Barrett Unveils 30mm Squad Support Weapon for Anti-Drone and Fortified Target Engagement

Barrett Firearms, renowned for its large-caliber precision rifles, has unveiled a new 30mm semi-automatic weapon system aimed at providing dismounted squads with enhanced capability against drones and fortified positions. This marks a significant evolution in squad-level firepower by bridging the gap between anti-materiel rifles and crew-served weapons.

From Anti-Materiel to Multi-Domain Threats

The new 30mm Squad Support Weapon (SSW) appears to be a scaled-up evolution of Barrett’s previous work on the XM109 Payload Rifle—a semi-automatic platform chambered in 25×59 mm. While the XM109 was originally developed under U.S. SOCOM’s Advanced Sniper Rifle program in the early 2000s to defeat light armor and materiel targets at range, the current iteration steps up to a full 30×113 mmB caliber—the same round used in M230 chain guns mounted on AH-64 Apache helicopters.

This shift reflects changing battlefield priorities. With small unmanned aerial systems (sUAS) proliferating across peer and non-peer conflicts alike—most notably in Ukraine—the need for organic counter-UAS capability at the squad level has become urgent. The Barrett SSW offers kinetic overmatch against Group 1–2 drones while retaining utility against bunkers, technicals, and light armor.

Weapon Design and Characteristics

While detailed specifications remain limited as of this writing, available imagery and Barrett’s design lineage suggest several key features:

• Caliber: Chambered in 30×113 mmB (High Explosive Incendiary-Tracer likely)
• Action: Semi-automatic recoil-operated or hybrid gas-recoil system
• Barrel: Shorter than traditional autocannons; likely optimized for man-portable use with reduced recoil impulse
• Muzzle Device: Equipped with an oversized suppressor resembling an enlarged version of Barrett’s QDL suppressor
• Sighting System: Integrated optics rail; likely paired with electro-optical or thermal sights for drone tracking

The entire platform appears tripod-mounted or vehicle-portable rather than shoulder-fired due to weight and recoil constraints. It fills a niche between sniper rifles like the M107 (.50 BMG) and heavier systems like Mk19 grenade launchers or ATGMs.

Tactical Role and Use Cases

The Barrett SSW is not intended as a general-purpose infantry rifle but rather as a specialized tool for asymmetric threats that are increasingly prevalent on modern battlefields:

• Counter-UAS: Its high-explosive payload offers immediate lethality against low-flying drones without requiring radar cueing or complex fire control.
• Bunker Busting: Capable of defeating reinforced positions where standard rifle calibers fail.
• Vehicle Disabling: Effective against light armored vehicles (LAVs), technicals, or logistics convoys at standoff distances.

This makes it especially relevant for special operations forces (SOF), forward observers, anti-material teams, or mechanized infantry needing organic heavy punch without relying on indirect fires or air support.

The Ammunition Factor: Leveraging Existing Logistics Chains

The choice of the NATO-standardized 30×113 mmB cartridge is strategic. Already widely used by air platforms such as Apache helicopters (M230 chain gun), this round benefits from existing production lines and logistics infrastructure. It typically carries High Explosive Incendiary-Tracer (HEI-T) payloads capable of engaging both soft-skinned vehicles and aerial targets.

This logistical commonality could ease adoption by NATO forces seeking to expand their counter-UAS toolkit without introducing entirely new munitions families. However, questions remain regarding recoil management in such a compact format—especially if fired from lightweight tripods or vehicle mounts like MRZRs or JLTVs.

Status of Development and Potential Operators

No formal designation has been assigned yet—though speculation suggests it may evolve from earlier XM109 prototypes. As of late Q3/2025, no procurement contracts have been publicly announced by U.S. DoD entities. However, given recent interest in kinetic C-UAS solutions across NATO militaries—including Germany’s Sky Warden program and Poland’s DragonFly initiative—there may be export potential if testing proves successful.

The system was reportedly showcased at AUSA TechNet Augusta in August 2025 behind closed doors to select military stakeholders. Industry insiders suggest that initial limited user evaluations may begin with U.S. Army Special Operations Command (USASOC) units before broader fielding decisions are made.

Kinetic C-UAS vs Directed Energy Trade-Offs

The emergence of man-portable kinetic C-UAS weapons like Barrett’s SSW underscores limitations of directed energy systems such as microwave jammers or laser arrays—which often require line-of-sight stability, high power consumption, or ideal weather conditions.

A kinetic solution offers simplicity: point-and-shoot engagement with minimal setup time—even under GPS-denied conditions. While it cannot offer persistent area denial like EW systems can, its ability to physically destroy targets makes it ideal for mobile teams operating beyond fixed base perimeters.

Conclusion: A New Category Emerges?

If adopted widely, Barrett’s new platform could inaugurate an entirely new category between sniper rifles and crew-served autocannons—a “Squad Precision Cannon” class tailored for drone-era warfare. Its success will hinge on balancing portability with effectiveness—and proving its value over existing solutions like .50 cal rifles paired with proximity-fused ammo or lightweight missile systems like FIM-92 Stinger derivatives adapted for drones.