Wow, 18k is much fewer than I had imagined.

The contract is for 3-10k rifles. That could in theory cover a good chunk of the entire infantry force.  

The BA is at its smallest size for a couple of centuries. The politicians are talking about increased spending, but their precious Magic Money Tree remains as elusive as ever.

A nice overview of what the new Ranger Regiment actually is:

https://uklandpower.com/2021/12/14/matching-brainpower-with-firepower-the-british-armys-new-ranger-regiment/

This is possibly another Ranger candidate rifle, although may be for another Brit SF unit.

https://soldiersystems.net/2022/10/29/lantacs-rifle-prototype/

Interesting is the use of Carbon Fiber and other materials to reduce thermal signature. 

KAC KS-1

Project Hunter - Candidate Arms for British Army Ranger Regiment - Reference Media - Armed Figures

gatnerd said:

The contract is for 3-10k rifles. That could in theory cover a good chunk of the entire infantry force.

Assuming, for the sake of discussion, that the rumor is correct and the AIW will replace the L85, does that mean the end of the bayonet in the British army?

The tender has no requirement for bayonet attachment, and with the full-length fore ends plus the suppressor would seem to make a bayonet impractical.

Probably; I imagine the US Army and Marines have defacto killed the bayonet as well with their plans of pure fleeting suppressors. And US Sf hasn't had a bayonet mount in a long time. 

Even sans bayonet, they can muzzle strike the enemy. With a hot suppressor I imagine thats even more effective. 

Rumor that the new AR15 rifle may also end up adopted by the UK's Royal Marines.

Twitter thread:

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Gabriele Molinelli on Twitter

Navy command is looking for ballistic testing re Article 36, 1977 Additional Protocol I of 1949 Geneva Conventions... https://t.co/mZDQS55SCJ

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Perhaps I'm misreading it, but the "calibre being not superior to 13 mm " requirement sounds more like the Navy plans to test ammo for large-caliber (.50 BMG?) sniper rifles.

AR-15 type... they want a Serbu .50?