The U.S. Air Force (USAF) is in the final stages of delivering the Heckler & Koch-designed Squad Designated Marksmanship Rifle (SDMR) to its units, marking a significant upgrade in their small arms arsenal. The USAF Life Cycle Management Centre’s (AFLCMC) Small Arms program office is overseeing the distribution of these advanced rifles based on approved allowances.
This year alone, various USAF units have already received around 1,464 SDMRs, which are set to replace the traditional M24 Sniper Weapon Systems and the M110 Semi-Automatic Sniper Systems rifle. The M24 has been a staple for Security Forces Defenders in base defense operations, both in-garrison and during contingency support.
Matthew Hamer, lead of the AFLCMC Small Arms program office, expressed enthusiasm about the new deployment. “We’re excited to field this incredible weapon system,” he said. Hamer emphasized that the SDMR epitomizes Air Force acquisition strategies by providing a versatile solution capable of adapting to multiple missions.
The SDMR is a semi-automatic, 7.62x51mm caliber rifle, noted for its lightweight design compared to other 7.62 platforms. This feature is particularly beneficial for para-rescue men and Guardian Angels, who can now avoid carrying an additional 5lb of gear during operations. The rifle boasts an effective range of up to 600 meters, making it suitable for various missions requiring precision-fire capability.
Additionally, the SDMR will be utilized by USAF Explosive Ordnance Disposal technicians to neutralize small munitions during standoff munition disruption activities. This precision-fire capability is a significant enhancement over previous systems.
In a related development, the Army has also been updating its arsenal. The M14 EBR-RI and SEI M14SE were interim solutions to meet urgent operational needs for a rifle with an effective range of 600 meters and a 1.5″ MOA accuracy requirement. These legacy systems were updated with modern optics and chassis systems to serve as a temporary fix until a new SDMR platform could be selected.
Meanwhile, the Army has awarded a contract to SIG Sauer for two new weapons: the XM5 rifle and the XM250 automatic rifle. These will replace the M4/M4A1 carbine and the M249 Squad Automatic Weapon, respectively. Both new rifles will use the 6.8 mm common cartridge family of ammunition and feature a new fire control system.
Army Brig. Gen. Larry Q. Burris highlighted the significance of this development, noting that it is the first time in 65 years that the Army will field a new weapon system of this nature. The new system arrived much quicker than anticipated, thanks to the middle-tier acquisition rapid fielding authorities that enabled speed and flexibility in defining requirements.
The first unit of soldiers involved in close-quarters combat is expected to be equipped with the new system by the fourth quarter of 2023. The fielding of these weapons is contingent on ammunition production, initially handled by SIG Sauer and later by the Lake City Army Ammunition Plant in Missouri.
Army Col. Scott Madore emphasized the capability increase provided by these new weapons, stating that they offer improved accuracy, reduced aim error, and greater energy on target. The XM5 and XM250 will be paired with the XM157 Fire Control system, which integrates various advanced features to enhance soldier lethality.
As the USAF and Army continue to modernize their small arms, these new systems promise to significantly enhance the effectiveness and versatility of U.S. military forces in various operational scenarios.