The US Army Expeditionary Warrior Experiments (AEWE) facebook page shared some interesting photos from their annual technologies event. AEWE is described as “the Army’s premier prototype technology and concept event focused on the squad and small units.” One of the industry manufacturers attending was Daniel Defense showing off their MK18 carbine.

AEWE 2019 includes 38 industry and 12 government demonstrators including ARDEC, ARL, Nammo, Daniel Defense, GD-OTS and SIG Sauer. Personnel from Army Research Labs, US, the British and Australian armies, SFAB Soldiers and Army Futures and Concepts Center all attended the event. Daniel Defense were showing off their MK18 carbine, in the photo above three British soldiers, who from their cap badges and flashes appear to be from The Rifles. The five MK18s on display are all fitted with reflex sights using the Daniel Defense Micro Mount.

Daniel Defense MK18 carbine (Daniel Defense)

Here’s what the ‘participating technologies’ Systems Book for the event had said about the MK18:

The Daniel Defense MK18 features a 10.3” Cold Hammer Forged Barrel along with the RIS II free floated rail. The Rail Interface System (RIS) features a Bolt-Up System that has been rigorously tested prior to fielding by USSOCOM (currently over 15,000 units). The patented mounting system produces the most rigid and reliable mounting of the upper receiver to the rail. The Cold Hammer Forged (CHF) barrel has proven to be unmatched in accuracy and barrel life (even with M855A1). The manufacturing process of a CHF barrel allows for an internal progressive taper that results in higher MV than standard button or broached barrels.

Some more photos from the event:

Other techs on display at AEWE 2019 included UAVs, comm equipment, Situational Awareness enhancing kit, ammunition, RPG protection systems for armoured vehicles and training simulator equipment. Also on display was SIG Sauer’s new suppressed MCX PDW, read about that here.