Barrett, renowned for its large-caliber weapons systems, in partnership with tech startup MARS Inc., has introduced its latest grenade launcher, the Squad Support Rifle System (SSRS) in 30mm. This next-generation launcher is designed to handle a wide range of threats on modern battlefields, including infantry, vehicles, and even drones.
The development was announced by Barrett’s press service, highlighting its collaboration with MARS Inc., a finalist in the US Army’s xTechSoldier competition. The new launcher is classified as a “support rifle,” designed to enhance soldiers’ combat capability against a variety of enemy threats.
“We are excited to partner with Barrett, the world leader in soldier weapons manufacturing, to improve our 30mm support rifle for the US Army’s PGS program,” said Michael Merino, President of MARS Inc. Merino added that the development of this weapon will significantly enhance soldiers’ ability to face a wide range of battlefield threats.
The SSRS is designed to participate in the PGS (Precision Grenadier System) program, which is scheduled for the fiscal year 2026. This program was officially launched by the US Army during the Industry Day event at Picatinny Armory in August 2024, aiming to create high-precision support weapons for the armed forces.
Brian James, CEO of Barrett, emphasized the importance of the new system: “Barrett will assemble a team of innovative partners to develop a PGS solution that incorporates unique technologies that optimize soldier lethality and safety. The SSRS is a critical part of our expanded product line, providing new capabilities that increase the effectiveness of allied forces on the battlefield.”
The grenade launcher is equipped with an “intelligent” XM-157 sight, which includes a built-in ballistic calculator, originally developed for the Next Generation Squad Weapons (NGSW) program. Weighing only 6.3 kg, the SSRS comes with a magazine capacity of five grenades, offering soldiers a lightweight and lethal solution for combat operations.
The new SSRS represents a significant advancement in the US Army’s tactical capabilities, highlighting the crucial role of innovation in strengthening troop safety and effectiveness in modern conflicts.
Source and images: Barrett. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.