British troops are to receive new modern precision rifles as part of a €103.8 million contract. The Alternative Individual Weapon (AIW) system – known as the L403A1 and procured by the British procurement authority as part of the “Hunter” project – consists of a new assault rifle equipped with a muzzle signature reduction system and an improved optical sighting system.
The magnified optics allow the shooter to engage threats from a greater distance, while the muzzle flash suppression system protects the AIW from detection by sight and hearing. The AIW system complements the L85A3 currently in service. The contract was awarded by the Soldiers, Training and Special Projects team to Edgar Brothers, based in Macclesfield, England. An initial order was placed for 1,620 AIW systems worth €17.3 million, with the option to procure up to 10,000 systems over the next decade for a total value of €103.8 million. The systems will initially be deployed for the Army Special Operations Brigade (ASOB), which operates in complex, high-threat environments. https://militaeraktuell.at/saab-stellt-erstes-saab-340-aew-fuer-polen-vor/ The L403A1 is a powerful, modern evolution of the ArmaLite rifle (AR). As an AR system, it shares many similarities with the rifle systems used by some British allies. This allows for an efficient exchange of capabilities during joint operations or exercises with these allies. The Ranger Regiment, which is a key component of the ASOB, will receive the AIW later this year. Commenting on the new weapons, Lt Col Gareth Davies, SO1 SoldierWorks, Military Capability Delivery, Army HQ, said: “The system offers significantly increased effectiveness and has one of the most powerful daytime sights currently available. Importantly, the weapon system is further enhanced by our latest generation of night vision devices, which the ASOB are already equipped with.”
