The US Army has awarded arms manufacturer FN America a $2-million contract to advance its Precision Grenadier System (PGS) prototype.
The award will fund further development of FN’s MTL-30, a semi-automatic, soldier-portable 30mm grenade launcher design. The focus is on maturing the prototype, including improvements in reliability, manufacturability, and integration with army systems, rather than moving directly into production.
The MTL-30 is designed to fire modular 30mm ammunition, engage targets in defilade, counter small unmanned aerial systems, and deliver greater range and precision than current 40mm systems. It features a detachable 3- or 5-round magazine, ambidextrous controls, an M4-style telescoping stock, and a modular rail system for optics and sensors.
FN said the MTL-30 already meets key performance criteria and is being refined to match army requirements.
FN America President and CEO Mark Cherpes said that this new weapon system “could radically change future battlefield strategies.”
“It will offer new capabilities at the squad level and upgraded tactical options, giving the warfighter a more effective system,” he said.
Where PGS Fits in Recent Weapon Development
The PGS initiative is part of a broader US Army push to strengthen infantry firepower at the squad level.
Previous efforts, most notably the XM25 airburst launcher, ended unsuccessfully after a decade of testing due to reliability failures, a live-fire accident, and rising costs. The program was formally canceled in 2018.
In recent years, the army has turned to competitions and prototype projects to revive the concept with more practical designs.
The xTechSoldier Lethality competition in 2025 included live demonstrations of candidate systems and awarded prizes to teams such as Barrett/MARS for a 30mm Support Rifle System. The army emphasized not only ballistic performance but also manufacturability, maintenance, and soldier usability.