Sniper Rifles Modifications

The Sniper Rifles Modifications program, as outlined in Army budget line item 3181GZ1500, is a new initiative beginning in Fiscal Year 2026. This program is managed under the Army's Procurement of Weapons and Tracked Combat Vehicles appropriation, specifically targeting the modification of existing sniper rifle systems and their associated components. The overarching goal is to support Army modernization priorities by enhancing the lethality of sniper teams in contested environments, as emphasized in the National Defense Strategy (NDS).

A primary objective of the Sniper Rifles Modifications program is to conduct investigative engineering studies and procure necessary modifications or conversions for current sniper weapons and related systems. This includes the acquisition of advanced accessories such as gages, Advanced Sniper Accessory Kits (ASAK), M151 Spotting Scope Systems, Tactical Tripod Kits (TTK), sniper optics, laser range finders, and ballistic compensating systems. These enhancements are intended to address evolving operational requirements and to reduce the physical burden on sniper teams by providing lighter and more efficient equipment.

The program also covers the procurement of improved rifle scope optics, spotting scopes, and Accessory Interface Mounting kits (AIM), as well as improved sniper tripods. These upgrades aim to provide snipers with enhanced capabilities, including improved reticle patterns and specialized tool kits, which are essential for precision targeting and increased mission effectiveness. The inclusion of these items is justified by the need to maintain technological parity or superiority over peer competitors in complex and contested terrains.

In addition to optics and mounting solutions, the Sniper Rifles Modifications line item funds the acquisition of improved ancillary equipment. This includes intelligent rails, ballistic chronographs, Ballistic Weather Meters (BWM), Sniper Scope Covert Caps, Weapon Tripod Cradles, Sniper Data Boards, improved buttstocks, and enhanced suppressors. These components collectively contribute to improved ballistic performance, reduced weapon signature, and greater sniper survivability on the battlefield.

The program specifically targets upgrades for the Army's current fleet of sniper weapons, which includes the M110 Semi-Automatic Sniper System (SASS), M2010 Enhanced Sniper Rifle (ESR), M107 Semi-Automatic Long Range Sniper Rifle (LRSR), MK22 Precision Sniper Rifle (PSR), and M110A1 Squad Designated Marksman Rifle (SDMR). Continuous upgrades to these platforms and their ancillary equipment are necessary to counter emerging threats and to extend the operational reach and effectiveness of sniper teams.

Another significant objective is to enhance sniper/spotter team collaboration through improved information sharing and situational awareness. The integration of advanced fire controls and automated ballistic prediction systems is designed to facilitate faster and more precise reconnaissance, surveillance, target acquisition (RSTA), and engagement. These technological advancements are expected to improve both mission success rates and the survivability of sniper teams.

Justification for the FY 2026 base procurement is rooted in the need to support both active and reserve components of the Armed Forces. The modifications and accessories acquired under this program are deemed necessary for a range of missions, including homeland defense, domestic emergency response, and military support to civil authorities, in accordance with Section 1815 of the FY 2008 National Defense Act.