U.S. Army Deploys M7 6.8mm Rifle to Replace M4A1 in Combat Units
DEFENSE
The U.S. Army has officially deployed the M7 6.8x51mm rifle, set to replace the M4A1. The M7, classified in May 2025, aims to enhance squad lethality with improved range and barrier defeat, working with the XM157 optic for efficient target engagement.
The rifle features a modular design, ambidextrous controls, and a suppressor as a standard configuration. Training for new equipment is ongoing, with units like the 101st Airborne Division and 25th Infantry Division actively participating in operational testing and training. The Army is also considering close-quarters variants as it institutionalizes the M7 across combat units.
Feb 14, 2026, 10:32 AM
