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The US Army has officially begun the distribution of its innovative Next Generation Squad Weapon (NGSW) rifles, marking a significant milestone in its long-standing mission to update its arsenal.

Soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, stationed at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, are the first to receive the new XM7 Next Generation Rifle and XM250 Next Generation Automatic Rifle.

The XM7

Designed by Sig Sauer, the XM7 rifle is set to replace the M4 carbine, offering advancements in close combat effectiveness. The XM250 automatic rifle will replace the M249 Squad Automatic Weapon (SAW). Both weapons are chambered in 6.8 mm, which can perform well against body armor and provide extended range. Despite the advancements, soldiers will notice that the XM7’s weight and recoil exceed the M4.

The XM250  

Complementing these firearms, the XM157 Fire Control system, developed by Vortex Optics, uses various technological enhancements, including a laser range finder and ballistic calculator, into its smart scope.

Colonel Jason Bohannon said in a statement that this development “is a culmination of a comprehensive and rigorous process of design, testing, and feedback, all of which were led by soldiers. As a result, the Army is delivering on its promise to deliver to soldiers the highest-quality, most-capable small-caliber weapons and ammunition.”