US Army Grenadier System Integrates Counter-Drone Ammunition After Nearly Two Decades
U.S. Army Develops New Grenadier System with Counter-Drone Capability
The U.S. Army is advancing its grenade launcher technology by integrating counter-drone capabilities into its new weapon system. This initiative marks a significant shift after nearly two decades of unsuccessful grenade launcher programs.
A solicitation released on April 6, 2026, invites defense contractors to submit prototypes for the Precision Grenadier System (PGS). This man-portable weapon is designed to replace the older M203 and M320 40mm grenade launchers, with a specific focus on neutralizing unmanned aerial systems (UAS) as a primary mission requirement.
The deadline for prototype submissions is set for May 11, 2026. This development follows a recent incident where a small FPV drone successfully struck a U.S. Army HH-60M Black Hawk helicopter in Baghdad, highlighting the growing threat posed by drones to military operations.
Details of the Precision Grenadier System
The PGS solicitation outlines the Army’s request for 16 prototype weapons, fire control systems, and approximately 25,000 rounds of ammunition categorized into four types: counter-defilade, counter-drone, close quarters battle, and training rounds. The Army plans to award two Other Transaction Agreements (OTAs) for competing prototypes, aiming for two PGS launchers per infantry squad.
The requirement for counter-drone capabilities is a new addition, reflecting the evolving battlefield dynamics where drones have become prevalent. The Army’s previous grenade launchers have a maximum effective range of 350 meters, while the new system aims for a range of 500 meters, addressing a gap that has existed for nearly two decades.
Historical Context and Previous Attempts
The Army’s previous attempt to address similar issues was the XM25 “Punisher”, which featured programmable airburst rounds intended to engage targets behind cover. However, the program was canceled in 2018 due to cost and performance concerns, leaving soldiers with the existing M320 and other heavier weaponry.
The current PGS solicitation is more focused than a previous 2020 Request for Information, which included broader requirements such as breaching rounds and armor-piercing capabilities. The current emphasis is on personnel targets, drone interception, and minimizing collateral damage, indicating a strategic shift towards practical and fieldable solutions.
Addressing the Drone Threat
The inclusion of counter-drone ammunition in the PGS reflects the urgent need to equip infantry with effective tools against low-cost commercial drones that pose significant threats on the battlefield. The Army’s pivot towards consumer-style drones and the decision to procure a large number of drones underscores the necessity for infantry units to have the means to counter these threats.
Other NATO allies are also adapting to this new reality, with countries like the Netherlands embedding drone and counter-drone units within their combat formations. The PGS represents the Army’s response to these evolving challenges at the squad level.
Conclusion and Future Outlook
The Army’s approach to the PGS reflects a more focused and realistic set of requirements, potentially avoiding the pitfalls that led to the cancellation of previous programs. The success of this initiative will depend on the effectiveness of the fire control systems and the ability to engage moving targets at extended ranges.
If the Army successfully awards both OTAs and conducts a thorough competitive evaluation, the PGS could see initial fielding by 2029. However, if the fire control requirements are not clearly defined, the program may face delays and return to the requirements phase in the coming years.