The Army recently awarded a contract to manufacturer SIG Sauer for two new soldier weapons—the XM5 rifle and the XM250 automatic rifle. For soldiers involved in close-quarters combat, the XM5 will eventually replace the M4/M4A1 carbine rifle, while the XM250 will replace the M249 squad automatic weapon.
Additionally, both new rifles will use the new 6.8-mm common cartridge family of ammunition as well as a new fire control system.
“We should note that this is the first time … in 65 years [that] the Army will field a new weapon system of this nature: a rifle, an automatic rifle, a fire control system, and a new caliber family of ammunition,” said Army Brig. Gen. Larry Q. Burris, the Soldier Lethality Cross-Functional Team Director.