“The Punisher” is the title of a hugely successful comic book franchise, yet the real-life “Punisher,” the XM25 25x40 mm grenade launcher, the would-be successor to the M203 40 mm grenade launcher, M320 grenade launcher, and M79 “Blooper,” turned out to be a failure.

But why did the XM25 “Punisher” fail?

XM25 “Punisher” initial history and specifications

The XM25 Counter Defilade Target Engagement (CDTE) System (aka the Individual Semiautomatic Burst System, informally known as “the Punisher”), was initially designed in 2005 as a joint venture between Heckler & Koch and Orbital ATK (which was acquired by Northrup Grumman in 2018 and renamed Northrop Grumman Innovation Systems). It was built as a semi-automatic grenade launcher designated to fire “smart” grenades—aided by a laser range finder—that are set to explode in mid-air or near a target, peppering enemy fighters with shrapnel.

It had the following specs:

• Caliber: 25mm (0.98 in)
• Length: 749mm (29.5 in)
• Weight:
  
  • Weapon Alone: 14 lbs. (6.35 kilograms) empty
  • Weapon + Basic Load of 36 Rounds of Ammunition: 35 lbs. (15.87 kg)
• Magazine Capacity: Five rounds in a detachable box magazine (both this and the semiautomatic function were big steps up from the single-shot break-action of the “Blooper” and the single-shot pump action of the M203)
• Muzzle Velocity: 690 ft/s (210 m/s)
• Effective Firing Range:
  
  • 550 yd (500 m) for point targets
  • 765 yd (700 m) for area targets
• Maximum Firing Range: 1,100 yd (1,000 m)

In addition, to quote Steven Gilbert, project officer for the Small Arms Grenade Munition (SAGM) project, the ordnance would “provide the small-unit grenadier with a higher probability of achieving a first-shot kill” at increased ranges; on paper at least, it equated to a whopping 300 percent to 500 percent boost in hit probability.

Sounds great in theory, right?

So, what were the problems?

Compare & contrast those vital stats with the requirements for the U.S. Army’s 30mm Precision Grenadier System (PGS) prescribed in the xTechSoldier Lethality challenge (courtesy of Joseph Trevithick of The WarZone):

• An air-bursting “Counter Defilade Round” that can “precisely and quickly defeat personnel targets” behind cover.
• Overall length of 34 inches (60.96 centimeters) or less.
• Maximum weight of 14.5 pounds (6.57 kilograms)
• Minimum effective range of 1,640 feet (500 meters)

Thus far, the XM25’s numbers don’t look overly noncompliant with the PGS requirements. So then, where did “the Punisher” fall short?

For one thing, a complaint about the XM25 from the troops testing it out was that it meant one fewer rifleman was available in the infantry squad—a sharp contrast to the M203, which was specifically designed to be mounted underneath a rifle—and replaced that rifle with a weapon that’s not very useful.

Even worse, in 2013 (as part of preliminary real-world combat deployment) a soldier was injured in Afghanistan when the weapon apparently attempted to double-feed, i.e., load two grenades at once.

So, the weapon was sent back to the manufacturers to improve upon those safety issues. Ergo, three years later, the previously $41,000 weapon now presented U.S. taxpayers with a $93,000 per unit cost, which is $90,000 more than a fully customized M4A1 carbine. For the purse string-holders in the Pentagon and Congress, this was the last straw; in April 2017, the Army canceled the XM25 contract with Orbital ATK and officially terminated the entire XM25 program in July of the following year.

Life After Death?

“The Punisher” (the grenade launcher, that is) may not be completely dead yet. In response to questions taken at a 2021 virtual industry day event, an Army spokesperson said that “The Government does not own the XM25 TDP” and “PGS development will start from scratch but will incorporate lessons learned from the XM25 CDTE program wherever possible.” 

Time will tell.

About the Author: Christian D. Orr

Christian D. Orr is a Senior Defense Editor for the National Security Journal (NSJ). He is a former Air Force Security Forces officer, Federal law enforcement officer, and private military contractor (with assignments worked in Iraq, the United Arab Emirates, Kosovo, Japan, Germany, and the Pentagon). Chris holds a B.A. in International Relations from the University of Southern California (USC) and an M.A. in Intelligence Studies (concentration in Terrorism Studies) from American Military University (AMU). He has also been published in The Daily Torch, The Journal of Intelligence and Cyber Security, and Simple Flying. Last but not least, he is a Companion of the Order of the Naval Order of the United States (NOUS).

Image Credit: Creative Commons.