The Ministry of Defence is continuing early market engagement for a new multi-calibre sniper capability under Project SHAMER, with Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S) outlining requirements for rifles, support equipment, and long-term sustainment.
The programme, currently at its second round of preliminary market engagement (PME-2), is intended to inform procurement strategy and refine technical requirements ahead of a formal competition. DE&S has indicated that the capability will include sniper weapon systems, ancillary equipment such as suppressors and bipods, and through-life support and maintenance.
The proposed system is expected to operate using existing in-service ammunition types, including .338 Lapua Magnum and 7.62x51mm NATO, while also introducing .300 Norma Magnum as a new calibre. This suggests a flexible, multi-calibre approach aligned with broader trends in precision rifle procurement, allowing operators to tailor configurations to mission requirements.
The engagement follows an earlier preliminary notice issued in October 2025 and an industry briefing day held in December, where suppliers provided input on technical and commercial considerations. DE&S stated that feedback from those interactions has shaped the current requirement, though further detail is being sought in specific areas.
According to the notice, the latest round of engagement aims to address outstanding technical questions, improve the attractiveness of the programme to industry, and support competition across the supplier base. The authority is also using the process to better understand available solutions and manufacturing approaches within the market.
The contract is expected to run for up to seven years, with an estimated value of up to £17 million. Delivery is provisionally scheduled between March 2027 and March 2034, though timelines remain subject to change as the programme develops. Project SHAMER remains in a pre-procurement phase, with no formal tender issued at this stage.
MOD are going to explore it. That’s alright then. I thought for a moment we were going to buy some.🙃
For once not that urgent. The UK already has one, if not then best, sniper system in the world and it only entered service in the relatively recent time.
7 years and £17M quid to look at a multi calibre sniper rifle when we already use the worlds best multi calibre sniper rifle
While I think the Sig 6.8×51 is too much for an ordinary assault rifle, it would make more sense for a longer barrel sniper rifle. I see the Russians have a new Kalashnikov in 6.02×41. That will probably push NATO to slowly discard 5.56 in favour of a 6mm to 6.5mm assault rifle/LMG round.
That’s why we made the 7x43mm in the 1940s! 😂
Only took the Americans several mistakes and 80 years to catch up and they still got it wrong.
Seven years spaffing time and money away when there are no shortage of perfectly suitable options already out there ready and waiting. This is why we get sweet F A for our budget.