701577419.1-4 - Army Special Operations Brigade Rifle - CAN - CF

An initial circa £15 million order of 1,620 AIW systems has been placed, with options to procure up to 10,000 systems - totalling circa £90 million - under the contract over the next decade. The systems will initially be fielded to the Army Special Operations Brigade (ASOB) who operate in complex, high threat environments. The Alternative Individual Weapon (AIW) system - known as the L403A1 and procured by Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S) under Project HUNTER - is made up of a new assault rifle fitted with a muzzle signature reduction system and an improved optical sighting system. The AIW is a modern rifle using the latest in design technology and manufacturing methods, to produce an exceptionally reliable and accurate weapon. The magnified optic means the user is able to engage threats from greater distances; whilst the signature reduction system works to mask the AIW from detection from sight and hearing.