In a significant development, British troops are set to receive a substantial boost in their battlefield capabilities with the procurement of modern, high-precision rifles under a £90 million contract.

Known as the Alternative Individual Weapon (AIW) system, these advanced rifles, designated as the L403A1, are being procured by Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S) as part of Project HUNTER. The AIW comprises a state-of-the-art assault rifle equipped with a muzzle signature reduction system and an upgraded optical sighting system.

The L403A1 AIW represents a leap forward in firearm design, incorporating cutting-edge technology and manufacturing techniques to create a weapon known for its exceptional reliability and accuracy. The inclusion of a magnified optic enables users to engage threats effectively from greater distances, while the signature reduction system conceals the AIW, making it less detectable both visually and acoustically.

These rifles will complement the currently used L85A3 and have been secured through a £90 million contract with Edgar Brothers, a company based in Macclesfield. This move aligns with the Prime Minister’s commitment to boost the economy and safeguard around 50 jobs at this family-owned business.

Minister for Defence Procurement, James Cartlidge, emphasized the government’s dedication to investing in state-of-the-art battlefield equipment that supports troops on the frontlines. The advanced rifle’s ability to enhance stealth not only enhances soldiers’ protection but also provides a significant advantage over adversaries.

The initial phase involves an order worth £15 million for 1,620 AIW systems. The contract offers options to procure up to 10,000 systems, totaling £90 million, over the next decade. These systems will initially be deployed to the Army Special Operations Brigade (ASOB), which operates in complex and high-threat environments.

Colonel Paul Cummings, DE&S Dismounted Close Combat Portfolio Leader, praised the collaboration between the user community and industry in Project Hunter. He emphasized the commitment of those involved in delivering game-changing capabilities swiftly and expressed pride in their achievements.

The L403A1 represents a high-performance modern evolution of the ArmaLite Rifle (AR), pushing the boundaries of modern firearm performance. As an AR system, it shares commonalities with rifle systems used by many of the UK’s allies. Given the specialist role of the ASOB and its task of working alongside UK allies, this platform will enable efficient skill and drill sharing.

Lt Col Gareth Davies, SO1 SoldierWorks, Military Capability Delivery at Army Headquarters, noted that Project HUNTER successfully delivers a new weapon option for UK Defence. It brings a substantial increase in lethality and incorporates one of the most capable day sights available. Furthermore, the weapon system will benefit from the latest generation of night optics.

The AIW system will be particularly instrumental for the Ranger Regiment, a key component of the ASOB, which will receive these advanced rifles later this year. Comprising four battalions, the Rangers have already deployed to over 60 countries within their first 12 months of operation, following their formation as part of Future Soldier under the Defence Command Paper 2021. This development signifies a significant enhancement of the UK’s military capabilities.

As the nation invests in cutting-edge equipment, the safety and effectiveness of British troops on the battlefield continue to be a top priority for the Ministry of Defence