MARS, Inc. Wins U.S. Army xTech Soldier Lethality Competition

MARS's groundbreaking 30mm Squad Support Rifle System answers the U.S. Army's need for an innovative Precision Grenadier System

HELENA, MT / ACCESS Newswire / June 9, 2025 / The U.S. Army recently announced MARS, Inc. as the winner of its xTech Soldier Lethality competition. The MARS team's live fire demonstration in April 2025 showcased the advanced capabilities of its 30mm Squad Support Rifle System (SSRS) in support of the U.S. Army's call for a Precision Grenadier System (PGS) solution.

The SSRS is a shoulder fired, fully integrated weapon system that enables rapid acquisition, engagement, and destruction of a variety of enemy targets. This portable and modular grenade rifle system is capable of engaging targets in defilade out to a range of 500 meters using air burst grenade ammunition, targets in close range using CQB (Close Quarter Combat) rounds, and UAS (Unmanned Aerial System) targets out to 200 meters using counter UAS ammunition.

In 2023, the xTech Soldier Lethality competition was developed to work with industry to identify, facilitate, and accelerate research and development of innovative Precision Grenadier Systems that enhance lethality and survivability of Soldiers on the battlefield. The MARS team has conducted research and development on innovative squad level weapons since 2007 and saw the opportunity to use their knowledge and experience to develop a truly novel solution to the PGS challenge. "We have diligently and consistently been improving and continue to push the boundaries on what was previously thought possible," said Mike Merino, Founder and President of MARS, and a service-disabled combat Veteran. "We are capitalizing on these experiences to develop a technologically advanced and incredibly versatile weapon for U.S. Army's arsenal," said Merino.

Dave Lake, MARS's Chief Research & Development Engineer and lead designer of the weapon and ammunition said, "The SSRS project started on a blank sheet. It went from a napkin sketch to a functional and effective weapon in the span of five months." MARS, along with its teammates in the xTech effort, Barrett Firearms, AMTEC Corporation, and Precision Targeting worked together to bring the SSRS to life. Lake highlighted two interesting facts about the SSRS: The barrels used in the prototypes were scavenged from a GAU-8 Avenger cannon used in Afghanistan. Also, the energy generated by the ammunition is so much that it is not recommended to shoot from a traditional fixed-barreled firearm. The energy can be equated to the recoil from an elephant gun. "We've cracked the code and our unique system mitigates dangerous recoil, making it possible to safely fire from the shoulder," Lake said. Merino added, "When completed, the SSRS will be the most lethal shoulder fired weapon ever made."

The MARS team does not intend to rest on its laurels with the xTech win. "There's plenty of room for improvement and growth," said Merino. The MARS team is preparing for the Army's PGS Program of Record, expected to commence in early 2026. "We look forward to demonstrating what passion, agile innovation, and collaboration can achieve," said Merino.

About MARS
MARS, Inc. is a Montana-based research and development company that designs, tests, and fields innovative technology for military and law enforcement. Known for its innovative solutions, MARS created an ultra-low-recoil 7.62x51mm battle rifle using unique reciprocating barrel technology. After it was selected as the winner in the U.S. Army's xTech Soldier Lethality competition, MARS continues to advance its patented technologies, continue innovation and explore new R&D opportunities with industry partners. For more information, please visit www.marsrifle.com.

About Barrett
Barrett is the world leader in long-range, large-caliber, precision rifle design and manufacturing. Barrett products are used by civilians, sport shooters, law enforcement agencies, the United States military and more than 80 US Department of State approved countries around the world. The Barrett Quality Management System (QMS) has received the prestigious ISO 9001:2015 certification for the design and manufacture of firearms, ammunition, and accessories, and to provide training for those systems. Barrett is part of the NIOA Group. For more information, please visit www.barrett.net.

About AMTEC
AMTEC Corporation is the largest volume producer of 40mm Grenade Ammunition and Fuzing in the world. It is the current sole Prime Contractor to the US Department of Defense for the 40mm Family of Grenade Ammunition. The 40mm Family of Grenade Ammunition includes both low velocity and high velocity cartridges across tactical high explosive, training, illumination, and non-lethal configurations. AMTEC Corporation also produces various precision fuzes, firing devices, impact switches, and initiators for the US Department of Defense, other prime contractors, and international allies. For more information, please visit www.nationaldefensecorp.com/amtec-corp.

About Precision Targeting
Precision Targeting, LLC is a US Small Business founded in 2011 that produces innovative fire control system technologies. For more information, please visit www.precisiontargetingllc.com.

SOURCE: MARS, Inc.

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