USA Set to Adopt XM8 Rifle, Lighter Version of M7, to Replace M4

The US Army is preparing to introduce the new compact XM8 rifle, which is a lighter version of the M7. The first units are expected to receive the weapon as early as October 2026 as part of a program to re-equip infantry and assault teams.

A US Army spokesperson announced plans to deploy the new system, according to Task & Purpose.

The XM8 was developed as a carbine version of the next-generation rifle for better maneuverability in confined spaces or when operating from vehicles. It uses the same 6.8×51 mm cartridge as the base M7 variant and has identical internal components.

The XM8’s design resulted from improvements made to the system based on soldier feedback following initial testing. The main change was replacing the folding stock with a fixed one, as the military prioritized durability and reliability over compactness during transport.

Compared to the base model, the carbine’s overall length decreased from 94 to 81.3 centimeters, and the barrel length was reduced from 33 to 28 centimeters. The weapon’s weight without a suppressor is now approximately 3.3 kg, which is nearly half a kilogram lighter than the standard M7 rifle.

The new model also features a softer buttstock and a sturdier fore-end for secure mounting of optics and additional equipment. The manufacturer notes that these optimizations have improved the system’s balance and overall ergonomics during intensive use.

The program aims to replace outdated M4 rifles and M249 machine guns in combat units, including scouts, medics, and engineers. In total, the US Army plans to spend over $7 billion over the next 10 years to fully re-equip priority units.