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M250 light machine gun

The M250 light machine gun is a lightweight, belt-fed, select-fire automatic rifle chambered in 6.8×51mm ammunition, designed by SIG Sauer for the United States Army as the automatic rifle component of the Next Generation Squad Weapon (NGSW) program to replace the aging M249 Squad Automatic Weapon.^[1]^[2] It features fully ambidextrous controls, a collapsible buttstock, M-LOK mounting points for accessories, and an integrated recoil mitigation system, with a quick-detach suppressor that reduces sound, flash, and muzzle gas signature for improved suppression capabilities.^[1] Weighing approximately 13 pounds (14.5 pounds with suppressor) and measuring 36.75 inches in length (41.9 inches with suppressor), the M250 employs a 17.5-inch barrel and is optimized for enhanced squad lethality, range, accuracy, and penetration against modern body armor compared to legacy 5.56mm systems.^[3]^[1] The NGSW program, initiated in 2017 following a U.S. Army study on small arms ammunition gaps, sought to address limitations in close combat effectiveness against peer adversaries, leading to the selection of SIG Sauer's XM250 prototype in April 2022 after extensive prototyping, soldier feedback from over 1,000 participants, and more than 100 technical evaluations spanning 27 months.^[3]^[2] The weapon's development emphasized reducing soldier burden—its combat load of four 100-round pouches totals 27.1 pounds, about four pounds lighter than the M249 equivalent—while integrating with the XM7 rifle and advanced fire control systems for improved hit probability and overmatch in contested environments.^[3] By 2025, initial fielding had begun, with units such as the Minnesota National Guard conducting new equipment training and operational testing of the M250, marking the transition to widespread adoption across close combat forces.^[4]

Development and procurement

Origins of the NGSW program

The limitations of the 5.56×45mm NATO cartridge, adopted as the U.S. military standard in the 1960s, became increasingly evident in modern combat environments, particularly its reduced effectiveness beyond 300 meters and inadequate penetration against advanced body armor worn by potential adversaries.^[5] Similarly, the heavier 7.62×51mm NATO round, used in squad automatic weapons like the M249 SAW, provided superior stopping power and range but at the cost of excessive weight, limiting soldiers' mobility and ammunition loadout in prolonged engagements.^[6] These shortcomings were exacerbated by lessons from operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, where counterinsurgency tactics exposed vulnerabilities in close-quarters lethality, prompting a reevaluation of small arms capabilities.^[7] In response to these challenges and a strategic pivot toward confronting near-peer adversaries such as China and Russia, the U.S. Army launched the Next Generation Squad Weapon (NGSW) program in 2017.^[8] This initiative was directly informed by the 2017 Small Arms Ammunition Configuration Study, which highlighted critical gaps in infantry squad firepower, range, and energy delivery against protected targets in large-scale combat operations.^[8] The program sought to overhaul close combat weapons systems, marking the first major small arms replacement effort since the adoption of the M16 family over five decades prior.^[7] Central to the NGSW's objectives were the development of an XM7 rifle to succeed the M4 carbine and an XM250 light machine gun to replace the M249 SAW, both designed to enhance squad-level lethality while addressing doctrinal needs for peer-level conflicts as emphasized in the 2018 National Defense Strategy.^[8] Key performance requirements included adopting a 6.8mm hybrid cartridge for superior ballistics, achieving a significant weight reduction relative to the M249—targeting under 12 pounds unloaded for the automatic rifle—and seamless integration with advanced optics like the XM157 fire control system to improve accuracy and target engagement at extended ranges.^[9] This comprehensive approach aimed to restore overmatch in firepower without compromising soldier burden, reflecting a broader doctrinal evolution from asymmetric warfare to high-intensity, multi-domain operations.^[8]

Design competition and selection

In August 2019, the U.S. Army issued a solicitation under the Next Generation Squad Weapon (NGSW) program, selecting three industry teams to develop prototypes for a new rifle and automatic rifle: SIG Sauer Inc., Textron Systems, and General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems in partnership with True Velocity for the ammunition component.^[10]^[11] These teams were tasked with creating lightweight, 6.8mm-chambered designs to enhance squad lethality, with prototypes required for delivery by early 2020 to support rigorous evaluation.^[12] The prototyping and testing phase spanned 2020 to 2021, primarily at Fort Benning, Georgia, where the Army evaluated the submissions for accuracy, reliability, and lethality across diverse conditions including extreme temperatures, dust, and sustained fire scenarios.^[13]^[14] Initial prototype assessments began in the third quarter of fiscal year 2020, followed by a second phase in early 2021 that incorporated soldier feedback to refine designs, culminating in the down-selection in April 2022.^[14]^[15] On April 19, 2022, the Army awarded SIG Sauer a 10-year contract for the XM250 light machine gun (the NGSW automatic rifle variant) and XM7 rifle, with an initial value of $20.4 million for weapons and ammunition to support further testing and low-rate initial production beginning in 2023.^[15]^[16] This selection followed the 27-month competition, affirming SIG Sauer's design for its balance of performance, ergonomics, and integration potential.^[2] In May 2025, following comprehensive evaluations including operational testing and soldier assessments, the Army granted type classification standard to the XM250, officially designating it the M250 and confirming its readiness for full-rate production and fielding across close combat forces.^[17]^[18] This milestone validated the weapon's compliance with performance, safety, and reliability standards after addressing issues like suppressor fumes identified in prior trials.^[19]

Technical description

Operating mechanism and feed system

The M250 light machine gun utilizes a short-stroke gas-operated piston system, with the piston positioned below the barrel to drive the bolt carrier group rearward upon firing. This mechanism employs rotary bolt locking and operates from an open bolt position, which helps dissipate heat and reduces the risk of cook-off during sustained automatic fire. The design incorporates a manual gas regulator with adjustable settings—typically two positions for unsuppressed and suppressed operation—to optimize gas flow and prevent over-gassing or under-gassing in varying conditions, such as when using a quick-detach suppressor.^[20]^[21] Its feed system is belt-fed, relying on disintegrating steel links similar to those used in the M249 SAW, which allow for reliable ammunition delivery from the left side of the receiver. Ammunition is supplied via flexible belts housed in detachable soft pouches or semi-rigid containers, typically holding 100 or 200 rounds, enabling quick reloads without interrupting fire. This setup supports the weapon's role in squad automatic fire while maintaining compatibility with the 6.8×51mm cartridge for improved muzzle velocity and terminal ballistics over legacy 5.56mm systems.^[20]^[22]^[1] The cyclic rate of fire is approximately 800 rounds per minute, balancing suppressive capability with barrel life and ammunition conservation. Effective range extends to about 600 meters for point targets, supported by the cartridge's ballistics. Safety and reliability features include fully ambidextrous controls, such as the bolt release and fire selector, which allow operation by left- or right-handed users and aid in clearing malfunctions under adverse conditions like dust or mud. A forward assist mechanism further ensures the bolt can be manually driven forward if needed, enhancing reliability in contaminated environments.^[21]^[23]^[1]

Physical characteristics and ergonomics

The M250 light machine gun is engineered for enhanced portability and maneuverability compared to the M249 SAW it replaces, featuring a compact and lightweight construction suitable for squad-level operations. Its weight measures 13 pounds (5.9 kg) with bipod (unloaded), rising to 14.5 pounds (6.6 kg) when fitted with suppressor, significantly reducing the burden on infantry while maintaining combat effectiveness.^[3] The overall length measures 36.75 inches (93 cm) unsuppressed or 41.9 inches (106 cm) suppressed, with the stock extended, balancing reach with ease of handling in varied terrains.^[3] Central to its user-centered design is a collapsible polymer buttstock equipped with an adjustable cheek riser, enabling ambidextrous operation and customizable fit to accommodate different shooters and body armor configurations for improved accuracy and reduced fatigue.^[24] Complementing this, the foregrip incorporates an M-LOK handguard system, providing modular mounting points for grips, lights, and other accessories without adding unnecessary bulk.^[24] Ergonomic advancements over the M249 emphasize controllability and endurance, including a muzzle device that mitigates recoil for faster follow-up shots and a lighter barrel profile that facilitates sustained fire while minimizing overall system mass.^[20] For stability in supported positions, the M250 includes a bipod with folding legs that deploy quickly to enhance prone firing accuracy.^[20] The quick-change barrel mechanism, introduced in 2024, further supports prolonged engagements by allowing rapid swaps to prevent overheating, ensuring reliability under intense use.^[25]

Integrated fire control and accessories

The M250 light machine gun is standardly equipped with the XM157 Next Generation Fire Control (NGFC) system, which serves as its primary sighting solution to enhance precision and lethality in combat scenarios.^[26] The XM157 integrates a variable magnification optic offering 1-8x zoom for versatile engagement ranges, a laser rangefinder for rapid target acquisition up to 800 meters, and an onboard ballistic computer that calculates environmental factors such as wind, temperature, and angle to display an adjusted aiming point, significantly improving first-round hit probability for the shooter.^[26]^[27] The weapon's modular design incorporates multiple M-LOK rail sections along the handguard and receiver, enabling direct attachment of various accessories without additional adapters.^[1] These rails support compatibility with quick-detach suppressors like the SIG SLX, which reduce audible and visible signatures while minimizing gas blowback to the operator; vertical foregrips for improved control during sustained fire; and illumination devices such as visible or infrared lasers and weapon lights for low-light operations.^[1]^[2] The suppressor adds approximately 1.5 pounds and 5 inches to the M250's profile but is issued as standard equipment to enhance signature management across the Next Generation Squad Weapon program.^[1] The M250 chambers the 6.8×51mm hybrid cartridge, featuring a stainless steel base mated to a polymer body that achieves a 20% weight reduction compared to traditional all-brass casings of equivalent performance.^[28] This design supports a muzzle velocity of approximately 3,000 feet per second from the weapon's 17.5-inch barrel, delivering superior terminal ballistics and penetration over legacy 5.56mm ammunition.^[28]^[29] Logistically, the hybrid cartridge's lighter construction—coupled with the M250's overall reduced system weight—optimizes soldier loadouts by providing enhanced range and lethality without proportionally increasing carry burden relative to 5.56mm-based systems like the M249, allowing for more effective fire sustainment in extended engagements.^[1] The integrated bipod further supports stability for aimed fire when paired with the XM157's computational aids.^[1]

Deployment and operators

Initial fielding and training

The U.S. Army initiated fielding of the M250 light machine gun to operational units in 2024, marking the start of its integration into close combat forces as part of the Next Generation Squad Weapon program. The first deliveries occurred in late March 2024 to a battalion within the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, where soldiers began live-fire training and evaluation with the weapon alongside the M7 rifle. This initial rollout focused on replacing the M249 Squad Automatic Weapon in select infantry squads, with early units receiving approximately 900 M250s as of October 2025.^[30] To prepare soldiers for the M250, the Army implemented New Equipment Training (NET) programs emphasizing hands-on instruction in weapon handling, maintenance, and tactical employment. A notable example was the NET event held from September 14-18, 2025, at Camp Ripley, Minnesota, for soldiers from the 34th Infantry Division of the Minnesota National Guard, where participants conducted disassembly, zeroing, and range firing to build proficiency. These sessions addressed the weapon's differences from legacy systems, including its lighter weight and 6.8×51mm ammunition, ensuring rapid adaptation across active and reserve components.^[31] Production of the M250 progressed through low-rate initial production phases following the 2022 contract award to SIG Sauer, culminating in type classification as standard in May 2025, which cleared the path for full-rate production ramp-up. The Army aims to equip close combat units with up to 20,000 M250s over the program's lifespan, with over 900 units fielded by late 2025 and ongoing deliveries supporting broader rollout. This includes plans for a dedicated 6.8 mm ammunition production facility at Lake City Army Ammunition Plant, where construction began in February 2025 and production is expected to commence in 2027 to sustain supply.^[32]^[19]^[33]^[34]^[35] Transitioning to the M250 presented logistical challenges, particularly in retraining soldiers on 6.8mm ammunition handling and integrating it with existing 5.56mm-based M4 carbine and M249 inventories. The new caliber requires separate supply chains, increasing resupply complexity in contested environments. NET programs mitigate these issues through scenario-based drills simulating mixed-caliber logistics, ensuring units maintain operational readiness during the phased replacement.^[36] As of November 2025, fielding continues with the ammunition production facility on schedule for 2027 operations.^[35]

Current and potential users

The primary operator of the M250 light machine gun is the United States Army, which has achieved initial operational capability within infantry squads of the 101st Airborne Division starting in early 2024 and expanded fielding to National Guard units, including the 34th Infantry Division, by late 2025.^[37]^[31]^[4] The weapon is being integrated into close combat units as a direct replacement for the M249 Squad Automatic Weapon, enhancing squad firepower with its 6.8×51mm cartridge and advanced fire control integration.^[31] Among potential international users, the Israeli Defense Forces conducted evaluations of the M250 design in 2024 and subsequently acquired a customized 7.62×51mm variant, known as the Sig Sauer LMG in that caliber, for potential replacement of their Negev light machine guns.^[38]^[39] This adoption reflects interest in the M250's lightweight, belt-fed design but adapted to existing 7.62mm ammunition stocks to align with operational needs. Broader export potential for the standard M250 remains constrained by U.S. International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), which restrict the transfer of sensitive defense articles, including advanced electro-optical systems like the XM157 fire control and proprietary 6.8×51mm ammunition developed under the Next Generation Squad Weapon program.

References

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