The Ministry of Defence has reiterated that Project Grayburn, the British Army’s effort to replace the SA80A3 service rifle, remains in its concept phase, with early work focused on defining capability needs and engaging with industry.
In response to written parliamentary questions tabled by Ben Obese-Jecty MP (Conservative, Huntingdon), Minister for Defence Maria Eagle confirmed that the programme is still at the exploratory stage.
“Project GRAYBURN is currently in the concept phase with the aim of identifying and understanding the capability requirements,” she stated, adding that considerations include “performance, interoperability and complexity.”
While full details remain under wraps due to commercial sensitivities, the Minister noted that further updates will be outlined in the forthcoming Defence Investment Plan. The plan, expected in the autumn, will replace the current Defence Equipment Plan and expand on capability investments set out in the 2025 Strategic Defence Review.
The British Army currently fields the L85A3, the latest variant of the long-serving SA80 family, as its standard-issue rifle. First introduced in the 1980s, the SA80 underwent several overhauls to improve reliability, ergonomics and weight distribution, culminating in the current A3 version.
Despite these improvements, the Army has acknowledged the need to move towards a more modern platform. The projected out-of-service date for the L85A3 is currently 2030, and Project Grayburn has been established to identify and deliver its replacement.
As part of early concept work, the Ministry has confirmed that “various rifle calibres are being considered”, alongside design characteristics such as adaptability to optics and modular attachments. Eagle also noted that the Army is taking “measures to mitigate any risk of potential capability vulnerabilities” during the transition period.
The MOD has already held discussions with manufacturers and industry experts to evaluate how the Land Industrial Strategy and UK production capacity might influence the future weapon’s development. While the overall cost of the programme remains unknown, it will depend on the eventual scope and complexity of the selected design.
Project Grayburn aims to produce a next-generation individual weapon tailored to the evolving demands of modern conflict, combining reliability, lethality and interoperability with allies.
Good to see the govt and MoD reacting at pace to the evolving threats to this country and our way of life.
Probably don’t want the protracted shit show that was the SA 80
I believe I pointed out that the KS-1 acquisition was very quick (especially if you start counting from when the public became aware of it), and that Grayburn was not going to bring a weapon system into service any time soon. I’d be surprised if all the L85A3s (or even A2’s, as PG rifles are going to cascade A3’s to rear echelon units) are out of service by 20300.
HK416 or SCAR seem like solid choices
my 2 cents
Czech Bren 3s are apparently well-liked in Ukraine, and a different platform to the AR which doesn’t cost the earth.
Jeez don’t overthink it, just buy a lightweight AR-15 derivative and move on to other things.
Ukraine has throughly disproven the idea that we need a longer range cartridge with better penetration.
Speaking of Ukraine, Why not ask our Ukrainian allies what their favourite is, and buy some of those?
Czech Brens have apparently been rather popular, and are a nice alternative to AR15s that aren’t all gold-plated and bespoke.
Because Ukraine is operating under different constraints than we are, and the MoD will have it’s own priorities which will not necessarily align with what any given individual in Ukraine has to say.
Not my field but if we want interoperability (and soon?) should we not just buy something that is already out there and used by our allies?
Designing bespoke solutions and finishing up with something that is UK-only kit has hardly a stellar record.