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AUSA 25 – Northrop Grumman Precision Grenadier System

Wednesday, October 15th, 2025

During AUSA I got to spend some time with a model of the Northrop Grumman Precision Grenadier System which is one of several counter defilade and counter UAS weapon systems currently being evaluated by the US Army.

They’ve been at this project longer than most with early experience during the XM25 Punisher program. A study undertaken years ago for OICW (which the XM25 was derived from) led them to the 25mm ammunition size. Others are using 30mm or even 40mm.

So far, they’ve developed rounds for air-bursting, proximity, close quarter battle as well as target practice and they produce them themselves.

I find the airburst round to be the most impressive. It is a programmable, dual-warhead high-explosive fragmenting round that can be fired in both airburst and point detonate. By dual-warhead they mean that there are explosive charges at both the front and rear of the warhead.

To arm the round, the target is lased (in this case with the XM157) using the middle button. The Grenadier can use the plus and minus buttons above and below the lase button to add or subtract a meter per detent to where the warhead will detonate. This, combined with the dual-warhead would allow for a round to detonate above an open trench or fighting position, or within a room of fired through a window, door, or breach.

The High Explosive Proximity incorporates a proximity sensor to identify and explosively fragment the projectile in-flight to defeat stationary or moving UAS. This round does not require programming.

The CQB round uses buckshot for trench clearing a close-in CUAS.

The training practice round is a marker similar to the 40mm ammunition used in the M320 and is ballistically matched to the 25mm HEAB and 25mm PROX rounds.

Is my understanding that the army is considering replacing the M3 20 grenade launchers in the squad with PGS and that PGS will be the Grenadier’s primary weapon.

Because they selected 25mm, Northrup Grumman offers three round as well as five round removable, box magazines.

Lastly, I’d like to mention that the weapon weighs in at 12.9 lbs loaded with 5 rounds and 11.4 lbs empty and is ambidextrous in controls and ejection. There are ejection ports on either side and the weapon can configured to use either one. For charging, the black lever at the top is spring loaded and nonreciprocating. The shooter pulls it to either side and it snaps back onto the carry position once it is released.

Posted in Ammo, AUSA, weapons | 11 Comments »

AUSA 25 – SIG SAUER Displays Lighter NGSW Product Improvement Effort Weapons

Tuesday, October 14th, 2025

At this year’s annual AUSA show, SIG SAUER displayed versions of the Product Improvement Effort or PIE guns developed in partnership with the US Army.

The goal of the effort is to address Soldier recommendations for the M7 and M250 along with program requirements. SIG refers to the resulting weapons as the M7 Enhanced Rifle and M250 Enhanced LMG.

The Army conducted several Soldier Touch Points with SIG and conducted a firing schedule to evaluate the PIE versions of the M7 and M250.

The main concern is weight of the M7 rifle and that is where most of the changes are focused. They ended up developing two versions of the PIE M7, a rifle and carbine. The point of the carbine was to accelerate the evolution of the M16 platform which eventually became the M4 carbine and see where they would end up.

The M7 with 13.5″ barrel currently weight 8.3 lbs dry, without ammo, suppressor, or XM157 FCS. The weights for the two PIE variants are:

M7 7.6 lbs

M7 Carbine 7.3 lbs

Although most of the weight difference between the M7 and the Carbine variant is due to a shorter 10″ barrel and handguard, there were several other changes overall.

– The side-folding buttstock has been eliminated, but length remains adjustable.

– The upper receiver and operating system have been refined to eliminate weight.

– Tapered barrel.

The handguard facilitated access to the barrel change bolts which have been slightly strengthened.

The Army is considering whether the Carbine length barrel meets their lethality requirements.

Additionally, there is a lot of talk on the internet regarding barrel life. The program requirement was for 5,000 rounds which is the same specification as the M4. However, SIG has noted barrel life for the M7 in excess of 10,000 rounds.

As for the M250, the changes have been to accommodate Soldier requirements rather than weight as the Automatic Rifle is already lighter than the M249 SAW it replaces.

The changes are:

– Streamlined and improved gas system

– Improved bipod

– Hinged retainable Handguard to accommodate barrel change

– Quick Change Barrel (although they weren’t shown I’ve seen different barrel lengths)

– Extended pic rail on feed tray (optimized for XM157 Fire Control System)

– Cross pins for pintle T&E and mag bloc

– Improved lock and interface for buttstock durability

– Improved magazine which holds the top round in place when it has not yet been fed into the weapon.

– Opened up trigger guard for gloves

The NGSW weapons are chambered in 6.8x51mm and use a common suppressor. SIG also developed a PIE version which is slightly shorter and has a removable heat shield.

The Army is currently evaluating the PIE variants of NGSW to determine if any of the changes will be incorporated into the program. Regardless, the XM157 Fire Control System remains a part of the program and it doesn’t seem to be shedding any weight.

Posted in Advertiser, AUSA, weapons | 49 Comments »

Angstadt Arms Introduces the Vanquish AR-22

Tuesday, October 14th, 2025

Charlotte, NC (October 14, 2025) — Angstadt Arms, a leader in suppressed rimfire platforms and tactical weapon systems, proudly announces the Vanquish AR-22 — bringing the award-winning Vanquish integrally suppressed technology to the AR-22 platform.

The Vanquish AR-22 combines Angstadt’s patented baffle-free integrally suppressed design with a precision-ported barrel engineered to drop the velocity of standard .22LR ammunition to subsonic speeds. The result is an exceptionally quiet, cleaner, and more reliable shooting experience — without the carbon and lead buildup common to traditional baffle-style suppressors.

“Shooters have been asking for a suppressed AR-22 solution that doesn’t compromise on accuracy, sound performance, or reliability — and the Vanquish AR-22 delivers,” said Rich Angstadt, President of Angstadt Arms.

“We designed it to give AR-format rimfire shooters the same whisper-quiet, low-maintenance experience that Vanquish users on the Ruger® 10/22® platform already enjoy.”

Key Features:

Baffle-Free Design: No internal baffles to trap lead or carbon — meaning less cleaning, zero baffle strikes, and longer life.

Precision-Ported Barrel: Porting tuned to bring standard .22LR rounds to subsonic speeds for maximum suppression without subsonic ammo.

True Drop-In Compatibility: Designed as a seamless upgrade for CMMG® dedicated .22LR bolt platforms — no modifications required.

Specifications

Caliber: .22 LR

Chamber: Sporter

Full Auto Rated: Yes

Platform: AR-22 (CMMG® dedicated .22LR bolt compatible)

Construction: 416R barrel, 6061 aluminum shroud, black Cerakote® finish

Contour (Diameter): 0.920” bull

Length Configurations: 12” and 18”

MSRP: $599.00Availability & How to Buy

The Vanquish AR-22 is available now through Angstadt Arms’ online store, authorized dealers, and major retail partners.

Posted in Press Release, weapons | Comments Off on Angstadt Arms Introduces the Vanquish AR-22

Rheinmetall to Supply Leopard 1 Skyranger 35 to Ukraine – Order Value in the Three-Digit Million Euro Range

Monday, October 13th, 2025

Rheinmetall is supplying Ukraine with further Skyranger 35 air defence systems based on the Leopard 1. The order is worth a three-digit million Euro figure. The systems are being financed by an EU country as part of the EU’s Windfall Profit Mechanism initiative. The production and integration of the systems will be carried out by Rheinmetall Italia SpA at its headquarters in Rome.

“We are grateful for the trust that Ukraine has placed in us,” said Armin Papperger, CEO of Rheinmetall AG. “We would also like to thank the EU country, for the support, which underlines our continued efforts to support Ukraine.”

The Leopard 1 Skyranger 35 combines the mobility and protection of a proven tracked vehicle with the outstanding effectiveness of a cannon-based air defence system. The Skyranger 35 is equipped with a KDG 35/1000 revolver cannon in 35 mm x 228 calibre with a firing rate of 1,000 rounds per minute. It has an effective range of up to 4,000 metres and a high degree of commonality with the Oerlikon Revolver Gun Mk 3. Thanks to AHEAD technology, the Skyranger 35 is airburst-capable. In the future, it will also be possible to equip it with modern guided missiles.

Posted in Contracts, Press Release, weapons | Comments Off on Rheinmetall to Supply Leopard 1 Skyranger 35 to Ukraine – Order Value in the Three-Digit Million Euro Range

LMT Defense Signs License Agreement with Northrop Grumman for 7.62mm Bushmaster Chain Gun

Saturday, October 11th, 2025

LMT® Defense and Northrop Grumman® Corporation enter into a license agreement for production of 7.62mm Bushmaster® Chain Gun®.

LMT® Defense and Northrop Grumman® finalized a license agreement for production and distribution of the 7.62X51mm Bushmaster® Chain Gun®. The established, long-term agreement will allow LMT Defense to manufacture the 7.62mm Chain Gun for both the US military and partner forces. Additionally, cooperative market strategy has been developed for both companies to offer the Chain Gun in various programs individually. This initiative fits LMT’s strategic objective to provide extremely reliable small-caliber systems for remotely operated and autonomous applications, which is a rapidly growing sector.

Northrop Grumman has a long, proven history with their Bushmaster Chain Gun designs. These systems have earned a reputation for reliability and combat-proven performance. Systems like the 7.62mm Chain Gun have been part of that legacy, providing trusted, battle-proven firepower for modern missions. Under this agreement, the 7.62mm Chain Gun will be produced and tested in the Eldridge, IA facility. The weapon is capable of various mounting and operation methods, 600 rpm sustained fire, automatic malfunction clearing, and electric drive for unmatched reliability. Along with the weapon, LMT will offer service, training, and remote customer support for the life of the agreement.

This partnership between LMT and Northrop Grumman is yet another milestone event to accent other notable successes in 2025. Contracts acquired this year include but are not limited to a program to deliver various weapons to the Swiss Armed Forces as well as being awarded an extensive contract from USSOCOM for a 6.5 Creedmoor version of our popular MARS®-H battle rifle known as the MRGG-A.

“We are proud to partner with Northrop Grumman on this venture. We have a long-standing professional relationship with them and know they share LMT’s core values and ethos which drives our passion to serve the US and allied warfighters, understanding Failure is Not an Option®” Karl Lewis said.

www.lmtdefense.com

Posted in Industry, Press Release, weapons | 2 Comments »

Staccato Announces the HD C3.6 Pistol

Wednesday, October 8th, 2025

Compact design delivers concealability, control, and duty-grade performance

FLORENCE, Texas – (October 08, 2025) – Staccato2011®, the creators of the 2011® pistol platform, today announced a new addition and newest innovation to its HD line of 2011 pistols, the HD C3.6.

Designed to offer the unrivaled performance Staccato’s HD line has become known for, speed, precision and enhanced control, the HD C3.6 is optimized for user-friendly carry with a compact and ergonomic build, improving concealability.

“We built the HD line to deliver the most technologically advanced and thoroughly tested version of the 2011 platform to date,” said Paul Smith, VP of Product for Staccato. “After introducing full-sized models earlier this year, we set out tocreate a compact option that preserves duty-grade performance while expanding carrying options and user confidence. The HD C3.6 is the result.”

The HD C3.6, Staccato’s inaugural HD carry model, features a 3.6-inch barrel and includes two 15-round metal Mec Gar magazines. To ensure it’s the ideal choice for convenient carryand unrivaled performance, it features the cutting-edge upgrades Staccato introduced with the full-size HD pistols after years of feedback from Staccato’s elite professional end-users.

Key features of the HD C3.6 include:

• Aluminum frame with a shortened grip module and carry texture.
• Ambidextrous controls.
• HD HOST optic-mounting system.
• Improved recoil system.
• Active firing-pin block.
• Glock® pattern magazine compatibility.

The HD C3.6 starts at an MSRP of $2,299 and will be available from authorized dealers. To learn more about the HD C3.6 or to view the full Staccato lineup, visit www.staccato2011.com or follow @staccato2011 on Instagram.

Posted in Press Release, weapons | Comments Off on Staccato Announces the HD C3.6 Pistol

Army Fields M250 Automatic Rifle to Minnesota National Guard

Saturday, October 4th, 2025

CAMP RIPLEY, Minn. — The Minnesota National Guard’s 34th Infantry Division is among the first Guard units to field the Army’s newest automatic rifle, the M250, during a new equipment training event at Camp Ripley.

The M250, part of the Army’s Next Generation Squad Weapon program, replaces the M249 Squad Automatic Weapon and introduces a new 6.8mm cartridge, higher muzzle velocity and advanced optic capabilities. The new equipment training fielding marks a milestone for the Guard, giving Soldiers hands-on instruction to build confidence and proficiency with the new system.

The event is led by Project Manager Soldier Lethality, PM SL, under Program Executive Office Soldier, which oversees the Army’s small arms and fire-control systems. PM SL experts deliver classroom instruction, explaining the M250’s technical features, ballistics and optic functions.

On the range, the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit’s Instructor Training Group, ITG, turns that technical knowledge into practical performance. Sgt. 1st Class Chuck Riegel, ITG’s primary instructor for the event, emphasizes fundamentals such as sight alignment, trigger control and recoil management to ensure Soldiers can use the weapon effectively in live-fire conditions.

“We take PM Soldier Lethality’s technical knowledge and put it into performance on the range,” Riegel said. “We show Soldiers everything they learned in class, then focus on the shot process and what they need to do to get hits on target.”

The M250’s advanced optic is one of the biggest changes for Soldiers. With its onboard ballistic system, it is unlike anything many have used before. Riegel said once Guardsmen fire live rounds with it, their confidence grows quickly.

“The optic ensures every Soldier has the capability to make first-round hits at distance, whether in single shot or burst,” he said. “And the cartridge’s terminal performance is incredible — it will defeat pretty much anything they come across.”

The shift from the 5.56mm round of the SAW to the 6.8mm cartridge means Guardsmen must adjust to new ballistics and extended ranges. According to Riegel, this requires more understanding of long-range shooting but ultimately makes units more lethal.

The NET fielding also highlights the value of PM SL and ITG working together. While PM SL explains the technical aspects of the M250 and its optic, ITG makes sure Soldiers can apply that knowledge in live training.

“ITG provides the most up-to-date marksmanship instruction and techniques used across the Army,” Riegel said. “PM Soldier Lethality explains the technical aspects in great detail so Soldiers understand the why behind the new equipment.”

As the Army continues to field the NGSW program, Guard units like the 34th Infantry Division are among the first to gain experience with the M250, strengthening readiness across the Total Force.

For units interested in similar training, Riegel encourages them to reach out. “If units want to get in contact with the Instructor Training Group, all they have to do is send us a message,” he said. “We’ll provide a training request form and deliver tailored training to meet their needs.”

By SFC Timothy Hamlin

Posted in Army, Guest Post, weapons | Comments Off on Army Fields M250 Automatic Rifle to Minnesota National Guard

FN Wins US Army Development Contract for the Precision Grenadier System

Wednesday, October 1st, 2025

(McLean, VA — October 1, 2025) FN America, LLC is pleased to announce that it has been awarded a Prototype Project Opportunity Notice (PPON) contract valued at $2 million, by the U.S. Army to further develop its submission for the Precision Grenadier System, a next-generation primary soldier weapon system and family of ammunition that enables precision engagements to destroy targets with increased lethality and precision compared to legacy grenade launchers.

The FN Multi-purpose Tactical Launcher 30mm (MTL-30™) that was designed in the U.S. and will be manufactured by FN America at its plant in South Carolina is a soldier-portable, semi-automatic, medium-velocity, flat trajectory grenade launcher that enables warfighters to engage targets at extended ranges with more effective payloads over existing technologies. After extensive testing, FN’s solution has successfully met the DoD’s key performance criteria while also delivering desired characteristics. In addition, the FN solution is easily manufacturable and logistically supportable due to state-of-the-art manufacturing techniques, ensuring the program will be cost-effective.

“This program is a U.S. Government priority with the shift in modern warfare and engagements, and FN is honored to be selected to develop this new, innovative solution,” said Mark Cherpes, President and CEO for FN America, LLC. “Once developed and implemented, this weapon system could radically change future battlefield strategies. It will offer new capabilities at the squad level and upgraded tactical options, giving the warfighter a more effective system.”

FN’s solution, the FN MTL-30, is the first in this family of launchers and ammunition, as FN works with the Department of Defense (DoD) to help solve one of the world’s most pressing battlefield needs.

“The FN MTL-30 shoulder-fired launcher can engage in close-quarter warfare, defeat targets in defilade, and engage unmanned aerial systems (UAS). It could also be networked with FN remote weapon stations to create a multi-layered defense against UAS,” said John Bungard, Sr. Director, Military Development Programs for FN America, LLC. “Providing solutions that can counter multiple threats is critical for future battlefield engagements. We are excited that the Army is interested in maturing our PGS solution. We are fully committed to this system and its development.”

The FN MTL-30 is chambered for 30mm medium-velocity grenades and features a detachable box magazine with 3- or 5-round capacity. At just 35 inches in length and 8.5 inches tall, the weapon weighs just over 10 lb. The bolt catch, magazine release and safety selector are all ambidextrous, plus there is an M4-style telescoping buttstock with a modular cheek riser. The modular rail system has a contiguous top rail for mounting of visual augmentation systems (VAS) and other devices, plus side M-LOK® slots with a MIL-STD Picatinny rail.

For the soldier, the FN MTL-30 is lighter and more streamlined than previous options. Real time soldier feedback has led to a prototype that is far more user-friendly, incorporating a footprint users will be familiar with due to the M4-style controls, grip and buttstock. The system features a soft shooting launcher with low-felt recoil, enabling rapid target engagement with effective payloads from an extremely controllable system. In addition, FN’s modular system is fully serviceable at the user level and has high parts commonality with existing components.

“The technologies we have incorporated have allowed FN to create a system that is much lighter, more compact and more maneuverable than previous soldier-operated grenade launchers,” said Jim Williams, Vice President, Military Programs for FN America, LLC. “This will improve soldier capabilities on the battlefield, offering a robust solution for close combat, engaging targets beyond 500m or to potentially combat other threats such as unmanned aerial systems.”

Throughout its history, FN has been one of the largest suppliers of small arms to the U.S. military and continues to develop innovative, future technology. In addition to this opportunity, the company currently holds contracts for the FN® M240 and its variants, the FN® M249 lightweight machine gun; the FN® MK 46, MK 48, MK 17 and MK 20 SSR for USSOCOM and various other contracts. FN has decades of experience designing and supplying various grenade launching systems. The company produced the MK 19 fully automatic 40mm launcher, the MK 13 EGLMthat was a part of the SCAR program and currently sells the FN 40GL® standalone launcher internationally.

For more information about FN’s military product line or current U.S. military contracts, please visit www.FNAmerica.com.

Posted in Army, Contracts, Press Release, weapons | 3 Comments »