Army Testing Shorter, Lighter XM8 Carbine

Summary

The U.S. Army is adding the XM8 carbine, a shorter and lighter derivative of the M7 rifle from Sig Sauer, to its Next Generation Squad Weapon (NGSW) lineup. Weighing 7.33 lbs and featuring an 11-inch barrel, the XM8 is designed for enhanced maneuverability and will begin fielding to early testing units in October 2026.