FN America awarded US Army contract to further develop its MTL-30

FN America announced on 1 October 2025 that it has been awarded a prototype project opportunity notice (PPON) contract valued at USD 2 million (EUR 1.71 million) by the US Army to further develop its submission for the Precision Grenadier System (PGS).

FN America’s solution for the PGS requirement, which calls for a next-generation primary soldier weapon system and family of ammunition that enables engagements with increased lethality and precision compared to legacy grenade launchers, is the FN MTL-30 (Multi-Purpose Tactical Launcher – 30 mm). This weapon – a soldier-portable, semi-automatic, medium-velocity, flat trajectory grenade launcher that has an effective range of 500 m – has successfully met the US Department of Defense’s key performance criteria, while also delivering desired characteristics, and is also “easily manufacturable and logistically supportable due to state-of-the-art manufacturing techniques”, according to FN America.

The FN MTL-30 is chambered for 30 mm medium-velocity grenades and features a detachable box magazine with a three- or five-round capacity. At just 35 inches (889 mm) in length and 8.5 (216 mm) inches tall, the weapon weighs just over 10 lb (4.5 kg). The bolt catch, magazine release and safety selector are all ambidextrous, plus there is an M4-style telescoping buttstock with a modular cheek riser. The modular rail system has a contiguous top rail for mounting of visual augmentation systems (VAS) and other devices, plus side M-LOK slots with a MIL-STD Picatinny rail.

FN America states that the FN MTL-30 “is lighter and more streamlined than previous options”, adding that, “Real-time soldier feedback has led to a prototype that is far more user friendly, incorporating a footprint users will be familiar with due to the M4-style controls, grip and buttstock. The system features a soft shooting launcher with low-felt recoil, enabling rapid target engagement with effective payloads from an extremely controllable system. In addition, FN’s modular system is fully serviceable at the user level and has high parts commonality with existing components.”

“The FN MTL-30 shoulder-fired launcher can engage in close-quarter warfare, defeat targets in defilade, and engage unmanned aerial systems (UASs),” John Bungard, senior director for Military Development Programmes at FN America, was quoted as saying in a company press release.

“It could also be networked with FN remote weapon stations to create a multi-layered defense against UAS. Providing solutions that can counter multiple threats is critical for future battlefield engagements. We are excited that the army is interested in maturing our PGS solution. We are fully committed to this system and its development,” Bungard added.

Mark Cherpes, president and CEO for FN America, stated, “This programme is a US government priority with the shift in modern warfare and engagements, and FN is honoured to be selected to develop this new, innovative solution. Once developed and implemented, this weapon system could radically change future battlefield strategies. It will offer new capabilities at the squad level and upgraded tactical options, giving the warfighter a more effective system.”

The FN MTL-30 would be manufactured by FN America at its plant in South Carolina.