The Army fielded its first batch of the Next Generation Squad Weapon, or NGSW, system to soldiers from the 101st Airborne Division earlier this year. Officials overseeing the program recently announced the next dozen units to receive the weapons systems over the coming year. Many of the personnel expected to field the new equipment are assigned to Pacific-focused units. The new arsenal will include the rifle, automatic rifle, and the fire control, known as the XM157, which is likely to see the most substantial development in the coming years.

The high-tech optic contains a ballistics calculator and a built-in range-finding module. It also includes an atmospheric sensor, compass, and visible and infrared aiming lasers. The fire control also features wireless connectivity. The tech of the fire control is vital to take full advantage of the added range and barrier-busting abilities of the Army-designed 6.8mm caliber.

The weapons are being fielded first by personnel assigned to close combat units. The Army chose Sig Sauer to produce the NGSW and at least some of the new 6.8mm ammo, as well as Vortex Optics subsidiary Sheltered Wings to produce the fire control optics systems. Soldiers are conducting user assessments and testing of the weapons system and fire control in hot weather and tropic settings. The following units are scheduled to receive the weapon next.

As the weapons and optics are distributed, Sig Sauer will be producing the new 6.8mm round at its facility in Arkansas. The Army is adding a dedicated line of 6.8mm production at its Lake City Army Ammunition Plant. Additionally, the Joint Program Executive Officer Armaments and Ammunition is working on a reduced-range 6.8mm round for testing.