Barrett Unveils Squad Support Rifle System (SSRS) at AUSA
Barrett Firearms, best known for their .50 caliber anti-materiel rifles and precision bolt action rifles, has announced its entry into the US Army’s ongoing Precision Grenadier System (PGS) Program. Barrett has teamed with MARS Inc., best known for their Orion rifle which uses a long recoil action. The new weapon is known as the Squad Support Rifle System (SSRS) and it is lining up to compete against FN America’s PGS-001. The Rheinmetal SSW40, Knight Technical Solutions Multipurpose Intelligent Grenade System and Plumb Precision Products M110 Precision Grenade Launcher were not downselected.
The PGS program earlier announced an industry day for August and is currently funded and expected to begin in the first quarter of fiscal year 2026. The US Army defines the PGS as:
“a man portable integrated weapon system that enables precision engagements to rapidly defeat various targets in exposed and defilade positions with increased lethality and precision compared to current squad capabilities. The PGS will provide an overmatch to comparable threat grenade launchers in near peer formations in future operating environments (jungle, urban, woodland, subterranean, arctic, desert, day/night). The PGS consists of a weapon, a fire control, and a suite of ammunition which enables the user to engage targets in defilade/cover, engage unmanned aircraft system (UAS) targets, and engage close combat targets.”
The SSRS has an overall length of 33.9 inches, a barrel with a 1:24 twist rate and weighs in at 13.9lbs. It feeds from a 5 round single stack box magazine. A whole range of 30x42mm ammunition was displayed including training rounds, high explosive fragmentation rounds and an intriguing CQB (close quarters) round. Given Mars Inc.’s involvement the SSRS’s action is likely based on the long recoil principle.
The SSRS was displayed with a Vortex Optics XM-157 fire control unit, a 1-8×30 optic with advanced components. Noticeably the optic is mounted on a 12 o’clock Picatinny rail which slopes down to the end of the handguard – likely facilitating the projectile’s trajectory.
Here’s more information on the new weapon from Barrett Firearms:
“Barrett Firearms Manufacturing Inc. has unveiled the Squad Support Rifle System (SSRS), its entrant into the U.S. Army’s Precision Grenadier System (PGS) Program, at this year’s Association of the United States Army (AUSA) Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C. As a part of Barrett’s continued commitment to delivering innovative, battle-proven solutions for U.S. and allied soldiers, the SSRS is designed to meet the evolving needs of modern combat.Barrett has teamed with MARS Inc., an innovative tech start-up and finalist in the U.S. Army’s xTechSoldier Lethality competition. This strategic collaboration brings together two innovators in soldier lethality systems to develop a next-generation 30mm support rifle.“We are excited to be working with Barrett, the world’s premier soldier weapons manufacturer, to mature our 30mm Support Rifle System for the U.S. Army’s PGS Program,” Michael Merino, President of MARS Inc, said. “Together, we’re developing a solution that will greatly enhance the soldier’s ability to engage a wide range of battlefield threats.”The SSRS will offer soldiers an advanced counter-defilade capability and the ability to defeat Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and dismounted soldier targets. Designed for the U.S. Army’s upcoming PGS solicitation expected in FY2026, Barrett will head a team of industry-leading partners to develop a cutting-edge system optimized for lethality and soldier safety.“Barrett will bring together a team of innovative partners to deliver a PGS solution that incorporates unique technologies optimizing lethality and soldier safety,” Bryan James, CEO of Barrett, said. “The SSRS is a key part of our expanded product line, offering new capabilities that enhance the effectiveness of allied forces on the battlefield.” The U.S. Army announced the launch of the PGS program during an industry day event at Picatinny Arsenal in August. As a part of this initiative, Barrett’s SSRS is positioned to play a critical role in shaping the future of soldier weapons systems. Attendees of the AUSA Annual Meeting are invited to visit the Barrett booth #3615 to view a model of the MARS xTech demonstration system and learn more about Barrett’s vision for the future of soldier lethality.”
Special thanks to Gregory Knowles for providing additional photographs.