Beretta Defence Technologies UK (BDT UK) has launched its Land Industrial Strategy for Project GRAYBURN, presenting a proposal to replace the British Armed Forces’ aging SA80 rifle.
The announcement was made on Wednesday at the DSEI 2025 exhibition in London.
According to the strategy, BDT UK aims to create a long-term strategic partnership with the Ministry of Defence, including onshoring production and restarting a domestic arms industry—something the UK has not maintained in over two decades.
The document outlines multiple options for localization, ranging from 5% to full domestic production of rifle components. As noted by the company, these options are paired with cost modeling and forecasts for economic impact based on projected MoD demand.
BDT UK’s plan draws on lessons from past international ventures, including Beretta’s M9 pistol program in the U.S. and its recent partnership with Barzan Holdings in Qatar, which formed the local joint venture Bindig.
In a statement, BDT UK said the new strategy goes beyond the GRAYBURN rifle itself, laying the foundation for broader cooperation between the UK defense sector and industry. The company envisions expanding local manufacturing capacity for a wider range of small arms—supporting future military and law enforcement needs as well as potential exports.
Jack Cadman, Military Group Manager at BDT UK, said: “Today’s announcement solidifies our commitment to providing a new individual service weapon to the British Armed Forces and highlights the true economic impact that our plans could have for the UK. For us, GRAYBURN is just the start – we are committed to creating a UK strategic partnership with the MoD to ensure we can deliver for now and for decades to come.”
The proposed GRAYBURN rifle is intended to increase lethality and soldier confidence on the battlefield. BDT UK has positioned the initiative not only as a tactical upgrade but as an industrial opportunity to revive sovereign defense capabilities within the UK.
As the British Armed Forces look to modernize their small arms inventory, the GRAYBURN project offers a potential path to revitalize local production and reduce dependency on overseas supply chains.
The Ministry of Defence has not yet announced its selection timeline for the SA80 replacement.