New Delhi: SSS Defence, a Bengaluru-based Indian small arms manufacturer, has officially announced its bid to participate in the UK Ministry of Defence’s Project Grayburn, a programme to replace the British Army’s SA80 rifles.
This is the first time an Indian small arms manufacturer is bidding for a foreign contract of such large scale.
In an announcement on X Saturday, SSS Defence, which has already exported its sniper rifles abroad, besides ammunition of various kinds to multiple countries, said “we have taken a firm decision to pursue participation in the UK MoD’s Project Grayburn” and that the opportunity had “occupied our mindspace” for some time.
We have taken a firm decision to pursue participation in the UK MoD’s Project Grayburn.
For some time, this opportunity occupied our mindspace. No longer.
Why make it official?
Because we have successfully delivered to our Indian customers — and actions speak louder than… https://t.co/0uEgf9VZgy pic.twitter.com/a54aMHeeZq
— SSS Defence (@sssdefence) February 21, 2026
Stating the reason to participate in the contract publicly, the company said: “We have successfully delivered to our Indian customers; actions speak louder than words because we stand fully confident in the progressive design, manufacturing quality, and battlefield reliability of our weapon systems. Because commitment transforms ‘we might’ into ‘we will.’ From India to the world.”
The company’s public commitment comes at an early stage of the UK programme, signalling strong confidence ahead of the formal bidding process. The move positions the Indian firm as a bold outsider in a high-stakes NATO competition.
The UK Ministry of Defence has issued a “concept stage” notice for Project Grayburn, which will initiate the process to replace the British Army’s SA80 family of bullpup rifles. These rifles have been used since the 1980s in conflicts in Northern Ireland, Iraq and Afghanistan.
The SA80, now in its L85A3 version, has undergone upgrades to fix early reliability issues and meet modern needs. However, evolving demands, such as modularity, ergonomics, suppressor use, new ammo standards, NATO interoperability, hybrid warfare, urban ops and near-peer threats, have pushed for a next-gen rifle.
The early concept phase by the UK ministry shapes requirements, tests technologies and scouts for industry options. It sets the path for redefining British infantry weapons.
According to the ministry notice issued last month, the new rifles will be manufactured in the UK to enhance sovereign supply chains, generate employment, and provide a platform for exports.
Project Grayburn will deliver five distinct variants to replace the SA80: Dismounted Close Combat (replacing SA80A3), Dismounted Close Combat (short) (replacing SA80A3), Personal Defence Weapon (replacing L22 Carbine), Generalist (replacing SA80A2) and Cadet rifle (replacing L98 Cadet GP rifle).
The contracted period is estimated to be 17 years (1 April, 2028, to 31 March, 2045). The contract is likely to see at least 2 lakh rifles ordered.
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What is SSS Defence?
SSS Defence, based in Bengaluru, is a private Indian company rising in the small arms sector amid India’s self-reliance drive in defence.
It specialises in modular rifles compatible with multiple calibres, plus high-end optics and accessories, with proven deliveries to Indian customers that back its claims of design innovation, manufacturing quality and battlefield reliability.
In the past, the Bengaluru-based company has delivered the first indigenous upgrade kits for AK-47 rifles to the Indian Army, designed to improve grip, accuracy and handling.
Also, the company has won multiple contracts to supply its indigenously developed P-72 (7.62×39mm cartridge) assault rifles to state police Special Task Forces (STFs).
The firm’s public bid for Project Grayburn highlights its global ambitions, even as the UK programme eyes domestic production.
(Edited by Nida Fatima Siddiqui)
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