US Army funds HK417 as squad marksman rifle
The US Army has announced funding for the acquisition of over 5,000 rifles as part of its Squad Designated Marksman Rifle (SDMR) programme, which will utilise the Heckler & Koch HK417.
The FY19 Budget revealed the SDMR as a new start programme for the next fiscal year with $46.2 million currently assigned. This funding will support the procurement and fielding of 5,180 7.62mm off-the-shelf rifles according to budget documentation.
Unit cost will be close to $9,000 a rifle accounting for the hardware itself, programme management, training and logistics support.
The new start programme could be overlooked as it is filed
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
You may also like
More from Land Warfare
-
![Singapore confirms fully automated SIGMA SPH as new precision-strike system emerges]()
Singapore confirms fully automated SIGMA SPH as new precision-strike system emerges
Singapore has confirmed plans to introduce a fully automated howitzer alongside an emerging precision-strike capability whose weapon type and deployment status have not been disclosed.
-
![The US DoD’s counter-drone marketplace begins to produce results]()
The US DoD’s counter-drone marketplace begins to produce results
The Pentagon's push to accelerate counter-drone procurement is opening new opportunities for defence companies as it seeks to bring emerging technologies into operational service more quickly.
-
![AUSA 2026: Hanwha receives howitzer top-up order to meet US Army’s fast delivery demand]()
AUSA 2026: Hanwha receives howitzer top-up order to meet US Army’s fast delivery demand
Less than two months after winning a contract from the US Army for six prototype K9 mobile howitzers, Hanwha Defense USA has received an order for another three. The company will show a platform at AUSA 2026.
-
![AUSA 2026 preview: Uncrewed systems and platforms to defend against them set to feature]()
AUSA 2026 preview: Uncrewed systems and platforms to defend against them set to feature
The Association of the US Army’s flagship conference and exhibition takes place in Washington, DC from 12 to 14 October. Shephard takes a look at what might be in store at the 2026 show, with uncrewed and counter-uncrewed systems and platforms under the spotlight.
-
![New uses for proven weapons: adapting the Chain Gun for CUAS]()
New uses for proven weapons: adapting the Chain Gun for CUAS
Northrop Grumman’s M230LF Chain Gun is finding a growing role in countering uncrewed aerial systems, with the 30mm weapon already deployed to Ukraine and adopted by US forces.
