Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of adopting a 6.8 x 51mm calibre rifle for frontline combat roles.

A review of performance requirements and technical solutions is ongoing as part of the concept phase for Project GRAYBURN. On current plans, Project GRAYBURN is due to enter its assessment phase in 2026.

The project aims to replace the SA80 family of rifles through the 2030s. The ongoing analysis includes efforts to understand the benefits and compromises of changing calibre. While no decision has yet been made, intermediate calibres including the 6.8 x 51mm are part of this work.