A UK L85A3 (SA80 family) rifle with M-LOK handguard. The SA80 is projected to be replaced by 2035. (Janes/Amael Kotlarski)
Overview of Project Grayburn
By early 2026, the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) anticipates releasing preliminary tender specifications as part of Project Grayburn. This initiative involves the procurement of 170,000 modern weapon systems aimed at replacing the current SA80 family of service rifles used by the UK armed forces.
While the original out-of-service date for the SA80 was scheduled for 2030, this timeline has been extended to 2035, reflecting the urgent need for modernization. Insights were gathered from various manufacturers contemplating submissions for Project Grayburn.
Beretta Defense Technologies’ Proposal
In alignment with its UK land industrial strategy, Beretta Defense Technologies (BDT) has detailed its offering. According to Jack Cadman, who oversees the Military and Law Enforcement Group at BDT UK, the proposal promises to generate up to 70 new high-skilled manufacturing positions within the UK.
Weapon System Specifications
The proposed bid features:
- **Beretta New Assault Rifle Platform (NARP)**
- **Sako Arctic Rifle Generation (ARG)**
These weapons are designed for dismounted close combat (DCC) and combat support (CS) troop roles. Notably, the BDT proposal allows for adaptability in caliber, addressing the evolving requirements of the MoD, including mid-service caliber modifications.
Integration of Supporting Components
In addition to the assault rifles, the proposal may encompass:
- Ammunition supplied by BDT’s group company, Norma Group
- Sighting systems from Steiner Optics, another BDT subsidiary
- Custom suppressors designed by BDT
All components included will depend on specific tender requirements established by the MoD.
Investment in Local Manufacturing
As part of the proposal, BDT has presented a conceptual master plan aimed at upgrading its existing facility in Lincolnshire into a dedicated small-arms production center. This strategy encompasses various production scenarios, featuring projections for domestic manufacturing capacities at 5%, 20%, 80%, and 100% of the weapon systems produced within the UK.
This ambitious initiative underscores BDT’s commitment to bolstering the UK’s defense manufacturing landscape while promising the delivery of state-of-the-art weaponry to meet current and future operational demands.
