Phase one concluded in June. Phase two begins in 2023.
The first unit equipped is scheduled for early 2024.
The light machine gun will retain its M250 designation.
The weapons are going to infantry, scouts, combat engineers and special operations.
Soldiers, special operators and Marines in the near future will carry a first-of-its kind rifle and light machine gun.
An unloaded XM5 rifle is two pounds heavier than an unloaded M4. But the XM250 is four pounds lighter than the M249 SAW.
The weapon has an advanced optic, shoots 6.8mm and will replace the M4 carbine and M249 SAW.
The Army is slated to pick the actual weapon in the coming months.
An estimated 250,000 optics will be delivered over the next decade to close combat troops.
The new caliber outperforms both 5.56 mm and 7.62 mm.
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