The Ministry of Defence (MOD) has released updated figures on the number of SA80 A2, SA80 A3, and L403A1 rifles currently held by the British military, in response to written questions from Ben Obese-Jecty (Conservative – Huntingdon).
According to Maria Eagle, Minister of State for Defence, as of 25 February 2025, the MOD holds:
- 125,276 SA80 A2 rifles (L85A2)
- 40,144 SA80 A3 rifles (L85A3)
Additionally, she confirmed that an order of 1,620 L403A1 rifles had been made by Defence Equipment and Support, with all units received by 10 March 2025.
SA80 A2 Rifle (L85A2)
The L85A2 has been the British Armed Forces’ standard-issue service rifle since the early 2000s, following significant modifications to the original L85A1 design. The upgraded variant introduced improvements to reliability, durability, and operational effectiveness after reports of malfunctions in earlier versions.
The L85A2 is chambered in 5.56×45mm NATO, features a gas-operated rotating bolt system, and has a 30-round magazine. Its effective range is up to 600 metres, and it is designed for both semi-automatic and automatic fire, with a rate of fire of 610–775 rounds per minute.
While the A2 model remains in widespread service, the MOD has been introducing the L85A3 variant to frontline units in recent years.
SA80 A3 Rifle (L85A3)
The L85A3, first introduced in 2018, is an upgraded version of the SA80 platform featuring a lighter design, improved ergonomics, and increased modularity. It incorporates:
- A monolithic upper receiver for reduced weight and improved balance
- An extended M-LOK handguard, allowing more attachment options
- An upgraded bolt carrier group for enhanced reliability
- A Flat Dark Earth (FDE) finish, designed to reduce heat absorption and improve camouflage
The L85A3 retains the same 5.56×45mm NATO chambering as its predecessor and continues to use STANAG 30-round magazines. It weighs approximately 4.13 kg with optics and magazine, making it lighter than the A2 while maintaining similar dimensions.
The MOD has 40,144 A3 rifles currently in service, as part of an ongoing transition to replace older A2 models across the armed forces.
L403A1 Rifle (Knight’s Armament KS-1, Alternative Individual Weapon – AIW)
The L403A1, manufactured by Knight’s Armament, is the latest rifle procured by the British military under the Alternative Individual Weapon (AIW) programme.
According to the MOD, 1,620 units have been ordered and received by 10 March 2025.
The L403A1 is intended for specialist units, including UK special forces and high-readiness frontline units, and replaces the L119A2 (C8 CQB) in certain roles. Unlike the SA80 series, which has been standard-issue for regular forces, the L403A1 offers increased modularity, adaptability, and advanced ergonomics.
Key Features:
- Fully ambidextrous controls
- Free-floating M-LOK handguard for improved accessory compatibility
- Knight’s Armament suppressor to reduce noise and flash signature
- Adjustable stock for user customisation
The rifle weighs 3.6 kg (without optics) and is chambered in 5.56×45mm NATO. It features a 14.5-inch barrel, with an effective range of up to 500 metres.
The MOD has not indicated any further plans for widespread adoption of the L403A1 beyond its current specialist role.
Summary of MOD Rifle Holdings (as of March 2025)
| Rifle Model | Total Held |
|---|---|
| L85A2 (SA80 A2) | 125,276 |
| L85A3 (SA80 A3) | 40,144 |
| L403A1 (AIW / KS-1) | 1,620 (fully delivered) |
The figures indicate a continued transition from the SA80 A2 to the A3 variant, which has been underway since 2018. The L403A1’s adoption in specialist roles marks an expansion in the British Army’s small arms portfolio, though its broader introduction remains limited.
I still think NATO needs to slowly ditch the 5,56 & move to one of the 6mm, 6.25mm ,6.5mm or 6.8mm rounds. Not fussed which, as all are better than 5.56.
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NATO is past faster then people think call me crazy well don’t care because I had many times said the truth before and look at the stage of the world I been right long time before year 2000
Shows you the reach of this site when Nostradamus starts posting.
lol
Funny.
So is that number enough to equip everyone in uniform?
Probably regulars, yes, but not reserves as well.
Steve, it is unfathomable to me that we don’t have enough Small Arms to equip every Reservist. Seemingly other kit does not exist for Reservists, such as vehicles, radios etc.
Regulars are about 130k and reserves about 30k. So these figures imply we would have enough. Plus there are thoussands of other small arms not listed.
Yeah doesn’t include the sharpshooter for starters. Plus not all troops would be using a full sized carbine
Surely the MOD needs a total number of rifles between 200k-300k incase of a need to increase personnel numbers????
So you would think Elliot…
Sadly, there is no reserve of military equipment and nowhere to put extra personnel, all sold off.
The crazy part was that the sell offs continued after 2014 when it should have been clear things were going downhill.
To be totally fair the 1980’s kit, the last time we had plenty, would be pretty useless by now as the slated pipelines would be impossible with discrete components NLA. That is the trouble with fast paced electronics.
To be fair a rifle is a rifle..and as long as you take it apart, oil and store it properly it’s pretty bomb proof.
If there were suddenly an extra 100k members of the armed forces I think there would be bigger issues than finding rifles for them. Besides, it would be a big expenses for a ‘what-if’ scenario considering rifles are one of the cheapest and most proliferated things that the MOD would need to finance in that situation.
The only thing that comes to mind is why there or not more available the rifle is the life blood of all British military its the 1st thing we learn but you will expect the lads and ladies to go to war for you with sub standard equipment yet again when the time comes and it will come
I thought the KS1 holding would be greater, with the RM and Ranger Regiment using it?
I believe over 350,000 SA 80 were manufactured with @ 200,000 upgraded. I assume we have numbers in storage in addition to the in service totals disclosed.
Storing rifles in reserve is much easier than more complex kit and costs very little.
Time it was gone.
Time somebody telephoned Colt Canada to place an order for C7Ax.
I am surprised that the roll out of L85A3 is still ongoing after 7 years.
In reality, we are never going to have a mass, infantry based force or reserve force..a nation like Finland needs a lot of rifles as they have a huge reservist force of light role infantry and in wartime would be putting 200,000 rifles in the hands of reservists.
Beyond giving a flying fuck, the country isn’t worth fighting for, be like winning the special Olympics. 🤪
Dear God we haven’t even got enough rifles? I think we’re well passed the point of shock at how appallingly hollowed out our armed forces have become.
We’re only now seeing the physical damage. My worries are the cultural damage. We have turned our military institutions into vapid civil servants who’s raison d’etre has changed from a realist based defence of the realm to utopian financial control who’s only remit is not to anger the gods of the treasury.
I honestly think we need a public enquiry to nail blame on the politicians who did this. There needs to repercussions for those who have let this country down so badly. We’re going to need to burn some reputations down to the ground in order to act as a morality tale for future idiot politicians.
Not enough rifkes and no factory to build them. I suppose with cnc production one could suggest a dedicated factory was undcessary, but I think we would find that badly mistaken. Successive governmdnts, latterly Tory, have stripped the nstion bare.