UK seeks lighter-weight support weapon for operations

The weapons mix of UK forces is to be reinforced with an additional lightweight machine gun (LMG) following operational calls for a lighter, more powerful support weapon.

The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) has asked industry for expressions of interest (EoI) for the supply of 190 LMGs and ancillaries, in a deal worth between GBP10 million and GBP20 million (USD16 million and USD32 million).

In addition to the SA80A2 assault rifle, the British Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force currently have access to the 5.56 mm L86A2 light support weapon, 5.56 mm L110A1 Minimi LMG or squad automatic weapon (SAW) and 7.62 mm L7A2 general purpose machine gun (GPMG).

However, a lighter and more mobile weapon system with increased hitting power than a 5.56 mm LMG has been called for by troops operating on the ground in Afghanistan. The heavier GPMG and its ammunition can be cumbersome for long foot patrols in hot climates and 5.56 mm calibre weapons have come in for criticism for lacking sufficient stopping power.