The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) has announced a significant initiative aimed at modernizing the British Army’s individual small-arms capability. An industry notice has been released to potential suppliers for a successor to the aging SA80 family of rifles. This notice marks an early step in Project Grayburn, which focuses on enhancing the functionality and effectiveness of the army’s dismounted close-combat capabilities.
The envisioned contract period for this project runs from April 2028 to March 2045. The MoD emphasizes that the selected weapon system will be produced within the UK, supporting sovereign supply chains and promoting local employment opportunities. Furthermore, this initiative aims to bolster export potential for the British defense industry.
Central to Project Grayburn is the establishment of a long-term strategic partnership with the chosen supplier. This partnership will encompass not only the delivery of the new weapon systems but also ongoing capability development, with a focus on integrating a wider range of close-combat weapons over time.
The current in-service rifles that are set for replacement include the L22 Carbine, L98 Cadet Rifle, L85A2 General Service Rifle, along with the latest L85A3 Dismounted Close Combat rifle, which has undergone a mid-life upgrade.
While specifications regarding the weapon layout and cartridge type have not yet been disclosed, the new system must possess the ability to defeat both current and emerging body armor threats. The existing SA80 platform, which operates with a 5.56×45mm caliber, is increasingly seen as inadequate due to limitations in range and effectiveness against modern armor.
Among potential candidates for the new rifle’s caliber are the 6.8×51mm Common Cartridge from the US Next Generation Squad Weapon program—currently in use with the M7 rifle—and the 6.5mm Creedmoor, which is already utilized by the Royal Marines on their L129A2 designated marksman rifle.
Additional requirements for the new weapon include the capability for rapid and intuitive integration of enhanced capability features, such as day optics and inline night-vision devices. Certain variants are expected to incorporate signature-reduction technologies, such as suppressors. Reliability across varying climatic and environmental conditions is also a priority, ensuring high performance in diverse operational circumstances.
The SA80 rifle, initially introduced as the L85A1 in 1985 to replace the L1A1 Self-Loading Rifle, is projected to be retired around 2030. Its bullpup configuration combines a full-length barrel with a compact design, making it well-suited for mechanized and urban warfare. Over its service life, the rifle has undergone several enhancements, with the most notable upgrades including the L85A2 refurbishment in the early 2000s and the current L85A3 standard.
Under Project Grayburn, the MoD intends to procure between 150,000 and 180,000 new rifles for the British Army. The program is currently in its concept phase, with an assessment anticipated in 2026 and a contract award expected towards the end of that year or early 2027. This timeline aims to ensure the new rifles can be fielded in time for the SA80’s scheduled retirement.
Several manufacturers have already indicated their interest in participating in this initiative. Beretta Defence Technologies is proposing its New Assault Rifle Platform and the Sako M23, both of which are operational in Finland and Sweden. Meanwhile, Heckler & Koch has put forward the HK416 and HK433, while SIG Sauer is advocating for its MCX family variants, adaptable for various calibers, including the 6.8×51mm, which supports the US Army’s M7 rifle.
