The adoption of the SIG MCX Spear by Big Army was a major shift away from the assault rifle back to the battle rifle. This adoption has been covered widely. So has the adoption of the SIG M250, the weapon replacing the M249 SAW. The NGSW contest and its results have been widely publicized and ultimately cast a big shadow. There are five new military firearms being tested and adopted across the military, namely, special operations forces.
Let’s take a look at this new, wide variety of fascinating military firearms.
The Military and Its New Firearms
FN LICC IWS and AMG
FN USA is a powerhouse of military weaponry. They produce M4s, M16A4s, the M249 SAW, the M240B, and now they’ve entered a new rifle and machine gun into the mix. The new LICC series, for Lightweight Intermediate Caliber Cartridge, uses the new 6.5x43mm round based on the Army Marksmanship Unit’s .264 USA.
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The LICC IWS is the rifle. This new rifle is a long-stroke gas piston design with completely ambidextrous controls. The gun looks a bit like an M4 but is distinctly different in its design. Users will get a folding stock that can fold right or left or be easily swapped. The LICC IWS comes in a carbine model with a 14.5-inch barrel, a CQB model with a 12.5-inch barrel, and a DMR model with an 18.5-inch barrel.
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The AMG, or Assault Machine Gun, is an evolution of the FN Evolys light machine gun. It’s a belt-fed machine gun that’s remarkably light at 14.5 pounds. The Evolys is a modern modular platform that’s ready for optics of all types, features an M-LOK handguard, and is designed to be used with a suppressor.
These two new military firearms have been purchased in small numbers for test and evaluation by the Army. FN plans to take that information and feedback to further improve the platform and caliber.
FN FTL-30
Since we are riding the FN train, let’s look at the MTL-30. The MTL-30 is a direct-fire, magazine-fed grenade launcher capable of firing 30mm grenades out to 500 meters. The design looks like an assault rifle that’s beefed up to handle 30mm medium-velocity grenades. The platform has all the bells and whistles you expect. It’s an optics-ready design, with an M-LOK handguard, and AR stocks and grips.
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In line with a quickly modernizing military, the system will most likely be paired with a smart optic that can program the grenades with a proximity fuse or airburst capabilities for counter-defilade use.
The MTL-30 will also be capable of anti-UAS with airburst and proximity fuse grenades. With the right optic, the grenade launcher could theoretically track drones and allow for rapid UAS counter-fire.
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The MTL-30 has also been purchased in small numbers for what’s likely test and evaluation. It’s part of the Precision Grenadier Program. The MTL-30 reportedly has light recoil and is easy to shoot. It will expand an infantry squad’s capabilities and effective range against light armored vehicles, entrenched targets, and similar threats.
Mid-Range Gas Gun Assaulter and Sniper
The Mid-Range Gas Gun program is a SOCOM program made up of two different military firearms. The program called for an assault or assaulter configuration and a sniper configuration. These new rifles will field the 6.5 Creedmoor cartridge, and while both are AR-10-derived designs, the Assaulter and Sniper are being fulfilled by two different companies.
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Lewis Machine and Tool received the Assaulter contract with their MARS-H platform. This system fields the monolithic rail and upper receiver design, its ambidextrous controls, and AR compatibility. The LMT MRGG features a 14.5-inch barrel for close-quarters use.
The Sniper variant is the Geissele MK1 Mod 0 rifle. It will feature a 20-inch cold hammer-forged barrel and promises 1 MOA accuracy. The system features the MK18 Super Modular Rail with an RRS ARCA-LOK bottom rail. The Geissele features fully ambidextrous controls and a Geissele trigger.
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Mk 22 Mod 0 Advanced Sniper Rifle
The Marine Corps has discontinued the Scout Sniper platoons located within every infantry battalion, right as the Marine Corps adopted the MK22 Mod 0 Advanced Sniper Rifle. While snipers are out of the infantry, Recon and MARSOC will maintain sniper-trained operators. This new rifle will replace the long-serving M40A6 and MK13 MOD 7 rifles.
The Mk 22 Mod 0 Advanced Sniper Rifle is based on the Barrett MRAD and features the famed quick-caliber change capability. Marine snipers will be able to choose between 7.62 NATO, .300 Norma Magnum, and .338 Norma Magnum. With the right ammo, the MK22 will be able to achieve sub-MOA accuracy with potential engagement out to 1,500 meters.
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This system will replace multiple rifles with its caliber conversions. The design is also less maintenance-heavy, and it seems like the rifle can be repaired without sending it to the Precision Weapon Section in Quantico.
Lightweight Machine Gun – Medium
The Lightweight Machine Gun – Medium is a bit of a mouthful and seemingly an oxymoron, but military firearms can be weird that way. The new Lightweight Machine Gun – Medium is being eyed by both SOCOM and the Marine Corps as a replacement for the M240B medium machine gun.
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The program aims to create a machine gun that is roughly the same profile as an M240B and the range of a .50 BMG. The goal is not to match the PKM, but to completely overwhelm it. This gun will allow American forces to engage at extended ranges and to suppress and eliminate the enemy in a decisive fashion. The powerful .338 Norma Magnum is an extremely capable cartridge that will provide better effects against cover.
The new machine guns will fire the .338 Norma Magnum cartridge, but should also be convertible to the new 6.8x51mm cartridge. The favored gun appears to be the SIG MG 338, which has been in testing with SOCOM since 2020. Other competitors include the Ohio Ordnance REAPR and the M240-based RM338.
Eyes Up on New Military Firearms
The military is rapidly trying to do three things with its weapons. They want them to shoot further, hit harder, and improve lethality. These new military firearms all seem oriented at defeating armor, hitting targets at longer ranges, and overcoming anything China and Russia have to throw at them. We’ll keep our eyes open for the latest and greatest military firearms.
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