Next-Gen Grenade Launchers: Revolutionizing Modern Warfare

The U.S. Army is pushing the boundaries of battlefield technology with its Precision Grenadier System (PGS) program, aiming to replace legacy M203 and M320 grenade launchers with cutting-edge, semi-automatic solutions. Two standout contenders, FN America’s MTL-30 and Northrop Grumman-Colt’s 25mm grenade launcher, are redefining squad-level combat with enhanced precision, versatility, and counter-drone capabilities.

The Need for Next-Gen Grenade Launchers

Modern battlefields demand weapons that can engage diverse threats—enemy personnel behind cover, lightly armored vehicles, and increasingly prevalent drones. The Army’s PGS initiative seeks a portable, semi-automatic, magazine-fed system that delivers:

• Precision engagements for targets in defilade (behind cover) and open terrain.

• Counter-UAS (uncrewed aerial systems) capabilities to neutralize drone threats.

• Enhanced lethality with a family of specialized ammunition.

• Mobility for squad-level operations in diverse environments (urban, jungle, desert, etc.).

Unlike the single-shot M203 and M320, which fire 40x46mm rounds along arced trajectories, PGS designs like the MTL-30 and Northrop Grumman-Colt’s launcher use flatter trajectories and advanced optics for superior accuracy and range.

Northrop Grumman and Colt’s 25mm Precision Grenade Launcher

FN America’s Multi-Purpose Tactical Launcher-30mm (MTL-30), an evolution of the PGS-001, recently secured a $2 million Prototype Project Opportunity Notice (PPON) contract from the U.S. Army. Here’s a breakdown of its key features:

• Caliber and Ammunition: Fires 30mm medium-velocity rounds with a flat trajectory, effective up to 1,640 feet (500 meters).

• Design: Weighs approximately 11 pounds, 34 inches long, with a modular M4-style lower featuring ambidextrous controls and a six-position telescoping buttstock.

• Magazine Capacity: Uses 3- or 5-round detachable box magazines for rapid reloading.

• Accessories: Equipped with Picatinny and M-LOK rails for optics and attachments, with potential for suppressor compatibility.

• Recoil Management: Incorporates proprietary recoil-mitigation systems for faster target engagement.

The MTL-30’s user-friendly design, inspired by soldier feedback, mimics M4 carbine controls, ensuring familiarity. Its ammunition suite includes counter-defilade rounds, armor-piercing options, and potential anti-drone and close-quarters battle (CQB) cartridges, making it a versatile tool for modern combat.

“This weapon system could radically change future battlefield strategies, offering new capabilities at the squad level.” – Mark Cherpes, CEO, FN America

Comparing the Contenders

Both systems meet the Army’s PGS requirements for portability, range, and multi-threat engagement, but the MTL-30’s lighter weight and M4-style ergonomics may appeal to soldiers prioritizing familiarity, while the Northrop Grumman-Colt launcher emphasizes advanced optics integration.

Lessons from the Past: The XM25’s Legacy

The PGS program follows the Army’s cancellation of the XM25 “Punisher” in 2018, a 25mm grenade launcher criticized for its 14-pound weight, bulk, and costly programmable ammunition. Both the MTL-30 and Northrop Grumman-Colt designs address these issues by:

• Reducing weight (MTL-30 at 11 pounds, Northrop Grumman-Colt under 15 pounds).

• Incorporating modular, soldier-friendly designs.

• Leveraging advanced, cost-effective ammunition technologies.

These improvements aim to deliver a practical, scalable solution for squad-level operations.

The Future of the PGS Program

The Army’s timeline for fielding PGS remains unclear, with ongoing prototype development under PPON contracts. Other contenders, like Barrett Firearms and MARS, Inc.’s Squad Support Rifle System (SSRS) and Rheinmetall’s HAMMR, are also vying for selection. The focus on counter-UAS capabilities reflects lessons from modern conflicts, where drones have become significant threats.

As the Army evaluates these systems, factors like weight, ease of use, and ammunition versatility will be critical. The MTL-30 and Northrop Grumman-Colt launchers are poised to lead, with their advanced optics, flat-trajectory rounds, and multi-threat engagement capabilities.