FN America has secured a $2-million development contract from the US Army to continue work on its MTL-30 Precision Grenadier System, a next-generation 30mm semi-automatic launcher aimed at modernizing small-unit firepower. The initiative seeks to mature FN’s design through targeted improvements in engineering, performance reliability, and integration with Army combat platforms.
The MTL-30 promises a significant leap over legacy 40mm systems with its extended range, high precision, and multi-role ammunition capable of defeating both entrenched targets and aerial threats such as drones. Its design incorporates ergonomic, ambidextrous controls, a telescoping stock, and modular optics rails to support multiple mission configurations.
According to FN, the weapon has already met initial test benchmarks but is undergoing further refinement to align with evolving Army lethality requirements. The Precision Grenadier System (PGS) program is a cornerstone in the Army’s push to bolster dismounted soldiers’ long-range precision capabilities without adding excessive weight.
The project follows earlier attempts like the XM25 airburst launcher, which was discontinued after persistent technical setbacks. Learning from that experience, the Army has shifted toward a competition-driven prototype model, recently seen in the xTechSoldier Lethality contest, where systems like Barrett/MARS’s 30mm Support Rifle were evaluated for manufacturability, cost-efficiency, and soldier usability alongside ballistic performance.
