XM7 Rifle

The U.S. Army continues its evaluation of the Next Generation Squad Weapon (NGSW) system, completing a series of tests on its lethality, reliability, and operational performance. The system, which includes the XM7 Rifle, XM250 Automatic Rifle, 6.8mm ammunition, and XM157 Fire Control, is designed to replace the M4/M4A1 carbine and M249 Squad Automatic Rifle for close combat forces (CCF) and security force assistance brigades. As part of its testing, the Army conducted a limited lethality assessment for the 6.8mm General Purpose (GP) ammunition and an operational demonstration (Ops Demo) in October 2023. Cold weather testing was completed in February 2024, with airborne testing following in August. Additional testing in tropical and hot weather environments is planned for fiscal year 2025. DOT&E (Director, Operational Test and Evaluation) observed the tests and will release a combined operational and lethality assessment report in the fourth quarter of FY25. The classified report published in May 2024 provided initial findings, including increased lethality of the 6.8mm GP ammunition over the M855A1 used in the legacy M4A1 rifle. However, the XM7 Rifle with the mounted XM157 Fire Control exhibited a low probability of completing a 72-hour wartime mission without a critical failure. Soldiers also rated the usability of the XM157 Fire Control below average or failing. The NGSW system introduces multiple enhancements over legacy weapons. The XM7 Rifle is fielded with seven 20-round magazines and supports safe, semi-automatic, and automatic firing modes. The XM250 Automatic Rifle is issued with two 50-round and three 100-round fabric ammunition pouches, also featuring selectable firing modes. The XM157 Fire Control is a variable magnification direct view optic equipped with a laser range finder, aiming lasers, environmental sensors, a ballistic solver, compass, wireless communication, and a display overlay. It is intended to replace current optics in close combat and security force assistance brigades. The 6.8mm ammunition includes multiple variants: General Purpose (GP), Special Purpose (SP), Blank, Reduced Range, Tracers, Marking, and Drill Dummy Inert rounds. The Army plans additional live-fire testing for the 6.8mm GP ammunition against a full set of targets in early FY25. DOT&E identified several recommendations for improving the NGSW system’s performance. Since the October 2023 Ops Demo, the program management office has made technical adjustments aimed at addressing reliability concerns. Further testing and refinements will be necessary to ensure the system meets operational demands.

XM7 Rifle

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