begin in late 2027, ramping up to full rate production by the end of 2028.

The NSM has been selected by 14 countries and the JSM by 5 nations, including the US.

Posted in Industry, Press Release, weapons | Comments Off on Groundbreaking Held for KONGSBERG’s Missile Manufacturing and Maintenance Facility in James City County, Virginia

SHOT Show 26 – HK 421 7.62 MG

Thursday, February 5th, 2026

Heckler & Koch exhibited a variant of the HK 421 machine gun in 7.62 mm NATO. While they would only mention that its inclusion in the booth was intended to demonstrate how important the company considers the US market its important to note that USSOCOM is currently seeking a Light Machine Gun Assault also in 7.62mm with possible future caliber swaps to high pressure ammunition.

The staff was very kind to allow me to photograph the gun but I must point out that the lighting in the hall is very challenging. This post will essentially serve as a photo dump to allow you to see the features of this variant of the HK 421.

Posted in SHOT Show, weapons | 2 Comments »

USAMU Builds Lethality During M7 Fielding with 25th Infantry Division

Monday, February 2nd, 2026

Soldiers assigned to the 25th Infantry Division are training on the Army’s newest service rifle as part of the ongoing fielding of the M7, with instructors from the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit providing hands-on support focused on marksmanship fundamentals.

USAMU instructors are working alongside Soldiers to reinforce proven shooting techniques that apply across weapon systems. While the M7 introduces new capabilities, instructors emphasized that effective marksmanship still depends on mastering the basics.

“We’re not here to reinvent the wheel,” said Sgt. 1st Class Alexander Deal, team chief for the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit Service Rifle Team. “The fundamentals of marksmanship don’t change, even when the weapon system does.”

Deal said the training focuses on consistency and efficiency behind the rifle, especially as Soldiers transition to a new platform.

“When Soldiers pick up a new weapon, it’s easy to focus on the equipment,” Deal said. “What we’re reinforcing is that grip, trigger control, and follow-through still matter. If you have solid fundamentals, the weapon becomes easier to run.”

According to Deal, the techniques taught by USAMU instructors are rooted in competition shooting, where performance is measured under pressure.

“Competition shooting forces you to balance speed and accuracy,” Deal said. “Those same principles translate directly to combat. You have to be accountable for every shot, and you have to be consistent.”

Throughout the fielding, instructors observed Soldiers adapting quickly as they applied those principles during live-fire training.

“We’ve seen Soldiers gain confidence fast once they trust the fundamentals,” Deal said. “When they understand what right looks like, their performance improves.”

Deal said the intent of the training is to give units tools they can continue to use long after the fielding event ends.

“Our goal is to leave units better than we found them,” Deal said. “If leaders and Soldiers walk away with a stronger foundation in marksmanship, that training continues long after we leave.”

Training like this supports the Army’s broader effort to increase lethality across the force by pairing modern equipment with disciplined marksmanship.

SFC Timothy Hamlin

Posted in Army, Guest Post, Training, weapons | 1 Comment »

SHOT Show 26 – Colt Exhibits Drone Mounted 40mm Automatic Grenade Launcher

Wednesday, January 21st, 2026

Colt is displaying their Mk47, a 40mm Automatic Grenade Launcher which they acquired a few years ago from General Dynamics, mounted to the Survice Engineering TR150 which is a USMC program of record quad copter.

The MK47 is a lightweight 40mm automatic grenade launcher with an integrated fire control system, capable of functioning as a standard automatic grenade launcher or with programmable airburst capability.

Dimensions:

Gun Weight: 39.6 lbs (18 kg)

Length: 37″ (940 mm)

Length (barrel detached): 24.02″ (610 mm)

Width: 10.04″ (255 mm)

Height: 8.07″ (205 mm)

The TR150 is an electric system which boasts an amazing 150lbs payload and has hot swappable Lithium Ion batteries.

After initial flight tests to determine how the Mk47 flies on the drone, the team will work on a dedicated weapon mount, development of a ammo box and feed system, live fire tests and possible mission configuration of the weapon.

Posted in Drone, SHOT Show, weapons | Comments Off on SHOT Show 26 – Colt Exhibits Drone Mounted 40mm Automatic Grenade Launcher