[SHOT 2026] Barrett & Northrop Grumman Team Up on Next-Gen Launcher

Barrett has long been a player in the US Army’s developing Precision Grenadier System program. They took part in some of the precursor competitions which helped refine the program requirements and engage with industry. Barrett previously worked with Mars Inc. who were successful in the xTech Soldier Lethality competition early in 2025. But now it appears they’ll have two horses in the race.

Since the completion of the xTech Soldier Lethality competition Barrett and Mars Inc. have parted company. At SHOT Show TFB was able to speak to members of the Barrett team who confirmed that when the Precision Grenadier System program launches its next phase Barrett will be entering their own design and will be supporting Northrop Grumman who will be submitting their own smaller caliber design.

Precision Grenadier System is a man-portable, shoulder-fired, magazine-fed semi-automatic grenade launcher which provides soldiers with the capability to engage aerial threats such as drones and engage enemy troops in cover.

The Northrop Grumman weapon system uses 25mm ammunition which currently includes air burst, proximity, a close quarter battle round and a blue-tipped training round. The programmable ammunition is programmed in the barrel by induction with information fed in by the operator and fire control system. The weapon system has a 5-round magazine and according to Northrop Grumman it weighs less than 12lbs. It was displayed equipped with an XM157 optic from Vortex, selected by the NGSW program.

Northrop Grumman are no strangers to the PGS concept having developed XM25 Counter Defilade Target Engagement (CDTE) System in the early 2010s. The XM25 program was finally, officially, cancelled in 2018 after a number of years in limbo. It wasn’t long, however, until efforts to procure a new shoulder-fired grenade launcher were relaunched with the PGS requirement.

Less is known about Barrett’s own planned submission. The model on display was a mock-up which had its own unique receiver shape. Speaking to Barrett they noted that while the system utilises a long-recoil action it differs from Mars Inc’s design. Specs listed by Barrett note that it fires 30mm ammunition, feeds from a 5-round magazine, has an overall length of 34in and a 12in barrel. Barrett also explained that it has a single recoil spring below the barrel which can be removed out of the front of the weapon’s receiver for disassembly.