The Ministry of Defence has provided an update on Project GRAYBURN, the initiative to replace the standard-issue L85A3 rifle used by British Armed Forces, in response to a recent parliamentary question.
Rebecca Paul, Conservative MP for Reigate, asked the Defence Secretary for an update on plans for a successor to the L85A3 rifle. Maria Eagle, Minister of State for Defence, responded: “The L85 rifle (‘SA80’) will be replaced over the coming decade through Project GRAYBURN.”
Eagle confirmed that the project is in the concept phase, during which the Ministry of Defence is working to identify and define the capability requirements for the new service rifle.
This phase involves detailed analysis to ensure the replacement rifle meets the evolving operational needs of the British Armed Forces.
While Project GRAYBURN has been in development for some time, this written question underscores growing interest in the timeline and specifics of the initiative as the L85A3 continues to age.
The L85A3, the latest upgrade of the SA80 series, has served as the British military’s standard-issue rifle for over three decades. Introduced in the 1980s, the rifle has undergone several modifications to address initial reliability and performance issues, with the A3 version featuring significant improvements in weight, durability, and compatibility with modern optics.
Despite these upgrades, the need for a modern replacement capable of meeting the demands of 21st-century combat has become increasingly apparent.
Project GRAYBURN aims to deliver a rifle suited to the ‘changing dynamics of modern warfare’. Although specific details about the successor rifle remain unclear, modularity, adaptability to advanced optics and accessories, and enhanced reliability are likely to be key factors.
The timeline for the project remains uncertain, but with the concept phase underway, further updates are anticipated as the MOD refines its requirements and begins exploring design and procurement options.
No doubt we will end up buying American.
So long as it lands in a better state than the SA80 who cares?
Because not all of us want to use American stuff.
Even if it is better? How very intelligent…
Even if it is better?
no british to buy since we butchered the firearm and defence industry
Kudos for giving it its correct name. Most folk call it the SA80 regardless of the varient. The SA80 is the family of weapons which includes the L85 individual weapon.
Correct, SA80 was a suite of weapons, which consisted of the following;
L85A1
L86A1 LSW
L96A1
L94A1 Chain Gun
L10A1 51mm Mortar
If common sense can prevail with the MOD the three services procurement departments, then I feel the Standard-Issue Individual Weapon Requirement could be standardised to the Already In-Service Knights Armaments KS-1 Assault Rifle family of Weapons. If it is capable enough for Special Operations Forces Troops then it should be suitable for the rest of our Armed Forces Branches, in whatever variant configuration is selected.
too expensive for the whole military
It will have to meet the Pink and Fluffy asperiations of the modern World and those dear Liberials who dont wish to have anyone harmed. Not forgetting we only need a couple dozen anyway. Thank goodness the Royal Marines went and got some real working kit so they at least can do their job.