SOCOM is soliciting an improved carbine (HICAR) designed to run standard 5.56 NATO while being durable and safe with future hypervelocity 5.56x45mm ammunition, leveraging newer high-performance steel-case technologies. The interview also notes ongoing/starting procurement of the Mid-Range Gas Gun variants (including 6.5 Creedmoor) to extend accurate engagement ranges for SOF, indicating near-term fielding of new small-arms capability.
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infantry-techside: natofirst seen 2026-05-01
SOCOM pursues HICAR carbine for future hypervelocity 5.56 ammo
SOURCES
- The War Zone · https://www.twz.com/land/inside-socoms-search-for-new-machine-guns-rifles-and-ammoInside SOCOM’s Search For New Machine Guns, Rifles And Ammo