UK Expands Project Grayburn Rifle Replacement Plan With Industry Notice, Focus on Modern Capability and Domestic Production

The UK Ministry of Defence has issued a new industry notice expanding work on Project Grayburn rifle replacement, outlining key characteristics and industry engagement as Britain prepares to replace the SA80 service rifle.

The Ministry of Defence has provided updated guidance to industry on Project Grayburn, the long-running programme to find a replacement for the British Army’s SA80A3 rifle. The move follows earlier public acknowledgements that the initiative remains in a concept phase focused on defining capability requirements and shaping future procurement.

The procurement pipeline notice from Defence Equipment and Support reinforces that no final investment decisions have been made, but it expands the scope of work being considered under Grayburn. The document highlights an emphasis on UK manufacture to strengthen sovereign supply chains, support skilled employment, and offer a platform with export potential.

Officials noted that Project Grayburn will explore a family of weapons built around a common lower receiver with multiple variants. Planned configurations include a standard dismounted close combat rifle to succeed the SA80A3, a shorter close combat variant, a personal defence weapon to replace the L22 carbine, a generalist rifle to replace the SA80A2, and a cadet rifle for training units.

The MoD also identified performance priorities likely to shape requirements. These include the ability to defeat contemporary and emerging body armour, integration with day optics and in-line night vision systems, signature reduction features on select variants, and a high degree of reliability across diverse climates and environments.

Indicative contract dates in the notice run from 2028 to 2045, but the MoD stressed these are not commitments to enter production at those points. A further information notice is expected as the concept phase progresses toward formal industry engagement.

Project Grayburn reflects broader efforts by the UK to modernize infantry small arms after decades of service by the SA80 family. Previous ministerial statements indicated the replacement programme aims to advance beyond early concept work, with details expected to be fleshed out in the Defence Investment Plan later this year.