UK initiates replacement of SA80 assault rifle in British army.

In January 2024, the British Army announced the beginning of the reduction in production of its existing assault rifle, the SA80, also known as the L85A3, in anticipation of the introduction of its replacement system under Project Grayburn. This change marks an evolution of British military equipment, with the SA80 having been in service since 1985.
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British Ranger Regiment soldier with KS-1 (L403A1) (Picture source: UK MoD)

First introduced into service for the British Army in 1985 and manufactured by the German firearms supplier Heckler & Koch, the SA80 is a 5.56-millimeter, gas-operated rifle that has undergone three iterations of development. The A1 model was succeeded by the A2 in 2002, and the latest A3 configuration was introduced in 2018. The A2 variant featured a heavier and longer barrel to achieve greater muzzle velocity compared to the original A1 model. Subsequently, the A3 version minimized its visual and infrared signatures, increased scratch resistance, and introduced a new handguard that supports the upper receiver while enhancing the precision and accuracy of the weapon system.

Although the SA80 has been utilized by UK forces in recent conflicts such as those in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as in more distant engagements like the First Gulf War and the unrest in Bosnia during United Nations peacekeeping operations, it experienced significant jamming and operational failures in adverse environmental conditions before the introduction of the more recent variants.

Additional information on the British Army's efforts to replace and introduce new light weapons was revealed at the International Dismounted Soldier 2023 conference in London. Project Hunter, now completed, evaluated five rifles, selecting the KS-1 from Knight's Armament, which was adopted in September 2023 as the L403A1. This project aimed to provide an Alternative Individual Weapon for the British Army's Ranger Regiment and the Royal Marines. The lessons learned will influence Project Grayburn, which aims to define the key characteristics of the next-generation Individual Weapon to replace the SA80 rifle family.

During the International Dismounted Soldier 2023 conference in London, additional information about the British Army's efforts to replace and introduce new light weapons was revealed. The Project Grayburn, aimed at defining the key characteristics of the next-generation Individual Weapon to replace the SA80 rifle family, draws upon the lessons learned from the Project Hunter. The completed Project Hunter evaluated five rifles, selecting Knight's Armament's KS-1, which was adopted in September 2023 as the L403A1. This project aimed to provide an Alternative Individual Weapon for the British Army's Ranger Regiment and the Royal Marines. The insights gained from the rifle evaluation conducted under Project Hunter will inform the development of Project Grayburn, underscoring the importance of continuous learning and advancement in equipping British soldiers.

The new Individual Weapon system will consist of a rifle utilizing a common lower receiver group and a variable upper receiver group depending on the role. Variable target acquisition and surveillance systems will also be acquired and distributed based on the role. All rifle variants will use a common ammunition, designed around the 5.56×45 mm cartridge. The new rifle will likely adopt a conventional configuration rather than a bullpup design, similar to the SA80. However, we have not been able to obtain information on assault rifles for this project.