On an ambitious overdrive to modernize its small-arms arsenal, the U.S. Army has contracted with Sig Sauer in a 10-year deal worth $20.4 million for the induction of the XM5 Rifle and the XM250 Automatic Rifle. As announced in 2023, the decision would eventually phase out the long-serving M4 rifle and M249 Squad Automatic Weapon as standard-issue firearms for the Army.
These weapons are going to fire the new 6.8mm ammunition, providing increased accuracy, lethality, and protection against emerging threats. As an Army spokesperson stated, “The new ammunition includes multiple types of tactical and training rounds that increase accuracy and are more lethal against emerging threats than both the 5.56mm and 7.62mm ammunition.”
This follows a 27-month-long evaluation period, during which other defense contractors, including General Dynamics, were among those seriously competing to be the primary supplier for the Army of Small Arms. It was a clear decision to award the contract for these high-stake weapon systems to Sig Sauer because the company can meet the Army’s very demanding requirements.
The Vortex Optics XM157 Fire Control optic will eventually sport a home on both the XM5 and XM250. This high-tech optic will include a laser rangefinder, ballistic calculator, visible and infrared lasers, and even a compass that gives Soldiers very effective targeting capabilities.
Although the overall number of weapons the Army plans to purchase under the 10-year deal is not final, it has requested 29,046 new weapons as part of its proposed 2023 budget. Congress would have to approve that request before the full transition is implemented.
This means that the replacement of the M4 and SAW is a huge shift in the small arms strategy taken by the Army, indicative of the changing character of modern warfare and the necessity to arm soldiers with more capable and lethal weapons. As the Army moves forward, it is crucial to make the transition smooth and effective, as with any transition that allows soldiers to easily get on board with a new set of firearms, thus making its application in operations on the battlefield maximum.
It is the most radical choice in US Army small arms since the XM5 Rifle and XM250 Automatic Rifle prepared for the future as standard issue.
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