The U.S. Army has announced a significant contract with FN America, allocating $2 million to further develop its Precision Grenadier System (PGS) prototype. This investment aims to enhance the capabilities of FN’s MTL-30, a semi-automatic, soldier-portable 30mm grenade launcher designed for modern combat scenarios.
The contract will primarily focus on maturing the MTL-30 prototype, emphasizing improvements in reliability, manufacturability, and integration with existing army systems rather than advancing to full-scale production. This approach underscores the Army’s commitment to thorough testing and refinement before deploying new weapons systems.
The MTL-30 is engineered to fire modular 30mm ammunition and is capable of engaging targets in defilade, providing a tactical advantage against small unmanned aerial systems. Its design boasts features such as a detachable 3- or 5-round magazine, ambidextrous controls, an M4-style telescoping stock, and a modular rail system for attaching optics and sensors.
FN America reports that the MTL-30 has already met several key performance criteria and is undergoing refinement to align with the unique requirements set forth by the Army. Mark Cherpes, President and CEO of FN America, indicated that the MTL-30 could drastically alter future battlefield strategies, providing enhanced capabilities and tactical options at the squad level.
This initiative is part of the U.S. Army’s broader effort to bolster infantry firepower at the squad level. Historical attempts at enhancing grenade-launching capabilities, such as the XM25 airburst launcher, faced setbacks, including reliability issues and rising costs, ultimately leading to its cancellation in 2018.
In a shift towards more practical weapon systems, the Army has turned to competitions and prototype projects. The xTechSoldier Lethality competition in 2025 showcased live demonstrations of potential systems, awarding teams like Barrett/MARS for their innovative 30mm Support Rifle System. Emphasizing not just ballistic performance, the Army is keenly focused on manufacturability, maintenance, and user-friendliness for soldiers, ensuring that new developments are viable in real-world combat scenarios.
