Barrett and MARS Inc were named winners in May of the xTech Soldier Lethality Competition in support of the U.S. Army’s PGS programme, the release stated. The PGS integrates weapon, ammunition and fire‑control to enable rapid, precision engagements against targets in defilade and unmanned aerial systems at close range.
Barrett also disclosed it is developing a vehicle‑mounted remote weapon system option to allow use of the weapon in multiple combat scenarios. The release described the PGS as offering immediate capability with upgradable technologies to meet evolving requirements.
The company set out a staged release plan, with Mod 0 planned for release in 2026 featuring an advanced disturbed reticle fire control system, five‑round semi‑automatic fire and a recoil dampening system supporting four ammunition types. The release said Mod 0 will provide many solutions for effective engagement on the battlefield.
Mod 1 is planned for release in 2027 and will build on Mod 0 while enhancing counter‑UAS effectiveness through an advanced fire‑control system and proximity‑fuzed ammunition. Barrett said Mod 1 aims to increase probability of kill against CUAS targets.
Mod 2 will deliver the required capability for the US Army programme of record PGS, combining Mod 0 and Mod 1 features with further fire‑control advances to improve lethality, target engagement and handoff alongside high‑explosive air‑burst capability. The company described Mod 2 as providing a true squad‑level counter‑defilade munition.
Barrett’s CEO Bryan James said: “Announcing these new products at AUSA was the perfect opportunity to showcase how Barrett is utilizing an evolving capability model with upgradable technologies to enhance the operational effectiveness of U.S. and allied forces across all domains.” Cameron Fraser, Barrett’s Program Manager PGS, said: “Barrett continues to rapidly develop the PGS system based on the Picatinny Arsenal requirements to enhance lethality on the modern battlefield. The modular design approach provides immediate capability that is upgradable as technology advances”.
“The philosophy follows the US Army’s goal to evolve capability to provide an upgradeable solution that can accept technologies as they mature. The PGS will be domestically and internationally available to US-State Department approved customers.”
