AUSA 2015: Refined XM25 go for launch
Budget uncertainty in the US is unlikely to delay the introduction of the army’s long-awaited smart grenade launcher, industry officials have said.
The XM25 weapon system – which is designed to fire air burst rounds to defeat targets behind cover – is expected to go through its Pre-Production Qualification Test (PPQT) next spring with a Milestone C decision expected in August 2016.
The direct-fire weapon is meant to be shoulder-fired allowing a soldier to use basic rifleman marksmanship skills.
At present, the weapon system is in the second round of contractor validation testing.
Three companies are currently involved
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Land Warfare
-
First capability of Israel’s Iron Beam laser to be delivered by the end of December
Iron Beam is a family of high-energy laser weapon systems currently in development by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and is designed to provide a low-cost kinetic effect against aerial threats at short distances.
-
Hanwha awarded $482 million in major step for South Korea’s missile defence programme
The deal to produce and supply launchers and missiles to South Korea follows a contract placed with Hanwha Systems last month for the manufacture of multi-function radars.
-
China goes for ground-launched attack weapons as it strengthens deterrence strategy
China has been advancing its capabilities with a new generation of precision-guided artillery and loitering munitions, positioning ALIT’s WS-series as direct competitors with Western systems like the US’s M982 Excalibur.
-
Strengthening Baltic defence capabilities
How Latvia is bolstering its territorial defences, industrial capacity and international cooperation with Dynamit Nobel Defence’s SKORPION2 Remote Mining System.
-
Land forces review: British Army vehicle programme stalls and company results land
In the first monthly review of land forces stories, the Shephard team looks back to evaluate the major news events that have impacted the sector. The UK’s Land Mobility Programme was notable but another setback occurred when a market industry day was scrapped.
-
Sweden boosts air defence capabilities with Diehl Defence, Saab and MBDA orders
The orders continue the country’s growing investment in its air defence systems across land and sea, coming months after previous investments by the government into IRIS-T SLM equipment.