Barrett and MARS Inc. Unveil Revolutionary 30mm Precision Grenadier System, Winning U.S. Army’s xTech Soldier Lethality Competition

In a major leap for modern infantry firepower, the U.S. Army has named the team of Barrett Firearms Manufacturing and MARS Inc. as the winner of its prestigious xTech Soldier Lethality competition. The victory comes after the successful development and demonstration of a cutting-edge 30mm Precision Grenadier System (PGS), a next-generation shoulder-fired weapon designed to boost battlefield effectiveness against enemy threats and unmanned aerial systems (UAS).

What makes this achievement remarkable is the rapid pace at which it was accomplished. Within just six months, the Barrett and MARS Inc. team managed to design, build, test, and demonstrate the new 30mm grenade rifle system, proving its reliability and combat potential.

What is the Precision Grenadier System (PGS)?

The Precision Grenadier System is a highly advanced, semi-automatic, shoulder-fired weapon designed to deliver rapid and accurate grenade fire. It integrates a powerful weapon, specialized 30mm ammunition, and a sophisticated fire control system, making it capable of precision strikes against enemy troops hidden behind cover (defilade) and even small drones operating at close range.

Its primary mission is to enhance soldier lethality by combining modern targeting systems with air-bursting and proximity-fuzed munitions, allowing troops to neutralize enemies that are difficult to reach with conventional firearms.

Specifications of the 30mm Precision Grenadier System:

• Caliber: 30×29mm grenades

• Operation: Semi-automatic, magazine-fed

• Ammunition Types:

  • Programmable Air Bursting High Explosive (HE): Grenade can be programmed to detonate in the air at a precise point for maximum effect on concealed enemies.

  • Proximity Fuzed HE: Designed to explode when near its target, especially effective against drones and aerial threats.

  • Point Detonating HE: Explodes on impact, suitable for direct fire against enemy positions.

  • Close Quarter Battle (CQB) Round: Specially designed for use in tight urban or trench warfare scenarios.

• Fire Control System: Integrated advanced targeting module for calculating precise range, wind conditions, and detonation timing for air-burst munitions.

• Effective Range: Expected to exceed 600 meters for precision air-burst engagements.

• Additional Capabilities: Counter-UAS operations and precision strikes against entrenched enemy positions.

A New Chapter for Barrett and MARS Inc.

Barrett Firearms, known globally for its revolutionary semi-automatic .50 caliber Model 82 and the MRAD MK 22 sniper rifle, has once again demonstrated its ability to redefine battlefield weaponry. CEO Bryan James emphasized the company’s history of innovation and its ongoing commitment to supporting U.S. and allied troops worldwide.

Alongside MARS Inc., AMTEC Corporation played a crucial role by developing the specialized 30mm munitions, while Precision Targeting provided expertise in advanced targeting systems. This collaboration under the xTech program showcased how rapidly companies can unite and deliver transformative solutions under tight deadlines.

Ryan Krantz, Vice President of Business Development & Sales at Barrett, highlighted the importance of partnership and agility in modern defense projects. “This award highlights not only our technical capabilities but the power of partnership, agility, and a shared mission,” he said.

Why It Matters

The introduction of the 30mm PGS represents a significant advancement in infantry weapon systems. It gives soldiers the ability to engage enemies hiding behind cover, neutralize drones, and strike with high precision in complex battlefield environments — capabilities previously limited to larger, vehicle-mounted systems.

For the U.S. Army, this new system means enhanced troop safety, improved mission success rates, and greater battlefield versatility. The program also underscores the importance of public-private collaboration in rapidly developing defense technologies suited for the modern battlefield.

As the Precision Grenadier System moves closer to wider adoption, it is poised to become a vital tool in future combat operations, reaffirming the U.S. military’s technological edge and its commitment to soldier lethality.

In short, this new weapon isn’t just another rifle — it’s a game-changer.