It is official now, the US Air Force is now fielding the New Squad Designated Marksman Rifle (SDMR) following the US Army and the US Marines. The SDMR which is based on the M110A1 Compact Semi-Automatic Sniper System (CSASS) uses a low-power variable optic.

Four days ago, the US Air Force put out a news update that the Small Arms Program Office of the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center is now in the final phase of delivering the SDRM. According to the update, a total of 1,464 SDMRs have been purchased.

Small Arms Program Office Lead Matthew Hamer said, “We’re excited to field this incredible weapon system. Being able to field one solution that can effectively achieve multiple missions epitomizes Air Force acquisition strategies and shows Airmen ability to adapt to any situation.”

The Squad Designated Marksmanship Rifle is tested on a range at Robins Air Force Base, Ga., April 13, 2022.  (U.S. Air Force photo by Shaun Ferguson)

The SDMR is similar to the Heckler & Koch G28 configuration, which is based on the HK417. It fires the 7.62×51mm NATO round and it is a gas-operated, rotating bolt, semi-auto rifle. It was initially designed for the U.S. Army with the requirement of being able to accurately engage targets at 300-600 meters and replace the M110 Semi-Automatic Sniper System made by the Knights Armament and is based on the SR-25 rifle. The US Army awarded the CSASS contract to Heckler & Koch in 2016 and started receiving the rifle in 2020. The US Marine Corps started receiving theirs in 2018.

Michael Hart, Small Arms engineer lead, checks the external and internal temperatures including the suppressor after each series of rounds to test the reliability of the Squad Designated Marksmanship Rifle at Robins Air Force Base, Ga., April 13, 2022. U.S. Air Force photo by Shaun Ferguson)

Compared to the M110, the news SDMR is lightweight, allowing Airmen to save 5 pounds in gear which can be devoted to carrying other essential gear.

For the pararescuemen and Guardian Angels the weigh savings is important. For the base defense operations, it will replace the M24 sniper rifle. For explosive ordnance disposal technicians, the SDMR will be used to to eliminate small munitions in their standoff munition disruption activities.

For airsofters, the Heckler & Koch G28 rifle as a licensed airsoft gun to Umarex and is manufactured by Vega Force Company (VFC).

Top photo: The Squad Designated Marksmanship Rifle is prepared for testing on a range at Robins Air Force Base, Ga., April 13, 2022. (U.S. Air Force photo by Shaun Ferguson)