The XM7, previously designated as the XM5, is the U.S. Army variant of the SIG MCX Spear, a 6.8×51mm (.277 in), gas-operated, magazine-fed assault rifle [1] designed by SIG Sauer for the Next Generation Squad Weapon program in 2022 to replace the M4 carbine.

The Next Generation Squad Weapon (NGSW) program is a United States military program created in 2017 by the U.S. Army to replace the 5.56mm M4 carbine, the M249 SAW light machine gun, and the 7.62mm M240 machine gun, with a common system of 6.8mm cartridges and to develop small arms fire-control systems for the new weapons.

May 17, 2022 · The NGSW-R, the XM5 rifle, is Sig Sauer's MCX Spear. Using a 20-round magazine, it is chambered in a new 6.8x51 caliber. (Photo: Chris Eger/Guns.com)

May 13, 2022 · WASHINGTON — The future Soldier will soon be significantly more lethal. The Army recently announced that the Next Generation Squad Weapon, the XM5 rifle and XM250 light machine gun will replace...

Apr 20, 2022 · The U.S. Army’s procurement of the NGSW System marks the beginning of an era where combat weapons are coupled with a suppressor as standard issue equipment. The SIG SLX Suppressors are designed to reduce harmful gas backflow, sound signature and flash.

Apr 19, 2022 · The XM5 Rifle will replace the M4/M4A1 carbine within the close combat force, and the XM250 Automatic Rifle is the planned replacement for the M249 Squad Automatic Weapon. Both weapons provide...

Apr 19, 2022 · The force is awarding a 10-year contract to Sig Sauer for the XM5 Rifle, which will become the new standard rifle for soldiers, and the XM250 Automatic Rifle, which will replace the SAW.

Apr 22, 2022 · With that, here are some interesting data, dates, and figures to keep in mind on the NGSW contracts: XM5 - Designation of the Sig Sauer NGSW-Rifle as adopted. The rifle, Sig's MCX-Spear...

Mar 15, 2023 · Last April, the Army awarded a contract to Sig Sauer to produce the Next Generation Squad Weapon — or NGSW — XM7 Rifle, XM250 Automatic Rifle and a 6.8mm family of ammunition to replace the M4A1...

Mar 4, 2024 · The US Army’s NGSW program aims to find the best solution to range, accuracy, and lethality challenges of small arms for close combat forces. Sig Sauer won the competition with its XM5 and XM250 proposals.