50-Year Destructive Power Also 'Destroyed', The Declining Era of 5.56mm Bullets... SNT Motive Develops Next-Generation Rifle That Penetrates Bulletproof Vests

Collaboration with Pungsan, 6.8mm Rifle and Ammunition 'Released'

US Army Infantry Next-Generation Squad Weapon '6.8' Adopted

Barrel and Upper Receiver, All Firearms to Pursue Modular Design

The 6.8mm new rifle developed by SNT Motive. It has the power to penetrate bulletproof vests.

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Kim Yong-woo] A formidable rifle capable of piercing even bulletproof vests has been developed.

Global small-caliber firearms manufacturer SNT Motiv announced on the 27th that it has developed a next-generation rifle that can penetrate improved bulletproof vests.

The U.S. Army selected Sig Sauer as the contractor for the next-generation standard infantry rifle, known as the New Generation Squad Weapons (NGSW) program, on the 19th, adopting a 6.8mm caliber bullet.

The advancement of the defense industry has improved the performance of protective gear such as bulletproof vests, leading to demands for rifles with greater destructive power, which drove the development of this new weapon.

The 5.56mm NATO round, used for over 50 years from the mid-1960s M16 series to the M4, is expected to be replaced alongside the 6.8mm round.

SNT Motiv, in line with the concept of enhancing rifle firepower capable of penetrating bulletproof vests, has completed the development of the next-generation 6.8mm rifle in collaboration with ammunition manufacturer Poongsan.

The two companies signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in November 2019 for the development of next-generation 6.8mm rifles and ammunition, and since February 2020, they have been conducting continuous collaborative projects to secure a leading position in the next-generation rifle market.

The next-generation 6.8mm rifle uses a 6.8mm round that is heavier than the existing 5.56mm round, improving ballistic stability and effective range. With increased destructive power, it also enhances penetration capability to pierce improved bulletproof vests.

SNT Motiv first secured technology through modeling and simulation (M&S) and testing of key components such as barrels and bolts using civilian 6.8mm rounds.

The newly designed STR-24 rifle, with some improved features, was already showcased last year at the Seoul International Aerospace and Defense Exhibition (ADEX).

SNT Motiv plans to apply modular designs to all firearms under development in line with the latest overseas firearm trends. Modular firearms allow for various parts such as barrels, handguards, and stocks to be interchangeably replaced as needed.

Departing from the traditional K-series design, SNT Motiv is applying modularity to the currently developing STSM-21 submachine gun and is conducting export consultations with several countries through domestic and international exhibitions.

A representative from SNT Motiv’s special development team stated, “We plan to showcase the completed next-generation 6.8mm rifle and modular new firearms at domestic and overseas exhibitions by applying the latest technology trends. We will continue to improve firearm performance by reflecting overseas technology trends and military requirements in the future.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.