Barrett Firearms Manufacturing Inc. has unveiled its latest innovation, the Squad Support Rifle System (SSRS), at the 2024 Association of the United States Army (AUSA) Annual Meeting.
The SSRS is Barrett’s entry into the U.S. Army’s Precision Grenadier System (PGS) Program, an initiative aimed at enhancing soldier lethality and adaptability in modern combat.
The SSRS is designed to meet the evolving needs of the battlefield, offering advanced capabilities to U.S. and allied soldiers. Barrett has partnered with MARS Inc., a tech startup that was a finalist in the U.S. Army’s xTechSoldier Lethality competition, to develop the next-generation 30mm support rifle. This collaboration brings together two innovators in soldier lethality systems, with a focus on increasing the effectiveness and survivability of troops.
“We are excited to be working with Barrett, the world’s premier soldier weapons manufacturer, to mature our 30mm Support Rifle System for the U.S. Army’s PGS Program,” said Michael Merino, President of MARS Inc. “Together, we’re developing a solution that will greatly enhance the soldier’s ability to engage a wide range of battlefield threats.”
The SSRS is designed to provide soldiers with advanced counter-defilade capabilities, enabling them to target threats hiding behind cover. Additionally, it is optimized to defeat unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and engage dismounted soldier targets with precision. As part of the U.S. Army’s upcoming PGS solicitation expected in fiscal year 2026, Barrett’s SSRS aims to play a key role in shaping the future of infantry weapons systems.
“Barrett will bring together a team of innovative partners to deliver a PGS solution that incorporates unique technologies optimizing lethality and soldier safety,” said Bryan James, CEO of Barrett. “The SSRS is a key part of our expanded product line, offering new capabilities that enhance the effectiveness of allied forces on the battlefield.”
The U.S. Army announced the PGS program during an industry day event at Picatinny Arsenal in August, and Barrett’s SSRS is poised to be a critical element in the program’s development. The PGS program is designed to equip soldiers with cutting-edge systems capable of responding to the growing complexity of the modern battlespace.