Meggitt receives two UK MoD contracts

The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) has selected Meggitt Training Systems to fulfil two small arms training contracts worth a combined $20 million, the company announced on 10 November.

The company will manufacture and deliver 866 BlueFire convertible wireless versions of the UK’s SA80 main infantry service rifle and its associated support equipment, and 70 Sharpshooter rifles and associated system upgrades for the UK’s existing small-arms trainer, known as the Dismounted Close Combat Trainer (DCCT). DCCT has been in use with the UK MoD since 2003.

The new convertible weapons will retain the same form and feel of fully functional rifles, replacing tether-only models supplied by Meggitt to the UK in the 1990s. 

The BlueFire SA80s will be used throughout the UK and selected overseas locations. The Sharpshooter weapons and related deliverables will be fielded on 59 upgraded systems.

Jeff Murphy, president, Meggitt Training Systems, said: ‘The SA80 and Sharpshooter contracts continue to strengthen Meggitt Training Systems’ long-standing relationship with UK MoD. Precise marksmanship training using realistic weapon simulators is essential for mission success and a vital part of the UK’s future integrated soldier technology modernisation initiative.’