FN Wins US Army Contract to Develop Precision Grenadier System

Belgian firearms manufacturer FN Herstal has been selected by the U.S. Army to develop a next-generation Precision Grenadier System (PGS), aiming to significantly enhance the lethality and precision of dismounted infantry. The award comes under a competitive prototyping initiative led by the U.S. Army’s Project Manager Soldier Lethality (PM SL) within PEO Soldier.

Precision Grenadier System: A New Era in Infantry Firepower

The Precision Grenadier System (PGS) is envisioned as a leap forward in infantry squad capabilities by combining programmable airburst 40mm munitions with advanced fire control systems and an integrated weapon platform. The goal is to enable soldiers to engage defilade targets—those hidden behind cover or terrain—with greater accuracy and reduced collateral damage.

This capability directly addresses one of the most persistent challenges in close combat operations: neutralizing enemies that are not directly visible or accessible through conventional line-of-sight weapons. By leveraging programmable fuzing and networked targeting data, PGS aims to bring indirect-fire-like effects into the hands of individual grenadiers.

Contract Details and FN’s Offering

According to official statements from FN America LLC—the U.S. subsidiary of FN Herstal—the company was awarded a development contract in September 2025 as part of the PGS program’s Competitive Prototyping Phase. While financial terms were not disclosed publicly, this phase typically involves multiple vendors building functional prototypes for evaluation over an 18–24 month period.

FN’s submission is based on its existing expertise in lightweight grenade launchers and integrated fire control systems. Central to its proposal is an enhanced version of its proprietary FN Elity™, a high-performance weapon-mounted ballistic calculator already used on sniper rifles and designated marksman platforms. The Elity integrates laser rangefinding, environmental sensors, ballistic computation, and wireless connectivity into a ruggedized optic module.

The launcher component is expected to be derived from or heavily influenced by FN’s MK13 EGLM or similar shoulder-fired grenade launcher architecture adapted for smart munition integration.

Smart Munitions at the Core

The heart of the PGS concept lies in its use of programmable 40mm grenades, which can be set to detonate at precise distances mid-air—ideal for engaging enemies behind walls or inside trenches. These munitions rely on data input from the fire control system just prior to firing.

The U.S. military has experimented with such capabilities before—notably with the XM25 Counter Defilade Target Engagement system—but that program was ultimately canceled due to technical complexity and logistical concerns. However, advances in miniaturization, ruggedization of electronics, and improved training interfaces have revived interest in this class of weaponry.

The new generation of smart grenades under development will likely include:

• Airburst HE-FRAG rounds: For anti-personnel use behind cover
• Point-detonation HE rounds: For direct impact targets
• Training variants: With inert payloads but full programming capability

Tactical Role Within Infantry Formations

The PGS is designed as a squad-level precision support weapon that complements existing riflemen and automatic riflemen roles within infantry teams. It fills a niche between traditional grenade launchers (like M203/M320) and heavier crew-served systems such as mortars or Javelin missiles.

This aligns with broader U.S. Army modernization efforts under programs like Next Generation Squad Weapon (NGSW), which aim to increase overmatch against peer adversaries through improved range, accuracy, lethality—and now programmable effects at squad level.

If successful, PGS-equipped grenadiers would be able to:

• Engage enemy personnel behind barriers without needing line-of-sight
• Deny terrain or force movement through airburst suppression
• Operate effectively in complex urban terrain where direct fires are limited

A Competitive Field: Other Contenders & Timeline Ahead

The U.S. Army has not disclosed how many vendors are participating in this phase of PGS development; however, industry sources suggest that other contenders may include General Dynamics Ordnance & Tactical Systems (GD-OTS), Rheinmetall/AMEC joint ventures, and possibly Textron Systems—all with prior experience in smart munition integration or advanced soldier systems.

The Competitive Prototyping Phase will likely culminate in late FY2026 with live-fire evaluations at ranges such as Fort Benning or Yuma Proving Ground. Downselect decisions could follow shortly after based on performance metrics including hit probability against defilade targets, weight/bulk thresholds (<6 kg target system weight), battery life (>72 hours operational uptime), ease-of-use metrics under stress conditions, and interoperability with Nett Warrior digital soldier systems.

Industrial Implications for FN Herstal & NATO Allies

This contract marks a significant milestone for FN Herstal’s strategic positioning within NATO small arms innovation circles. Traditionally known for its machine guns (M240/MAG58) and SCAR rifle family adopted by USSOCOM forces worldwide, FN’s entry into smart munition-enabled platforms signals diversification into higher-value integrated weapon systems.

If selected for production following prototyping trials, FN would likely establish final assembly lines within its Columbia, South Carolina facility—supporting domestic content requirements under Buy American Act provisions while leveraging Belgian R&D expertise from Liège headquarters.

A Second Chance After XM25?

The ghost of the XM25 looms large over any new precision grenade launcher effort—but both technology maturity levels and doctrinal thinking have evolved since that program’s cancellation in 2018 after over $200 million invested without fielding success.

This time around:

• Simpler design philosophy: No need for semi-auto feed; single-shot launchers reduce complexity
• Mature electronics: Compact laser rangefinders & processors now fit ruggedized optics form factors like Elity™
• Tighter integration: Use of standard interface protocols allows better plug-and-play with Nett Warrior/ATAK apps via Bluetooth/USB-C links
• Sustainability focus: Emphasis on rechargeable power packs & modular repairability vs sealed units

Conclusion: Toward Fieldable Smart Lethality at Squad Level?

If successfully developed and adopted into service post-2027–2028 timeframe, the Precision Grenadier System could become one of the most transformative additions to dismounted infantry since night vision goggles or GPS navigation tools—providing organic precision fires without calling external assets like mortars or drones.