US Army Promotes New Generation Squad Weapons NGSW XM7 & XM250.

On April 15, 2024, at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, the U.S. Army showcased a live demonstration of its New Generation Squad Weapons (NGSW) with the participation of the 101st Airborne Division. The event highlighted the advanced capabilities of the new XM7 assault rifle and the XM250 light machine gun, which are set to replace the current M4 rifles and M249 light machine guns used by U.S. troops.
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A Soldier from the 101st Airborne Division fires the XM7 rifle as part of a demonstration of the Next Generation Squad Weapons (NGSW). (Picture source: US DoD)

During the demonstration, cement blocks and steel sheets were set up in front of targets to simulate realistic combat scenarios. Both the previous generation weapons and the NGSW program weapons were tested to compare their effectiveness. The demonstration aimed to display the superior penetration and overall performance of the new rifles.

The Army emphasized that the NGSW program is progressing on schedule and is committed to equipping soldiers in close combat roles with the highest quality, most capable small caliber weapons and ammunition. This initiative is part of a broader effort by the U.S. Army to ensure that its forces maintain an advantage over potential adversaries.

The XM250, designed and manufactured by SIG Sauer, has been in service in the U.S. Army since 2022. Designed in 2019, the XM250 is specifically chambered for the 6.8×51mm caliber, a round that combines power and precision to meet the demands of contemporary conflicts.

The machine gun is relatively lightweight for its class, weighing 13 pounds with a bipod and up to 14.5 pounds with both a suppressor and bipod attached. It operates on a gas system and is capable of firing about 800 rounds per minute, making it an extremely effective weapon for fire support in combat. The machine gun is designed to offer sustained fire capability while remaining manageable for soldiers in the field.

The XM7, also designed and manufactured by SIG Sauer in the United States, was introduced into service in 2022 as part of the same program as the XM250. It too is chambered for the 6.8×51mm cartridge. The rifle weighs 8.38 pounds with its basic components and up to 9.84 pounds with a suppressor. It measures 36 inches in length with the suppressor and has a 13-inch barrel.

This rifle uses a short-stroke gas-operated piston system with a rotating bolt, enhancing its reliability and accuracy in combat situations. It achieves a muzzle velocity of 915 meters per second, making it highly effective at various distances. The XM7 is equipped with a detachable magazine following the SR-25 pattern, with options for 20 or 25 rounds.

The Next Generation Squad Weapon (NGSW) program is a U.S. Army initiative launched to modernize and enhance the armaments of infantry soldiers. This program aims to replace current infantry weapons, including M4 rifles and M249 light machine guns, with advanced technologies that offer improved performance in terms of range, precision, and lethality. The weapons developed under this program, such as the XM7 rifles and XM250 light machine guns, use the new 6.8mm caliber, designed to surpass the capabilities of current standard NATO munitions. The program also includes the development of new optics and ammunition systems to complement the capabilities of these advanced weapons, thereby ensuring an advantage on modern battlefields.

The NGSW program raises many questions as a change in caliber by the United States could potentially lead NATO as a whole to shift to this new ammunition. Some analysts remain skeptical about the real added value compared to NATO calibers and the logistical challenges and future interoperability issues among allies in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. It remains to be seen if the NGSW program will convince beyond the U.S. borders; this demonstration may help in that regard.

XM250 light machine gun video explanation

XM7 assault rifle video explanation