XM25 rifle 25 mm Individual Airburst Weapon Systems 25 mm equips US soldiers in Afghanistan grenade

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Defense Technology News - United States
 

Tuesday , 30 November 2010, 11:32 AM

 
XM25 rifle Individual Airburst Weapon Systems 25 mm equips US soldiers in Afghanistan.
 
 
US Army troops deployed in Afghanistan have reportedly been supplied with brand new, hi-tech and long-range rifles. Nine years after the US Army deployment in Afghanistan began, soldiers apparently now have use of XM25 Individual Airburst Weapon Systems.
     
XM25 Individual Airburst Weapon Systems grenade launcher 25 mm
XM25 Individual Airburst Weapon Systems rifle grenade launcher 25 mm
     

These weapon systems can penetrate solid surfaces, like walls, in order to reach concealed targets, but do not explode until target-contact is made.

This function is achieved through the use of communications technology within the design: the projectile incorporates a microchip which records the distance travelled by the round – a distance that’s programme-in before firing.

     
XM25 Individual Airburst Weapon Systems grenade launcher 25 mm
XM25 Individual Airburst Weapon Systems rifle grenade launcher 25 mm
     
XM25 in Afghanistan
Now, as of November 2010, the XM25 is said to be in active service in Afghanistan, based on information published by various media sources. One, Fox News, published comments attributed to US Army PEO-Soldier (Program Executive Officer Soldier) representative, Lieutenant Colonel Christopher Lehner, who suggested that the advent of the XM25 could prompt brand new battlefield tactics.

”With this weapon system, we take away cover from [enemy targets] forever”, he was quoted as having said. “Tactics are going to have to be rewritten. The only thing we can see [enemy forces] being able to do is run away.”

Lehner added: “This is revolutionary for many reasons. We feel it's very important to field this because it keeps us ahead of the technological curve of our potential enemies. We have a feeling other people will try to copy us - this is the future.”