Barrett Firearms and MARS Inc. have emerged victorious in the U.S. Army's xTech Soldier Lethality Competition, securing their place as innovators in modern warfare technology. Their winning entry, the Precision Grenadier System (PGS), is a revolutionary 30mm grenade rifle system designed to enhance soldier lethality and effectiveness on the battlefield. The competition, which seeks cutting-edge solutions to improve combat capabilities, saw Barrett and MARS Inc. develop, test, and demonstrate their system within just six months—a remarkable feat in military innovation.

The PGS is a shoulder-fired, semi-automatic, magazine-fed weapon system that integrates advanced ammunition and fire control technology. It enables soldiers to engage personnel targets in defilade and counter Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) at close range, providing a tactical advantage in diverse combat scenarios. The system's ability to deliver precision air-bursting munitions ensures that troops can neutralize threats effectively, even in complex environments.

Here is James Reeves of The Firearm Blog going over the PGS that was on display during the SHOT Show 2025:

Barrett, known for its groundbreaking firearms such as the Model 82 .50 caliber rifle and the MRAD MK 22 sniper rifle, has once again demonstrated its commitment to advancing military capabilities. The company collaborated closely with MARS Inc., AMTEC Corp., and Precision Targeting to develop a new family of 30mm shoulder-fired munitions, tailored to meet the Army’s evolving battlefield requirements. These munitions include Programmable Air Bursting High Explosive (HE), Proximity Fuzed HE, Point Detonating HE, and Close Quarter Battle rounds.

The xTech Soldier Lethality Competition is part of the Army’s broader effort to identify and integrate innovative technologies from nontraditional defense companies. By leveraging the expertise of industry leaders like Barrett and MARS Inc., the Army aims to enhance soldier lethality and survivability in modern combat. The competition provided participants with cash prizes and potential follow-on funding, incentivizing rapid development and deployment of new solutions.

Ryan Krantz, Vice President of Business Development & Sales at Barrett, emphasized the significance of the award, stating that it highlights technical capabilities, agility, and the power of partnership. He expressed pride in working alongside the U.S. Army to deliver a game-changing advantage for soldiers in the field. The collaboration between Barrett and MARS Inc. exemplifies the strength of industry partnerships in driving military innovation.

MARS Inc.'s Squad Support Rifle System (SSRS) has been instrumental in the development of the PGS, offering advanced firepower and precision for modern combat scenarios. The SSRS employs a long recoil action, akin to the Olympus Arms Vulcan rifles, and integrates a patented pneumatic dampener to reduce recoil when firing high-velocity 30mm rounds. Designed for engagement at distances ranging from 35 to over 500 meters, the rifle operates with a five-round box magazine for sustained fire capability. The SSRS features a 12-inch barrel with a 1:24” twist rate, an overall length of 33.9 inches (861 mm), and a total weight of 13.9 lbs (6.3 kg) when equipped with an optic, ensuring a balance between firepower and maneuverability in various tactical environments.

The competition saw Barrett and MARS Inc. outperform FN America, which had also submitted a prototype for evaluation. The Barrett-MARS team was down-selected alongside FN in 2024, but ultimately secured victory in Phase 3 of the competition. Their ability to rapidly develop and refine their system within the competition’s timeframe was a testament to their engineering prowess and commitment to soldier effectiveness.

The success of Barrett and MARS Inc. in the xTech Soldier Lethality Competition underscores the importance of industry collaboration in advancing military technology. As the U.S. Army continues to seek innovative solutions for modern warfare, the Precision Grenadier System stands as a testament to the power of ingenuity and partnership in shaping the future of combat.