The ultimate goal of NGSW is the introduction of an advanced individual we-
apon system for the US Army. The system should consist of two parts, the advan-
ced smart fire control systems and two new rifles. The NGSW-R is a planned re-
placement for the M4A1 assault rifle and the NGSW-AR should replace the M249
Squad Automatic Weapon (aka SAW).
The Next Generation Squad Weapon is presumably one of the most important firearms procure-
ment programs in the last decade. Definitely, it is the most ambitious one. The main considera-
tion of the NGSW is development and introduction of the advanced weapon system consisting
of "smart" weapon sight, 6.8mm rifles and 6.8mm lightweight ammunition. The NGSW should
be able to defeat individual ballistic protection on up to 600 m distance, way over the physical
capabilities of 5.56 or 7.62 NATO rounds. The potential success of NGSW might change the
future development of firearms for decades.
FIREARMS
