NEWINGTON, N.H., (April 20, 2022) – SIG SAUER is honored to be awarded the Next Generation Squad Weapons System (NGSW) Contract by the U.S. Army after a rigorous 27-month testing and evaluation process.
“The U.S. Army is taking a bold step toward command of the 21st century battlefield and SIG SAUER is immensely proud to be the selected provider for this historic revolution in infantry weapons. The fielding of the SIG SAUER Next Generation Squad Weapons System will forever change the dynamic of military engagement for America’s warfighters with American innovation and manufacturing,” began Ron Cohen, President and CEO SIG SAUER, Inc.
SEE ALSO: .277 SIG Fury Demystified
The SIG FURY Hybrid Ammunition (6.8 Common Cartridge), SIG-LMG (XM250), SIG MCX-SPEAR Rifle (XM5) and SIG SLX Suppressors meaningfully advance soldier weapons technology to meet the emerging requirements of the U.S. Army.
The SIG 6.8×51 FURY Hybrid Ammunition uses a patented lightweight metallic case designed to handle pressures higher than conventional ammunition, resulting in dramatically increased velocity and on-target energy in lighter weapons.
The SIG-LMG lightweight belt-fed machine gun and SIG MCX-SPEAR Rifle are purpose-built to harness the energy of the SIG FURY 6.8 Common Cartridge Ammunition enabling greater range and increased lethality while reducing the soldier’s load on the battlefield. Both the SIG-LMG and MCX-SPEAR deliver significant weapon and technology advancements to the soldier and provide a solution for battlefield overmatch in comparison to the current M249 and M4/M4A1.
SEE ALSO: SIG SAUER Launches Commercial Variant of U.S. Army Next Generation Squad Weapon (NGSW) MCX-SPEAR and 277 SIG FURY Ammunition
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. SIG SLX Suppressors feature a patented quick detach design for easy install and removal.
“We commend U.S. Army leadership for having the vision to undertake this historic procurement process to deliver a transformational weapon system to our warfighters. This award is the culmination of a successful collaboration between SIG SAUER and the U.S. Army, and we look forward to the continuing partnership,” concluded Cohen.
SIG SAUER is a company that is driven by innovation and we are proud to offer the advancements of the NGSW System in the SIG 277 FURY Hybrid Ammunition (the commercial variant of the SIG 6.8×51 FURY Ammunition round), SIG MCX-SPEAR Rifle, and the SIG SLX Series of Suppressors available to the consumer. For more information about these products visit sigsauer.com.
About SIG SAUER, Inc.
SIG SAUER, Inc. is a leading provider and manufacturer of firearms, electro-optics, ammunition, suppressors, airguns, and training. For over 250 years SIG SAUER, Inc. has evolved by blending American ingenuity, German engineering, and Swiss precision. Today, SIG SAUER is synonymous with industry-leading quality and innovation which has made it the brand of choice amongst the U.S. Military, the global defense community, law enforcement, competitive shooters, hunters and responsible citizens. Additionally, SIG SAUER is the premier provider of tactical training and elite firearms instruction at the SIG SAUER Academy. Headquartered in Newington, New Hampshire, SIG SAUER has over 2,900 employees across eleven locations. For more information about the company and product line visit: sigsauer.com.
I can certainly understand the Militarys desire to evolve, improve or advance small arms ammunition and their rifles. at least they are trying, at taxpayers expense of course. 556 and 762 nato were born back in the 50s and 60s. while 556 ammo has improved dramatically, both soldier on despite their respective ages of 60 and 70 year old cartridges. the design may be old but they still work better than the day they were born thanks to modern manufacturing of ammo and rifles. but if 556 is proving to be a little too small and 762 a little too big, then the obvious next stage is 6mmarc and 6.8x51h. i dont think 556 is going anywhere soon bc the 6mm arc would require a mag, bolt, and barrel change. why someone doesnt stick a 6mm in the 45nato case and just do a barrel swap is a mystery to me. i think 762 will lose its nato status sometime this century though. the 6.8 hybrid is too expensive to make for a nato swap, but then again when they are spending our taxes, the US military gets what it wants. they could just adopt the 708 rem and that would only require a barrel change too, but it wouldnt be as high pressure as the 6.8 hybrid and you would need longer barrels to get the same velocity. in the meantime, if it aint broke, dont fix it seems to hold true. I think the m16 itself will be replaced with a bullpup rifle before the cartridge itself, and the only soldiers getting these new 3 or 4 dollar rounds are special ops. Plus we civils who can afford to hunt or compete with these new fangled 21st century cartridges.
Look at the bright side we’re going to get ap and tracers that can be loaded in .270.
Which in my opinion is a flat shooting round that can do some work
I just hope it’s WOKE, that’s the main thing for this Administration’s military. I feel for the Grunts, I’m too old to handle it.
These are made mainly for military use and if they help our military be better equipped, I’m for it. As to the price, the government has never concerned themselves with what something cost which is pretty sad. To those that complained about not being able to buy one and turn it into a machine gun, if you want and can afford a machine gun, go by one! These were not designed for you a new toy! They were designed to better equip our military. To those that are complaining about having bought very expensive ammo and can’t get a gun for it, it would seem to me that having a gun should come first. I read with interest the story were the writer who got to go elk hunting with one of the civilian rifles thought highly of it and if Sig said there will be rifles for the caliber and are not following through with that, Shame on them. They have no Business selling ammo for something that is not in current production! That’s my two cents!
The guns may be made in the US, but the corporate profits enrich Germany. And Colt is now owned by CZ. America has become a whore for foreign capital. It is bad enough that corporate America has de-industrialized the nation and off-shored our manufacturing base and self-sustainability to communist China and other slave-labor countries so less than one percent of the nation can continue wallowing in wealth. So much so that “Made in China” may soon become America’s epitaph. Fact is, a nation that does not produce, perishes. The “global economy” is just an excuse for transnational corporations to asset-strip main-street America. We will rue the day we allowed our feckless Congress to give the keys to the kingdom to self-serving corporations whose only allegiance is to the almighty dollar and not to the country that provides them safe haven to conduct their business. For what shall it profit a corporation that it gain the whole world and lose its own country?
So the Army is basically, “Stuck on Stupid” and it sometimes seems amazing that we do end up with some really good equipment most of the time, but I credit that to industry, not the Army or DOD in general. Regarding these new weapon’s platforms in new calibers, what is the purpose of this new round??? In WW1 and WW2 the average infantry combat engagement was 250 Meters or less. Because of the addition of 4x ACOG’s we did see some (not most) engagement begin at 400 meters on rare occasions. Yes the Afghans would hose units with PKM fire trying to pin them down, maneuver and kill them, but that really only worked on the idiots in the Afghan Army, not US Forces. In actual combat, you are firing at where you think the enemy is and sometimes aiming at the dust clouds kicked up by their muzzle blast. Pin them down with fire, flank them, close and kill them. Most of the time, you find the bodies or see the enemy running away. Average infantry are not engaging targets at beyond 250 meters with rifles and machine guns, yes it happens, but its not the norm. So why do we need full power rifles firing improved (maybe) equivalent to 30-06/308 rounds in power and recoil??? Less ammo, heavier and longer guns doesn’t seem like a winner to me. Suppressors for everyone, are you kidding me. Ever see a suppressor on thermals when its hot, might are well throw a flare to mark your position for the enemy. Plus suppressors add weight, length and cost to the weapon and get it really dirty. The 5.56 works for now and it will stop working when we see the mass use of LVL IV Body Armor in enemy forces. Only the Tungsten Core M995, 338 AP and 50 caliber ball ammo can reliably defeat LVL IV armor currently in production. We need a high velocity, low recoil and lightweight, non-tungsten core ball round than can defeat this armor out to at least 200 meters, not these 1,000 meter “Boom Sticks” that are a reversion to the failed M-14/M-15.
SIG Sauer Germany was shut down quite awhile ago. The German division supplied P230 Pistols in 380 to the US Government and the US sent them to South America without asking the German Govt for permission. A local prosecutor blamed SIG Sauer for selling the guns that ended up in South America and they won in court. Privately held SIG, paid the fine, gave Germany the Finger and closed their German operation and around 200 people lost their job – Germany for the Win??? The Swiss factory was sold off and is an independent firm, although they retain the SIG name. SIG is now American as Apple Pie, so smile and relax.
No comment.
So, it’s basically .270Win performance in a shorter case? The same concept as .308Win to .30-06. I’d laugh if, after a very expensive change-over, the military says f-ck it, let’s just go back to the 7.62×51, or stay with the 5.56 with a new, better bullet. Remember, it’s the Bullet that’s the message. Everything else is just a launching platform to get the bullet to the target. The 5.56 concept is valid. They just need to work on bullet design.
Let’s see, 20 rds. of the new SIG commercial ammo is going for $80(!). Keep it.
As a Former Green Beret and Vietnam Vet I say bring it. The next war is NOW.
My first thought was who is the hot marketing rep for Sig. The 320 and now this? Package deal, no doubt – Suppressors, ammo n rifle. Must question the need for a new cartridge. We r BROKE remember. We could use less conflict in so many ways.
Bad move, heavier ammo, heavier weapon. More expensive weapon? Good idea on bullet to go with a 6.5 Grendel or a 6.8 spc bullet atop an old AK-47 cartridge casing. .223 or 5.6 needs a bit more diameter, but for God’s sake keep the weight and and proven M-16 action and good idea about the suppressors being added. Otherwise lousy idea to go with Sig Weapon.
Just re-barrel all the old M-16s 20″ barrels in 6.8 SPC add short suppressors, new mags, peep sights and a good bayonet that can also be used as a fighting knife, 1/4″ 1075 steel at least 12″long. This coming form advice from someone who has been in hand to hand combat.
If you modern army couch potatoes need to go to a short, heavy, battle rifle at least then go to tomahawks or Jihadihowks so the empty rifle can be used as a shield in the weaker hand while the stronger hand attacks with the long battle axe.
So, once again we see the grifters taking control of the procurement process. Replacing the M4 with a larger, bulkier, more expensive platform not only negates all of the advantages of the AR platform, it insures that the logistics will become a nightmare during the transition. And then, we have to pay for ammunition that is ruinously expensive to produce, reduces the amount of ammo the troops can carry, increases felt recoil, and provides negligible advantages over 7.62X51 that is already in the inventory.
They should name this system “The Kickback.”
This will soon be on the Forgotten Weapons channel on YouTube.
LOL! Good one!
It is very likely that adoption of this weapon by the U.S. will be the death knell of the prohibition of silencers remaining a ATF-controlled item. If silencers are now to become standard issue for our troops due to health reasons of fume inhalation and auditory damage then there is no reason why these same safety devices cannot and should not be afforded average citizens without restrictions.
You obviously don’t fathom the deranged mindset of the Progressive-Socialist anti-gun crowd. They will directly associate civilian suppressors with those on the new military arms. Then, they will want to ban them as “weapons of war on our streets.”
Exactly! RINO Paul Ryan had an opportunity to pass the Hearing Protection Act but he never let it out of committee for a full vote. Now, as you say, suppressors will be MORE demonized by the crazy antis…..SMH
Is this the same as 6.8 PPC? And if not how does it differ?
6.8 SPC is my road gun. You can use 5.56 lowers for them. You need 6.8 mags because 5.56 mags bulge and fail to feed properly.
Recoil is negligible.
Great round.
Totally different from 6.8SPC: longer case length (51 vs 43), higher pressures, and larger grain bullet (140 vs 115)
I was a soldier from ’75 to ’79 as an Armor Crewman on an M60A1. The Abrams was still in testing at Aberdeen Proving Grounds. No one in the US Army today would want to go to war in an M60. The 5.56 and 7.62 have been around for decades. Much has been written about both. I never met a Grunt who thought he/she was adequately armed will carrying a weapon chambered for 5.56, and 7.62 weighted too much to be practical, not including the weight of the weapon. Adapt and overcome or be left behind, or worse, lose the battle. What ever give our troops an advantage against our enemy, I’m all for it.
what was wrong with the 7.62 ? a dramatic increase of range ? just how much more range,,,? our writer appears to be a gadget man,,,,,
Bullets in the .30 range seem to be the best for just about anything. From 30-30, 30-06, .308, .357, 9MM .380 and the lowly .32, they kill what you want to kill. The 6.8 is close to a 270 round, just what ballistic improvement is had by going to 6.8. If the .270 Winchester uses a .270 inch (6.86 mm) bore diameter and a .277 inch (7.04 mm) bullet diameter. Why not copy ammo made since the 1920’s? Or do I have egg on my face and 6.8 is the NATO nomenclature for 270? Sorry, its been 50 years since I had to worry about what NATO labeled my ammo.
I don’t see any statistics that relate to the DIE Factors. If a obese tranmy or a little girl with four mommies can’t handle this gun how do we know that we as a country will be safe.
Defense Secretary and Joint Chief aren’t paying attention to Diversity Inclusion and Equity is this really a good choice?
if they take out putin and xi and their minions, who cares?????
sig is an american brand afaic
Chances are, they would be manufactured somewhere in the United States, same as FN. The American company Sig Sauer, Inc., is headquartered in New Hampshire. I wonder, though, if a change in ammunition is worth it, especially with a totally new cartridge. A lot is claimed for the new round.
I also note that beards are fashionable again.
Well bad for civilians. I expect the 223 ammo will now increase in cost dramatically. Few can afford the new rifle and the ammo for it will be really hard to find and expensive. As for increased performance? Over the 6.8 SPC 2? I doubt it. So, the government is now dependent on a single manufacturer? Another notch for government stupidity.
This new weapon is a Squad weapon. 1 per squad or platoon. Everyone else will still be shooting 5.56 in an M4 or similar weapon. Don’t despair about the fate of the 223 Remington, it is a different round. Anything which happens to the 5.56 won’t necessarily have a negative effect on the 223s future.
The XM250 is one per squad, the Spear is meant to be a replacement for the M4. I’m not sure who Sig is going to sub out the ammo manufacturing to, but i’d be concerned about them being the sole source of ammo/components. I’d imagine Lake City will be in the mix, but who knows.
Either way, since there are millions of guns in circulation that are chambered in 5.56, i doubt it’s going anywhere in the next 100yrs.
Are they charging the government $7998 for each rifle, like they charge consumers for the “civilian” version?
No, it’s probably something around $75,000-$100,000. The same Army people who had $700 toilet seats and $1250 hammers in their books.
That’s how they can “hide” the money in a slush fund in case they need to bribe any foreign dignitaries to get access so they can eliminate a certain threat or certain person,with no evidence they were there. It’s been like that since the late 70’s.
Doubt it! That’s the price for the zero fun civilian version that comes withOUT the full auto fun switch option. Surely the fun toys will be much more for our military to buy as I at least hope they’d be beefed up quite a bit from the civilian version but sadly with most weapons these days they just modify a part time or few max to make it so full auto parts can’t be just dropped right in and work as they all have some sort of milling that needs to be done for the full auto parts to fit and function. And PLEASE ALL who is interested in buying a gun that uses the plastic cases(forget proper term)as they do have lots of benefits like being lighter(less to hump), pressures can be increased a bit, less heat transfer from fired casing to gun before its ejected since the casing effectively doesn’t really get hot and when it does right after firing it’s hot for a very very short period of time. But there are almost if not more negatives that I cannot remember most of off the top of my head after reading the blog here a few weeks ago or so. One huge one these days with Covid making ammo prices hundreds or percentages more than we all paid pre Covid is the cases cannot ever be reloaded since they are pretty much a little more sturdy version of a shotgun shell. Plus I THINK there was a mention about case bulging affecting velocities… I do a lot of reading and hard to keep all things straight that is why I highly recommend anyone interested in a gun of any kind or brand that uses the plastic casings to read up on all the goods and bass that come with such a cartridge and the tool you’d choose to drive it. From what I read there wasn’t really anything good for civilian use as in my opinion this system would be a better solution for military users as I’m sure they’d like to hump less weight or same weight with lots of more rounds that weigh less. Also for our military guys who cares about reloads when in war nobody’s reaching down for spent casings! But I do agree with another persons post that depending on the Germans to provide the US with all these guns that could of went to pay US citizens and keep all that money here in the US and keep an eye on things and or if needed. But there is a reason people like me buy Austrian made GLOCKS, they’re simply better than any other pistol when ALL things are considered and my main one is not having a stupid safety lever I’d have to flip before I could put rounds on the threat! GLOCKS have THREE BUILT IN TRUE PHYSICAL safeties and simply put Americans almost all are super lazy and go to work doing the bare minimum that allows us to keep our jobs and that’s a fact and if you disagree clearly you haven’t bought a single thing made in any industry from the US or you’d see how the quality is very much lacking. For example I bought a Superlative Arms piston kit and it comes with a spring so the op rod isn’t SLAMMING itself inside the gas block and free to move back and forth if the bolt is held open and can even when rounds loaded since there’s no spring tension the op rod can hear as I run and gun the rod slapping back and forth, but remember it comes with a spring right?! Yes, it comes with a STANDARD MAG CATCH spring that isn’t heat treated so it could withstand the heat better, NOTHING EXCEPT THE SAME EXACT SPRING YOUR MAG CATCH USES! This is simply cheaply made bs that they made a descent system, but cheaped out on the op rod that they could of built something similar to HK416’s and all other piston driven guns and install a spring in the middle of the op rod so there’s zero weak spots. Funny thing is I was told the SA mag catch spring will for sure fail and not to use it! Lazy Americans! We all want high pay and low easy work. This is why I’m not surprised to hear China and all these other countries are the real providers to the US for everything and especially guns. O
The government price from Sig will likely be considerably less than the cost on the civilian market. The Sig M17 only cost the federal government approximately $197 each but the civilian market has an MSRP of $699 each so Sig will likely do the same thing here. After all, the real reason Glock didn’t win the military pistol contract is not because they didn’t have a better product than Sig but because Sig blew them out of the water with the price point and then passed the cost difference on to the civilian markets. Not to say that Sig doesn’t make quality products because they clearly do but… There’s a method to Sig’s marketing madness and it’s clearly working.
What a mistake to choose and rely on this German company SIG to supply our Armed Forces! We should use only American companies to supply our Armed Forces. Foreign companies should not be considered for supplying our Armed Forces with weapons or ammunition for rational national security reasons.
It’s not a national security concern. Their main headquarters and production facility is in New Hampshire.
They were designed and built here in the USA, like 99% of Sig Sauer’s other products. 72 Pease Boulevard
Newington, NH 03801
Christopher,
So you would rather our soldiers have subpar weapons from companies based in America?
These are superior rifles made in America by a foreign company. According to the Army they are the best weapons available for our troops, I’m okay with that.
Chris,
If you read the last paragraph, you see that Sig Sauer, Inc is an American company located right here in the good ole’ U.S. of A!
Peace…
You sound suspiciously like an anti-Globalist! The govt. has placed you on a watch list as a possible “domestic terrorist.”
M1 Abrams Tank – British Armor, German Gun, Belgium Machine Guns, Crew Equipped with Italian Sidearms, made in America with Gas Turbines, Fire Control, Thermal Imagers, etc. – all with parts sourced from global supply chains. Seems to work for me. The world is integrated and if you think you are buying an American Car or Truck, look at all the parts, tires, screens and computers and you will find sourcing from everywhere. Heck if it wasn’t for technology and equipment from Dutch Frim ASML and their German Subsidiary Zeiss, I wouldn’t be able to type this. The good news is that IBM (#1 in US Patents Filed), Samsung (#2 in US patents Filed) and Qualcomm pretty much control chip R&D and space and that’s what really matters.