British Army To Select New Sniper Rifle in 2027
Several weeks after the launch of the initial phases of Project Grayburn, the UK’s program to replace the SA80/L85, the UK Ministry of Defence has released a new notice for its Multi Caliber Sniper Capability - Project Shamer.
The UK MoD posted a notice for a second round of ‘Preliminary market engagement -2 (PME-2)’. An earlier notice was published in March 2025. PME’s are designed to encourage industry to engage with the development process before a procurement is tender released. For Project Shamer the UK is looking for responses and feedback on a requirement including:
- Sniper Weapon Systems
- Ancillary Equipment (e.g. suppressors, bipods, carrying systems)
- Through-Life Support and Maintenance
The most intriguing aspect of the Project Shamer PME notice is the ammunition speciications, with the notice stating: “The system will utilise in-service ammunition (.338LM, 7.62x51 NATO) and sighting solutions, as well as introducing a new to service nature .300NM.”
The British Army’s current precision rifle system is the Accuracy International L115A3 Long Range Rifle, chambered in .338 Lapua Magnum. It is a development of AI’s venerable AWM platform and has been in service since 2008, with 580 weapons initially procured.
The Project Shamer PME notice calls for the ability to adapt the rifle to chamber both .338LM and 7.62x51 as well as a round which is being introduced into British service - .300NM. Given the caliber requirements potential entrants may include AI’s AXSR MIL, the Barrett MRAD and the Sako TRG M10.
Project Shamer was originally planned to cost less than £5 million but in November 2025 it was reported that the scope and budget of the program had been expanded. The PME notice states that the project has an estimated total value of £20 million or $26.7 million.
Interested industry vendors have until 23 March to submit responses. The UK MoD notes that the PME is “just an information gathering exercise only. It is not a pre-qualification or selection process for any future procurement. Participation is highly encouraged, but companies that do not register interest or respond to RFI-1 or/and RFI-2 at this time will still be free to participate in any future formal procurement.”
The launch of the main tender for the new Multi Caliber Sniper Capability is currently expected in early June 2026. Evaluations will take place through to the end of 2026 and into 2027 with a final contract award scheduled for March 2027.
Managing Editor: TheFirearmBlog.com & Overt Defense.com. Matt is a British historian specialising in small arms development and military history. He has written several books and for a variety of publications in both the US and UK. Matt is also runs The Armourer's Bench, a video series on historically significant small arms. Here on TFB he covers product and current military small arms news. Reach Matt at: matt@thefirearmblog.com
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Sounds like the UK is updating its outdated system to meet modern demands and NATO GDP contributions. Good for the snipers.
This could be a chance for AI to shine, though Barrett probably has an advantage (having fixed some issues), and Sako can’t be dismissed.
The multi caliber Sniper system is all the rage right now. Having an adaptable Sniper rifle and an Anti Material rifle is great for urban warfare.
I've got lots of experience with the AI AW/AWM, great rifles. I own three SAKO TRGs including the M-10, I can't put into words how incredible those rifles are, and the M-10 in particular. Now why did the U.S. Army start with the .300 Norma Mag in the M-22, (Barret), over the Winchester Mag we were already using still baffles me. But not the first time the Ord. Dept. has "Done the Dumb." I'm sure someone looked at an advertisement and said, "This new ammo is microscopically better than the old stuff we've been using, so let's go change everything." Seriously, we never shot the M-22s, we can't get ammo for them!