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USMC Fielding of MK22 Program Reaches FOC a Full Year Ahead of Schedule

Friday, November 22nd, 2024

Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va. —

Marine Corps Systems Command recently reached Fully Operational Capability (FOC) for the MK 22 Mod 0 Advanced Sniper Rifle (ASR). This milestone marks a critical step forward in modernizing the Marine Corps’ sniper capabilities of Reconnaissance and Infantry units.

“Fully Operational Capability is achieved when all the Infantry and Reconnaissance units, as well as MOS-producing schools, have been fielded to and new equipment training is completed,” stated Maj Michael Billings, Weapons Team Lead, Marine Corps Systems Command.

The MK22 is more than just another rifle; it results from a partnership across the Department of Defense. Initially a Special Operations Command contract, the MK22 entered Marine Corps hands through the “Special Operations Forces (SOF) to service” transition process, allowing the U.S. Army to take responsibility for contracting actions.

“This collaboration accelerated the entire program, pushing us to FOC a full year ahead of schedule—a significant win for the Marine Corps and our warfighters,” explained Billings.

The rifle offers caliber conversion options, allowing Marines to tailor their loadout to missions. With barrels chambered in 7.62mm, .300 Norma Magnum, and .338 Norma Magnum, Marines can engage targets more precisely and at greater ranges.

“The M317 Precision Day Optic (PDO) paired with the MKk22 is a game changer. The M317 PDO is a 7-35 Variable Powered Optic, a huge leap in capability over our previous sniper systems like the M40 and MK13,” explained Brian Nelson, MK22 project officer, Marine Corps Systems Command.

Each rifle kit has three barrels, a hard and soft carrying case, a comprehensive cleaning and tool kit, a sound suppressor, the M317 PDO, and its accompanying scope mount. Reconnaissance and Infantry units also receive a .300 Winchester Magnum barrel, a scout sniper tripod kit, a laser filter unit, and an anti-reflection device.

“Marines like the ability to conduct caliber conversions at their level and the fact that they only have one rifle instead of the two it replaced,” emphasized Kevin Marion, a Logistics Management Specialist with Marine Corps Systems Command. “This shift improves operational efficiency, reduces the logistical burden on units, and lightens the individual Marine’s load.”

One of the MK22’s most significant benefits is its sustainability. Maintenance times are reduced, and repairs can now be conducted at the organizational level—unlike the old sniper rifles, which required more time-consuming evacuation to an intermediate level for repairs. Should a barrel fail, the MK22 can still be employed in a different caliber, maintaining the unit’s operational readiness.

“[Replacing a barrel] was impossible with previous systems, where a condemned barrel would render the weapon unusable, directly affecting mission readiness,” said Nelson. “Now, the MK22 ensures that even if a barrel fails, Marines are still mission ready.”

With the MK22’s enhanced capabilities, Marines are more lethal, more versatile, and better equipped to handle the challenges of modern warfare and equipped for the future fight.

By: Morgan Blackstock, Office of Public Affairs and Communications, Marine Corps Systems Command

Posted in Guest Post, MARCORSYSCOM, USMC, weapons | 3 Comments »

SIG SAUER and Nibe Defence Announce Joint Venture in India

Friday, November 8th, 2024

NEWINGTON, N.H., (November 8, 2024) – SIG SAUER, Inc. is excited to announce a joint venture with Nibe Defence and Aerospace Limited to advance small arms and ammunition manufacturing operations in India. This new partnership will support India’s ‘Make in India’ initiative, underscore both entities commitment to the region and bolster SIG SAUER’s role as the primary provider for India’s defence needs.

“SIG SAUER is meeting the increased international demand for our products by solidifying key partnerships across the globe,” began Ron Cohen, President, SIG SAUER. “This important new alliance in India serves to meet that demand in one of the most significant regions for growth in the coming decades. The joint venture with Nibe Defence gives SIG an expanded presence, greater customer engagement, and new collaboration opportunities to meet India’s growing needs.”

Officials from Nibe Defence joined representatives from SIG SAUER and the Chief of Defence Staff of the Indian Armed Forces for an official signing of a Memorandum of Understanding in Pune, India on November 6, 2024.

As part of the “Make in India” initiative by the Government of India to accelerate the domestic manufacturing industry, the collaboration between Nibe and SIG SAUER will strengthen India’s defence capabilities while reinforcing India’s commitment to self-reliant defence manufacturing.

The Government of India, Ministry of Defence first awarded SIG SAUER a contract for the SIG716 in 2019 for 72,400 rifles. The successful fielding and overwhelming soldier acceptance led to a follow-on award for an additional 73,000 rifles.

“SIG SAUER is excited to partner with Nibe Defence, a proven leader in India’s defence sector, as the primary provider for India’s defence needs,” concluded Cohen.

Posted in Advertiser, Industry, International, Press Release, weapons | Comments Off on SIG SAUER and Nibe Defence Announce Joint Venture in India

AUSA 24 – SIG Remote Operated Equipment

Friday, November 1st, 2024

SIG gave us an update on their robotics and remote operated weapon station programs which they are referring to, with an eye to the future, as Remote Operated Equipment. As you may recall, SIG purchased Israel’s General Robotics last year.

This is the first fully US-produced SIG weapon station, mounted with an MMG 338 Machine Gun, and sitting atop the tracked Donkey concept platform.

The weapon station is capable of remotely charging and firing the weapon as well as rendering it safe.

The flexible feed chute is from Nobels Worldwide and the weapon is fed from a 300 round quick change ammo can. The entire system can be controlled via a tether or remotely via a Persistent Systems MPU5 radio.

Finally, the weapon station optics include a variable powered day camera along with a thermal camera and 1550 eye safe laser range finder.

Posted in Advertiser, AUSA, Robotics, weapons | Comments Off on AUSA 24 – SIG Remote Operated Equipment

101st Airborne Soldiers Assess New Next Generation Squad Weapon with 6.8mm Ammo

Tuesday, October 29th, 2024

FORT CAMPBELL, Kentucky — Roughly 200 Airborne Infantry Soldiers of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) are running the Next Generation Squad Weapon (NGSW) system through its paces here from Sept. 1 to Oct. 30.

Soldiers from Alpha and Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment are taking part in an operational assessment (OA) featuring a range of weapon configurations, force-on-force engagements and static live-fire ranges.

It is a key step in modernizing the combat force and aims to impact over 120,000 U.S. Army Soldiers, according to Mr. Elbert L. Grayson, Supervisory Military Test Plans Analyst, Maneuver Test Directorate, U.S. Army Operational Test Command.

“The Army needs equipment to continually evolve, to meet the threat of our adversaries,” said Grayson.

The NGSW system will be the next stage in that evolution.

“Information is needed to make improvements to the NGSW that will benefit America’s most precious resource, our Soldiers,” Grayson added.

The new weapon system is slated to replace the M4 carbine and M249 squad automatic weapons, representing a significant advancement in firepower, range and accuracy.

“Having seen the capabilities of the 6.8 [mm] round, I have confidence that it will easily do in one to two rounds, what the 5.56 [mm] did in two to four,” said Capt. John M. Green, Commander of A-CO, 1-506th, 101st ABN DIV.

Direct feedback from U.S. Army Soldiers provides invaluable insight to ensure future warfighters receive the best possible equipment when it matters most.

“The force on force is really exciting, really fun, getting in there and doing training against human beings, not just targets, and actually squaring off [against another] unit making plans and objectives, I think it is a really good training experience for sure,” explained Sgt. Todd Smallwood, First Squad Team Leader, A-CO, 1-506th, 101st ABN DIV.

According to Grayson, the NGSW testing is being conducted under the most rigorous conditions to simulate real combat and ensure that the weapon can meet the demand of future conflicts.

“We have been doing the operational assessment on the NGSW weapons, the XM7, the XM250, and also with the XM157 scopes on the weapon systems,” said Smallwood. “We’ve been doing quite a bit of ranges, and pop-up targets, trying to recreate platoon assault objectives.”

Besides standard training environments, the operational assessment was designed to simulate combat as closely as possible.

“The capability of the [6.8mm] round being able to puncture and turn cover into concealment, I think it will make a huge difference in urban and forest environments,” said Smallwood.

Soldiers were challenged to perform individual movement techniques (IMT) while engaging targets up to 300 meters away. This IMT lane requires Soldiers to bound, low-crawl, and high-crawl while maintaining accurate fire, ensuring that the weapon performed reliably under strenuous conditions.

They had to complete the course while under simulated combat stress, pushing their physical and mental limits.

“We did 72 hours of force-on-force (FOF), urban rifle marksmanship (URM), and we’re going to finish with a stress shoot,” said 1st Sgt. Barron C. Garrard, First Sergeant of A-CO, 1-506th, 101st ABN DIV. “I think it [the NGSW] will change daily life in the way that we fight.”

In preparation for future operational environments, Soldiers also tested the NGSW in simulated chemical, biologic, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) environments.

“I like the fact that the testing of equipment has a possible impact on the next generation Soldiers that will be using it,” said Grayson. “My son is a Soldier that may use equipment that I have had a part in testing, so I’m motivated to provide the most accurate data for Army leadership to make the most informed acquisition decision.”

This critical aspect of the assessment ensured that the weapon system can be operated even in the aftermath of a chemical, nuclear or biological environment.

“The NGSW’s advanced capabilities and comprehensive training program will significantly enhance the lethality and survivability of our troops,& ensuring they are prepared for the challenges of future combat operations,” said Mr. Troy , Test Officer in Charge with MTD. “The 6.8mm round offers superior ballistic performance and the NGSW overall represents a significant leap in lethality.

“I feel privileged to be part of this transformative period for the Army,” Willey continued. “Working with the Soldiers who are assigned this system during the assessment is an absolute honor.”

By Mr. Thomas Mort, Audio Visual Specialist, and Maj. Thomas Lorenson, Senior Test and Evaluation Officer, Maneuver Test Directorate, U.S. Army Operational Test Command

Posted in Ammo, Army, Guest Post, weapons | 25 Comments »

AUSA 24 – FN Lightweight Intermediate Caliber Cartridge (LICC) Individual Weapon System (IWS) Update

Monday, October 28th, 2024

We initially showed you the FN Lightweight Intermediate Caliber Cartridge (LICC) Individual Weapon System (IWS) just before SHOT Show 2023. Since then, it’s undergone some improvements. FN America exhibited version 2.2 of the IWS at this year’s AUSA.

Here we see the 11.5″ Close Quarter Battle version with the 2.1 selector (it has been modified slightly more based on user feedback) and slightly larger charging handles as well as an improved buttstock mount. Changes to the operating system have also improved the feeding of the carbine.

This is the latest version of the dedicated magazine, produced by Magpul.

The carbine and machine gun are both chambered to fire the Lightweight Intermediate Caliber Cartridge (LICC) in .264 USA which was initially developed by the the Army Marksmanship Unit. As you can see, the case is steel.

Here’s a look at the stock which both folds and is collapsible.

Seen here is the latest suppressor, from HUXWRX.

In mid-November, FN will join the Irregular Warfare Technology Support Directorate (IWTSD) program office in delivering carbines, machine guns, and ammunition to the SOF user community for evaluation.

Posted in Ammo, AUSA, weapons | 16 Comments »

AUSA 24 – MG Technologies LMG-A-GP

Thursday, October 24th, 2024

I ran across the belt-fed machine gun mentioned in a recent NDIA poster in the RD USA booth.

Designed under a Cooperative Research And Development Agreement (CRADA) with United States Special Operations Command as a demonstrator to improve the capabilities of the current Mk48 Machine Gun, the LMG-A-GP from MG Technologies has dropped the weight to about 15 lbs. The weight is dependent on selected barrel length with quick change barrels available in 12.5″ to 18″.

Like the Mk48 it is chambered in 7.62 NATO, but convertible to 6.5 Creedmoor and 300 BLK. The operating system relies on continuous recoil with no rearward bolt carrier impact on the receiver.

While it wasn’t designed specifically for SOCOM’s current Lightweight Machine Gun – Assault program, it certainly could be a contender.

For more info, contact info@mgtech-usa.com.

Posted in AUSA, SOF, weapons | 10 Comments »

Nevada Department of Public Safety Selects SIONICS Weapon Systems

Wednesday, October 23rd, 2024

The Nevada Highway Patrol has selected SIONICS Weapon Systems to provide Rifles for their Law Enforcement Agency. This selection was determined after a rigorous and thorough process. These new Rifles will replace weapons that are currently in use with the LE Agency.

SIONICS Weapon Systems manufactures weapons for over 400+ Law Enforcement Agencies across the United States and is proud to be working with the State of Nevada.

Posted in Contracts, LE, Press Release, weapons | Comments Off on Nevada Department of Public Safety Selects SIONICS Weapon Systems

USSOCOM to Hold Industry Day for Lightweight Machine Gun – Assault

Wednesday, October 23rd, 2024

United States Special Operations Command’s Lightweight Machine Gun-Assault (LMG-A) requirement has been on the books for years but kept getting pushed to the right.

Last week, they announced an industry day to be held 19-20 November 2024, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm EST at the SOFWERX Facility in Tampa, Florida.

We have shared a photo of the Knights Armament Co Lightweight Assault Machine Gun chambered in 5.56 NATO because it has been procured in limited numbers by USSOCOM and is similar in size to what they are seeking.

To be clear, this is still NOT a solicitation for proposals, proposal abstracts, or quotations. Instead, they want gather market information to assist the Government in forming future acquisition strategy or methods.

Specifically, they are seeking input from industry to further refine the Government requirements documentation, Performance Specification (P-Spec), as well as identify the marketplace for interested vendors for the Lightweight Machine Gun-Assault (LMG-A) under NAICS Code 332994, Small Arms, Ordnance, and Ordnance Accessories Manufacturing. USSOCOM is only seeking input from manufacturers, not distributors.

The LMG-A is intended to replace the legacy MK48 for a lightweight assault machine gun.

The LMG-A shall be a lightweight belt fed, multi-caliber system which will include a primary barrel, spare barrel, with required bolts, barrels, and operating groups for each caliber, buttstock, receiver, sound/signature suppressor, operator manual, cleaning kit, operator tool kit, maintainer tool kit, spare parts kit, training munition kit, bipod, backup iron sights, sling, and a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) approved locking hard carrying case capable of storing a fully accessorized weapon.

The LMG-A will extend the range of suppressive fire capability out to 1500m. The LMG-A shall be accurate to 6.0 MOA (T) / 3.0 MOA (O) at 100 yards firing 7.62mm NATO ammunition and USSOCOM TDP 6.5CM ammunition. USSOCOM is also interested the capability of the LMG-A to adopt other calibers such as 6.8x51mm high pressure ammunition (U.S. Army TDP) and the .264 Lightweight Intermediate Caliber Cartridge (.264 LICC) via caliber conversion kits.

SOCOM has been interacting with industry for years discussing a 6.5 CM gun. During SHOT Show, 7.62 NATO entered the picture. I asked someone in industry why and was told that the answer is that there’s loads of 7.62 ammo available. (Naturally, I immediately said, “.276 Pederson.”) Word is that the 6.5CM ammo programs aren’t progressing very quickly, so like with 300 BLK on RASR, they’re moving forward with an ammo supply they can rely on.

They are shooting for a gun which weighs, at its heaviest, 17 lbs. At that weight, it’s just a pound lighter than the Mk48 it’s replacing. The new gun has to handle 6.5CM which isn’t an issue but those other calibers could be tough for some guns, especially as you get down to the objective weight of 12.75 lbs which is around what the developmental model of the KAC LAMG in 6.5CM weighs.

The command has publicly released these additional requirements:

Operation and Performance characteristics

a) The LMG-A shall be capable of firing in fully automatic and semi-automatic firing modes.

b) The LMG-A shall have an ambidextrous safety selector that prevents the weapon from being fired when the trigger is depressed and the weapon is on SAFE (T), capable of charging the weapon when the weapon is on SAFE (O).

c) The LMG-A shall be capable of firing 7.62x51mm NATO family of belted ammunition to include training munitions, and USSOCOM TDP 6.5 Creedmoor belted ammunition via left-hand feed.

d) The LMG-A shall have AMR not to exceed 6.0 MOA (T), 3.0 MOA (O) at 100 meters (109 yards) when firing 7.62 NATO ammunition.

e) The LMG-A shall be equipped with quick-change barrels in assault and standard configurations.

f) The LMG-A shall be capable of being suppressed, while reducing the signature of the weapon in flash, ground disturbance, sound, and gas blowback. The suppressor shall not modify the rate of fire by more than 10% (T) or 2% (O).

g) The LMG-A suppressor shall be of a quick-detach, lockable design, and minimize Point of Aim/Point of Impact shift when mounted or dismounted.

h) The LMG-A shall have a two-position, non-reciprocating charging handle that is operable and moveable to both the left and right-hand side of the weapon.

i) The LMG-A shall have a user-adjustable bipod that is rapidly deployable/stowable and provides tension and lockup upon loading.

j) The LMG-A buttstock shall have an adjustable for length (T), collapsable (T) side folding (O), and adjustable cheek riser (O) that does not interfere with the function of the weapon.

k) The LMG-A shall have a maximum overall length with bipod attached, buttstock, and barrel (with suppressor) of 49.0 inches (T) less than or equal to 44.0 inches (O). Sights and other accessories will not be included in the weight requirement.

l) The LMG-A shall weigh no more than 17.0lbs (T), 12.75lbs (O).

m) The LMG-A shall have Mil-STD-1913 rails, with numbered slots at the 12 o’clock position with a minimum of 8.50 inches aft of the feed tray cover for optical sights.

n) LMG-A shall have M-LOK attachment points at the 3, 6, and 9 o’clock positions on the forward handguard to support the attachment of accessories and enablers.

o) The LMG-A shall have a rate of fire between 500-750 rounds per minute (T=O).

p) The LMG-A shall minimize felt recoil across all firing modes.

q) The LMG-A shall have a single mounting point for DoD-common weapons mounts.

r) the LMG-A shall have a mounting point for common ammunition carrying boxes or soft pouches.

Posted in SOF, weapons | 14 Comments »