FN America has secured a $2 million U.S. Army contract to advance its prototype under the Precision Grenadier System (PGS) initiative — a program designed to redefine the squad-level grenade launcher for modern battlefields. The funding will support continued development of FN’s MTL-30 semi-automatic, soldier-portable 30mm launcher, emphasizing refinements in reliability, manufacturability, and system integration. Rather than moving directly into production, the Army aims to thoroughly validate the prototype’s performance and compatibility with existing infantry systems. The MTL-30 utilizes modular 30mm ammunition and is designed to engage targets behind cover, counter drones, and provide longer range and accuracy compared to current 40mm launchers. The weapon features detachable 3- or 5-round magazines, ambidextrous controls, an M4-style adjustable stock, and multiple rail interfaces for optics and sensors. FN reports that the prototype already meets essential performance benchmarks, with current efforts focusing on durability improvements and user optimization. The PGS program follows the Army’s unsuccessful XM25 airburst launcher, which was discontinued in 2018 after technical and cost issues. Learning from that experience, the Army has adopted a more modular and competitive development strategy, inviting multiple private firms to demonstrate solutions under initiatives like the xTechSoldier Lethality competition. In 2025, several teams showcased new small-arms concepts, including Barrett/MARS’s 30mm Support Rifle System. The PGS effort reflects the Army’s renewed push to enhance squad lethality through precision and versatility, ensuring infantry units maintain dominance in diverse combat environments while overcoming the limitations of older weapon systems.
