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FN America secured $2M contract to develop MTL-30 precision grenadier for U.S. Army.
On Oct. 1, 2025, FN America confirmed a $2 million PPON from the U.S. Army to mature the MTL-30 Precision Grenadier, a soldier-portable 30 mm launcher aimed at greater range, precision and squad lethality, including counter-UAS roles.
On October 1st, 2025, FN America confirmed it has secured a $2 million Prototype Project Opportunity Notice (PPON) from the U.S. Army to advance its Precision Grenadier System, as reported by FN America. The program seeks to give infantry units a new shoulder-fired launcher with greater precision and lethality than existing grenade launchers. The award marks a key step in the Army’s soldier lethality modernization drive, where close combat troops are expected to face more complex threats, including drones and fortified positions.
If successful, FN’s MTL-30 will give small units a versatile weapon able to deliver precise, decisive effects on the battlefield, changing the way American infantry fights in the years ahead (Picture source: FN America)
The weapon at the center of the deal is the FN MTL-30, a semi-automatic, soldier-portable 30mm launcher designed in the U.S. and slated for production in South Carolina. Weighing just over 10 pounds and fed by a 3- or 5-round magazine, it brings extended range and more effective payloads compared to legacy systems. The launcher also features ambidextrous controls, an M4-style stock, and modular rails for optics, reflecting soldier feedback to ensure familiarity and ease of use.
FN positions the MTL-30 as the first in a family of launchers and ammunition under the Precision Grenadier System. Unlike the heavier MK 19 or older 40mm systems, this design emphasizes mobility and precision over sheer firepower. Compared to rival solutions tested under the Army’s xTech competitions, FN’s advantage lies in its established U.S. production base and its blend of new capabilities with familiar ergonomics that shorten the learning curve for troops.
The U.S. Army’s interest is clear: dismounted soldiers need the ability to strike targets in defilade, counter small drones, and deliver scalable firepower without relying on artillery or air support. A networked system, potentially linked to remote weapon stations, could even create layered defenses against aerial threats. This kind of squad-level firepower could reshape tactics in urban and contested environments.
Strategically, the program supports U.S. goals of distributing precision firepower more widely across units while strengthening domestic manufacturing capacity. FN’s South Carolina facility adds to supply chain security at a time when industrial resilience is a defense priority. With the Army emphasizing fast prototyping and soldier-led feedback, the MTL-30 is being shaped not only for effectiveness but also for cost-efficient production and sustainment.
The current $2 million award funds prototype maturation, not yet full-scale production. FN’s long-standing contracts for the M240 and M249 machine guns position it as a strong candidate if the program advances. Future milestones will include further testing, potential down-select decisions, and budget allocations that determine whether the MTL-30 enters service.
The award signals that the Army is moving closer to equipping its soldiers with a next-generation grenade launcher that could fill long-standing capability gaps. If successful, FN’s MTL-30 will give small units a versatile weapon able to deliver precise, decisive effects on the battlefield, changing the way American infantry fights in the years ahead.
Written by Teoman S. Nicanci – Defense Analyst, Army Recognition Group
Teoman S. Nicanci holds degrees in Political Science, Comparative and International Politics, and International Relations and Diplomacy from leading Belgian universities, with research focused on Russian strategic behavior, defense technology, and modern warfare. He is a defense analyst at Army Recognition, specializing in the global defense industry, military armament, and emerging defense technologies.