The British Government has said its armed forces will soon be equiped with more lethal on the battlefield, as a new £90 million contract delivers modern, high precision rifles.
This was disclosed by the Defence Ministry on Wednesday adding that up to 10,000 weapons could be procured over the next 10 years.
It stated further that the Alternative Individual Weapon (AIW) system – known as the L403A1 and procured by Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S) under Project HUNTER, is made up of a new assault rifle fitted with a muzzle signature reduction system and an improved optical sighting system.
It said the AIW is a modern rifle using the latest in design technology and manufacturing methods, to produce an exceptionally reliable and accurate weapon.
The magnified optic means the user is able to engage threats from greater distances; whilst the signature reduction system works to mask the AIW from detection from sight and hearing.
Supplementing the current in-service L85A3, the AIW system has been secured under a £90 million contract with Macclesfield-based company Edgar Brothers, supporting the Prime Minister’s priority to grow economy by helping sustain approximately 50 jobs at the family-owned company.
Reacting to this development, the Defence Procurement Minister, James Cartilage said, This is another example of how we are committed to investing in the most advanced battlefield equipment to back our troops on the battlefield.
“This advanced rifle’s ability to help soldiers maintain the stealth edge not only protects them but delivers war-fighting advantage over our adversaries”, the Minister of Defence Procurement added.
An initial £15 million order of 1,620 AIW systems has been placed, with options to procure up to 10,000 systems – totalling £90 million – under the contract over the next decade.
The systems will initially be fielded to the Army Special Operations Brigade (ASOB) who operate in complex, high threat environments. As a key component of the ASOB, the Ranger Regiment will receive the AIW later this year.
Made up of four battalions, the Rangers deployed to over 60 countries in their first 12 months of operation, following their formation as part Future Soldier under the Defence Command Paper 2021.