Infantry Support Weapons

FY2027 planned work Mature and improve Formations Based Architecture linkages with digital engineering tools to inform multiple stakeholders of dismounted architectures in multiple environments. Anticipate focusing on the following areas: - Provide an Enterprise-Wide Virtual environment for Visualization, Collaboration and Integration across the Soldier Community (CPE Ground, other CPEs) - Provide a physical Space for Soldier, Team and Squad Integration scale integration events. - Signature Management - Soldier and Small unit power management - Small unit resupply

FY2026 to FY2027 change FY 2027 decrease ls the result of the FY 2026 maturation of Soldier/squad equipment configuration baseline, and configuration management at the system level.

FY2026 plans — current year Mature and improve Formations Based Architecture linkages with digital engineering tools to inform multiple stakeholders of dismounted architectures in multiple environments. Anticipate focusing on the following areas: - Integrated Head Borne System - Signature Management - Soldier and Small unit power management - Small unit resupply

FY2027 planned work Mature and improve Formations Based Architecture linkages with digital engineering tools to inform multiple stakeholders of dismounted architectures in multiple environments. Anticipate focusing on the following areas: - Provide an Enterprise-Wide Virtual environment for Visualization, Collaboration and Integration across the Soldier Community - Provide a physical Space for Soldier, Team and Squad Integration scale integration events. - Signature Management - Soldier and Small unit power management - Small unit resupply - Updating and improving Combat Power Modeling for SaaS

FY2026 to FY2027 change FY 2027 decrease is due to the FY 2026 maturation of Soldier/squad equipment configuration baseline, and configuration management at the system level.

FY2026 plans — current year Mature and improve Formations Based Architecture linkages with digital engineering tools to inform multiple stakeholders of dismounted architectures in multiple environments. Anticipate focusing on the following areas: - Integrated Head Borne System - Signature Management - Soldier and Small unit power management - Small unit resupply

FY2027 planned work Supports opportunities for commonality and modernization in Uniforms and Clothing across all Services (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Space Force and Coast Guard) and further supports the domestic Clothing and Textile Industrial Base. Conducts ensemble-level evaluations of novel materials providing moisture management, flame resistance, reduction in signature, and antimicrobial treatments for fabrics in clothing and footwear in all climatic zones, with a focus on arctic and jungle environments. Continue Clothing Bag upgrades and evaluations as directed by the Army Uniform Board. Procure test assets and perform operational test of integrated clothing systems for maneuver and survival…

FY2026 to FY2027 change Funding increase supports holistic modernization of Soldier clothing and operational evaluation of Per-and Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) alternatives in Soldier clothing

FY2026 plans — current year Conduct ensemble level evaluations of novel materials providing moisture management, flame resistance, reduction in signature, and antimicrobial treatments for fabrics in clothing and footwear in all climate zones with a focus on arctic and jungle environments. Supports opportunities for commonality and modernization in Organizational Clothing and Individual Equipment across all Services (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Space Force and Coast Guard) and further supports the domestic Clothing and Textile Industrial Base. Continue Clothing Bag upgrades and evaluations as directed by the Army Uniform Board. Procure test assets and perform Developmental/Operational test on integrated clothing…

FY2025 accomplishments Conduct ensemble level evaluations of novel materials providing moisture management, flame resistance, reduction in signature, antimicrobial treatments for fabrics in clothing, footwear, and equipment in all climate zones. Perform technical testing, user evaluations, and qualify new fabrics with vector protection and flame resistance protection for combat clothing. Supports opportunities for commonality in OCIE across all Services (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Space Force and Coast Guard) and further supports the domestic Clothing and Textile Industrial Base. Continued development of Improved Combat Vehicle Crewman Uniform to include female and male variant patterns. Continue Clothing…

FY2027 planned work Supports opportunities for commonality and modernization in individual equipment across all Services (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Space Force and Coast Guard). Procure test assets and perform Operational Tests (OT) for water purification devices. Evaluate equipment designed for use in extreme or multi-climate environments. Incorporate design changes to load carriage equipment based on Soldier feedback. Modify load carriage equipment for evolving individual weapons systems and specialized equipment. Funding supports user evaluation to assess the effects of eliminating Per-and Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) chemicals. Expand individual hydration testing with the incorporation of…

FY2026 to FY2027 change Funding increase supports expansion of water purification program to include removal of Toxic Industrial Chemicals and Materials and improvements to load carriage equipment.

FY2026 plans — current year Procure test assets and perform Developmental Tests/Operational Tests for Water Treatment Devices. Test equipment appropriate for use in extreme or multi-climate environments. Incorporate design changes to load carriage equipment based on Soldier feedback. Develop load carriage equipment for evolving individual weapons systems. Evaluate modifications to individual carrier for heavy equipment. Supports opportunities for commonality and modernization in Organizational Clothing and Individual Equipment across all Services (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Space Force and Coast Guard). Funding supports testing of materials and final products to assess the effects of eliminating PFAS chemicals.

FY2025 accomplishments Procure test assets and perform Developmental Tests/Operational Tests (DT/OT) as required for Water Treatment Devices. Continue to develop the Welding Individual Protection System (WIPS) ensemble to provide welders with Occupational Safety Health Act (OSHA) compliant Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Evaluate opportunities to mitigate signature threats across load carriage and individual equipment. Conduct Soldier testing of items appropriate for use in extreme or multi-climate environments focusing on arctic mobility equipment.

FY2027 planned work Project will focus on advancing capabilities for Soldier survivability through the development and refinement of protective solutions that address ballistic penetration protection, blunt non-penetrating trauma protection, and soldier system mass reduction. Efforts will build on prior research to evaluate and integrate advanced materials and manufacturing techniques that deliver lighter, stronger, and more adaptable protection systems. The project will enhance test methodologies to accurately assess performance against emerging ballistic threats, refine injury criteria for blunt impact scenarios, and ensure protective systems meet operational requirements without compromising mobility or…

FY2026 to FY2027 change FY 2027 funding increase supports soldier systems mass reduction efforts to improve lethality.

FY2026 plans — current year The VS5 project supports testing, integration, human factors evaluations and continued development across the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) portfolio. These items include hard and soft armor, head protection, hearing protection, eye protection, and other personal protective equipment. The project will fund test support, surveillance, and continuous improvements on Soft Body Armor, Hard Body Armor, Head Protection, and technologies that transition from the VS4 project. The project will focus on addressing capability gaps by improving test methodology related to blast overpressure, behind armor or behind helmet blunt trauma, hearing protection/situational awareness, signature…

FY2025 accomplishments The VS5 project supported test method refinement, human factors evaluations, and continuous improvements across the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) portfolio. The project supported efforts to enhance ballistic protection capabilities and reduce mass of the Soldier Protection System (SPS), which is comprised of the following components: Torso & Extremity Protection (TEP), Vital Torso Protection (VTP), and Integrated Head Protection System (IHPS). The project continued efforts to refine test methods to address and eliminate critical gaps in existing methodologies and reduce test variances. The project promotes advanced development of standardized test protocols focused on producing the…

FY2027 planned work Fund labor for program oversight, any required travel and general materials required to support and continue monitoring of the SEP approval process.

FY2026 to FY2027 change The FY 2027 funding increase is the result of additional program oversight required to support SEP execution.

FY2026 plans — current year Fund labor of two FTEs for program oversight, any required travel and general materials required to support the SEP approval process and continued monitoring of SEP Evaluation progress once funded.

FY2027 planned work Conduct product assessments, acquire safety confirmations, and perform evaluations of COTS/GOTS/NDI capabilities to support the Army's Modernization Strategy to enhance and improve Soldier combat effectiveness.

FY2026 to FY2027 change The FY 2027 decrease is the result of a reduction in planned SEP evaluations.

FY2026 plans — current year Conduct product assessments, acquire safety confirmations, and perform evaluations of COTS/GOTS/NDI capabilities to support the Army's Modernization Strategy to enhance and improve Soldier combat effectiveness.

FY2025 accomplishments Conduct product assessments, acquire safety confirmations, and perform evaluations of COTS/GOTS/NDI capabilities to support the Army's Modernization Strategy to enhance and improve Soldier combat effectiveness.

FY2027 planned work Will continue development efforts with the vendor and other suppliers for prototypes and improvements to the M7/XM8 and the M250 Next Generation Squad Weapons, based on feedback received from Soldiers in operational test events and usage in the field. These efforts will include improvements to the M7/XM8 charging handle, signature suppression, higher capacity magazines, an improved bipod, and a shorter barrel for the M250. Will continue working on ergonomic size/weight improvements to the weapons, as well as other enablers, optics, and accessories.

FY2026 to FY2027 change FY 2027 decrease due to decrease in requirements for integration efforts, contractor design and system improvement efforts.

FY2026 plans — current year Will continue improvements on the NGSW weapons to enhance system performance. Improvements will address Soldier feedback gained from operational test events. Efforts will include ergonomic improvements; reduction in signature and system weight/length; integration of new 6.8mm family of ammunition, as well as other optics, enablers, vehicles, higher capacity magazines, signature suppression, and Soldier Equipment.

FY2025 accomplishments Continued improvements on the NGSW weapons to enhance system performance. Improvements addressed Soldier feedback gained from operational test events. Efforts included weapon system reliability and dispersion; reduction in recoil forces and total system weight, integration of new 6.8mm ammunition types, integration of vehicles, and projectile development, as well as other optics, enablers and Soldier equipment. Purchased additional test articles to support integration, testing and user evaluations.

FY2027 planned work Will continue government engineering support to provide design, limited testing, and oversight of development and contractor performance for capability enhancements and design improvements.

FY2026 to FY2027 change FY 2027 funding increases due to year-over-year cost increases for engineering support.

FY2026 plans — current year Will continue government engineering support to provide design, limited testing, and oversight of development and contractor performance for capability enhancements and design improvements.

FY2025 accomplishments Continued government-engineering support to provide design, limited testing, and oversight of development and contractor performance for capability enhancements and design improvements.

FY2027 planned work Continue to work operational evaluations. Will continue testing hardware to assess product improvements and potential future system enhancements, integration with other enablers and will continue user evaluations.

FY2026 to FY2027 change FY 2027 funding increase due to additional testing of ongoing system and product improvements.

FY2026 plans — current year Continue Natural Environment Testing and conduct other operational evaluations. Will continue testing hardware at United States Government (USG) and vendor facilities to assess product improvements and potential future system enhancements, integration with other enablers and will continue user evaluations.

FY2025 accomplishments Continued Live Fire Test and Evaluations, conduct Operational Assessment, continue Natural Environment Testing, and conduct other operational evaluations. Will continue testing vendor hardware at USG facilities to assess product improvements and potential future system enhancements, integration with other enablers and will continue user evaluations.

FY2027 planned work Program management office will continue to provide oversight of contract actions, engineering support and test activities.

FY2026 to FY2027 change FY 2027 funding increases due to year-over-year cost increases for program management support.

FY2026 plans — current year Program management office will continue to provide oversight of contract actions, engineering support and test activities.

FY2025 accomplishments Program management office continued to provide oversight of contract actions, engineering support and test activities.

FY2027 planned work Complete final version of the thermal module hardware. Continue passive targeting capability, full color high contrast displays and networked integration with other soldier-worn equipment. Continue to conduct development and improvement efforts to provide enhanced Fire Control capabilities progressing towards Generation 4 Fire Control by utilizing Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning, automatic target detection/recognition/identification, target tracking, improve accuracy, and optimizing size, weight, and power to reduce soldier load.

FY2026 to FY2027 change Funding decreased due to the completion of thermal module development.

FY2026 plans — current year Complete hardware development for thermal sensor capability, passive targeting capability, and networked integration with other soldier-worn equipment. Continue to conduct development and improvement efforts to provide enhanced Fire Control capabilities progressing towards Generation 4 Fire Control by utilizing Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning, automatic target detection/recognition/identification, target tracking, improve accuracy, and optimizing size, weight, and power to reduce soldier load.

FY2025 accomplishments Finalized design and began hardware fabrication for thermal sensor capability, passive targeting capability, and networked integration with other soldier-worn equipment. Prototype optic assemblies with advanced surface treatment for signature reduction. Continued development and improvement efforts based on operational feedback, including prototype development with Vortex Optics for extended battery life, improved remote, and optimized software features.

FY2027 planned work Will continue to provide government engineering support at laboratories and engineering centers; providing design, testing and oversight of development and contractor performance, provide engineering support at program operational test events.

FY2026 to FY2027 change FY 2027 funding increased to address the need for additional government engineering support and oversight during testing following the completion of the thermal capability hardware. Increased engineering oversight will also support multiple test activities for hardware and software.

FY2026 plans — current year Will continue to provide government engineering support at laboratories and engineering centers; providing design, limited testing and oversight of development and contractor performance, provide engineering support at program operational test events including adversarial assessment.

FY2025 accomplishments Provided government engineering support at laboratories and engineering centers; providing design, limited testing and oversight of development and contractor performance, provide engineering support at program operational test events including adversarial assessment.

FY2027 planned work Conduct government assessments, technical testing, and Soldier Touch Point evaluations of thermal capability and product improvement prototypes. Conduct soldier in the loop thermal testing. Continue to test optics, lasers, and other weapon mounted enablers to characterize their compatibility, lethality and effectiveness with dismounted weapon systems.

FY2026 to FY2027 change FY 2027 funding increased due to additional test events, including technical testing, cybersecurity, and Soldier Touch Points.

FY2026 plans — current year Complete tropical natural environment testing of the devices to evaluate operational effectiveness in natural environment. Will conduct government assessments, technical testing, and Soldier Touch Point evaluations of thermal capability and product improvement prototypes. Conduct soldier in the loop thermal testing. Continue to test optics, lasers, and other weapon mounted enablers to characterize their compatibility, lethality and effectiveness with dismounted weapon systems.

FY2025 accomplishments Completed Operational Assessment, Adversarial Assessment, Airborne Limited User Test, and Hot natural environment testing of the M157 to evaluate integration, cyber security, operational effectiveness in natural environments. Product improvement prototypes will undergo technical testing and Soldier Touch Point user evaluations. Test optics, lasers, and other weapon mounted enablers to characterize their compatibility, lethality and effectiveness with dismounted weapon systems.

FY2027 planned work Will continue to provide for administrative costs incurred by the Program Management office, to include travel, contractor service support, and other requirements to support the program

FY2026 to FY2027 change FY 2027 increased to account for year over year program management support.

FY2026 plans — current year Will continue to provide for administrative costs incurred by the Program Management office, to include travel, contractor service support, and other requirements to support the program.

FY2025 accomplishments Provided for administrative costs incurred by the Program Management office, to include travel, contractor service support, and other requirements to support the program.

FY2027 planned work Complete OT of the CCI modifications. Complete DT/OT for the PERS. Begin DT Phase 1 for the Parachutist Oxygen Delivery System (PODS) as well as begin DT for the Static Line Automatic Activation Device. Continue enhancements of high and low altitude insertion capabilities and continue supporting modernization initiatives to parachute systems and ancillary equipment.

FY2026 to FY2027 change Increased funding supports test and evaluation efforts of Parachutist Oxygen Delivery System (PODS).

FY2026 plans — current year Complete Developmental Testing (DT) and begin Operational Testing (OT) of T-11 Cross Corner Inversion (CCI) modifications. Complete Design Validation (DV) and begin DT for the Parachutist Emergency Release System (PERS). Continue enhancement of high and low altitude insertion capabilities and continue supporting modernization initiatives to parachute systems and ancillary equipment.

FY2025 accomplishments Continue with test and evaluation of T-11 modification to address cross corner inversion malfunctions. Continue Developmental Testing (DT) and Operational Testing (OT) of Parachutist Emergency Release System (PERS). Continue enhancement of high and low altitude insertion capabilities and continue supporting modernization initiatives to parachute systems and ancillary equipment.

FY2027 planned work Will conduct weapons characterization and development for light, medium, and heavy machine gun technologies and design upgrades. Will validate specification requirements, improve system performance, and increase barrel longevity. Development activities will include integration of the planned XM101 40mm High Explosive Dual Purpose - Air Burst (HEDP-AB) programmer on the remote weapon station. Modifications/improvements to 40mm programming unit for air burst and counter-unmanned aerial systems (C-UAS) capabilities. Modifications/improvements to combat optics such as brackets and /or other ancillary items. Will also include hardware and software upgrades to the remote weapon station to enable…

FY2026 to FY2027 change Decrease in design and development due to mature items being purchased and tested to inform requirements.

FY2026 plans — current year Will conduct weapons characterization and development for light, medium, and heavy machine gun technologies and design upgrades. Will validate specification requirements, improve system performance, and increase barrel longevity. Development activities will include integration of the planned XM101 40mm High Explosive Dual Purpose - Air Burst (HEDP-AB) programmer on the remote weapon station. Modifications/improvements to 40mm programming unit for air burst and counter-unmanned aerial systems (C-UAS) capabilities. Modifications/improvements to combat optics such as brackets and /or other ancillary items. Will also include hardware and software upgrades to the remote weapon station to enable…

FY2025 accomplishments Conducted weapons characterization and development for light, medium, and heavy machine gun technologies and design upgrades. Validated specification requirements, improve system performance, and increase barrel longevity. Development activities included integration of the planned XM101 40mm High Explosive Dual Purpose - Air Burst (HEDP-AB) programmer on the remote weapon station. Also included hardware and software upgrades to the remote weapon station to enable future capabilities, such as kinetic engagement of unmanned aerial systems, improved target identification range, integration of emerging sensors and weapons, and networked communication between multiple systems and/or platforms…

FY2027 planned work Will continue to test and evaluate technologies and improvements, to include required testing for light, medium and heavy machine guns.

FY2026 to FY2027 change Increase in testing and evaluation due to mature items being purchased and tested to inform requirements.

FY2026 plans — current year Will continue to test and evaluate technologies and improvements, to include required testing for light, medium and heavy machine guns and remote weapon system enhancements.

FY2025 accomplishments Will continue to test and evaluate technologies and improvements, to include required testing for medium machine gun and remote weapon station enhancements. Continue testing to evaluate suitability of the XM250 for the current M240-series medium machine gun role. Conduct testing of 6.8mm M240 barrel assembly, as well as evaluate other 6.8mm M240 solutions available in the marketplace.