Arms manufacturer Barrett has unveiled the next generation of its 30mm Precision Grenadier System (PGS) designed to meet the US Army’s evolving requirements.
Barrett’s latest PGS is a shoulder-fired, semi-automatic grenade rifle that combines a 30mm cannon with integrated fire control, optics, and ammunition systems.
This new line allows infantry squads to strike enemies behind cover and engage small unmanned aerial systems at close range. A vehicle-mounted remote weapon system is also being developed to expand its use in mechanized formations.
Barrett PGS Program Manager Cameron Fraser said that the new system was designed for rapid fielding.
“The philosophy follows the US Army’s goal to evolve capability to provide an upgradeable solution that can accept technologies as they mature,” he said.
In May 2025, Barrett and MARS Inc. won the army’s xTech Soldier Lethality Competition, advancing PGS prototypes to government testing.
The system is expected to undergo additional evaluation at Picatinny Arsenal in 2026, alongside related soldier lethality initiatives, including smart optics, advanced suppressors, and digital fire control systems.
Rolling Out Barrett’s New PGS
Barrett is staging the PGS rollout to put usable capability in soldiers’ hands quickly while allowing technical upgrades to follow.
Across all three stages, Barrett emphasizes modularity so new fuzes, guidance aids, and software can be retrofitted in testing at Picatinny Arsenal, so field trials can produce lessons for tactics, training, and sustainment.
The Mod 0, expected in 2026, will feature a disturbed-reticle fire control system, five-round magazines, and four ammunition options for multi-role use.
The Mod 1, due in 2027, will add proximity-fused munitions and improved counter-UAS capabilities.
The final Mod 2 will integrate all prior upgrades and introduce advanced airburst functionality for full squad-level precision strike and counter-defilade operations.
The Precision Grenadier System Program
The PGS program is part of the US Army’s Soldier Lethality portfolio, which aims to enhance dismounted infantry firepower through modular, precision-guided weapons.
The system bridges the gap between small arms and heavier indirect fire weapons, giving small units the ability to defeat cover and light vehicles without relying on artillery or air support.
The PGS effort builds on lessons from earlier programs, such as the XM25 Counter Defilade Target Engagement System, which was discontinued after technical challenges.
Unlike its predecessor, the PGS focuses on modularity and simplicity using a semi-automatic, magazine-fed design with programmable ammunition and advanced optics.
