UK looking to replace SA80 rifles

The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) is looking to replace its SA80 family of weapons under Project Grayburn and is calling on industry to help inform the requirement. 

First adopted in 1985, the SA80 rifle has had three variants, with the second introduced in 2000, and the third in 2018. Throughout this time, it has been operated by the British Army, Royal Air Force Regiment, and Royal Marines. 

According to an early market engagement notice published on 23 October, the MoD is seeking to understand the market’s capabilities and potential “delivery approaches” to help shape the requirements for Project Grayburn.  

However, the MoD stresses that the scope and approach to any future procurement remain subject to further development and approval. 

Project Grayburn, should the procurement programme proceed, is estimated to have a contract value of GBP2 billion and cover a 15-year period from 2029 to 2045. 

Notably, SMEs are considered particularly suitable for this opportunity.  

Market engagement details 

To help shape the requirement, the MoD is planning to hold a “hybrid event” featuring presentations from the MoD, as well as “optional one-to-one sessions”, the department says. 

Individual sessions will be limited to 15-minute slots, on a first-come first-served basis. 

To attend, companies are required to submit details via email before 6 November. Following this, the MoD will distribute invitations to confirmed attendees. 

The MoD says it expects to publish the full Project Grayburn tender in July 2027.