L115A3 LapuaMag sniper rifle

Long Range Rifle L115A3
Calibre: .338LapuaMag (8.59mm)
Weight: 6.8kg
Length: 1300mm
Muzzle velocity: 936m/s
Feed: 5-round box
Effective range: 1100m plus

The British firm Accuracy International Ltd will supply 580 rifles with day telescopic sights for snipers across the Services, which will fire a larger calibre bullet than the existing weapon.

The new rifle is being supplied as part of a broader Sniper System Improvement programme to give UK snipers more power, precision and stealth than ever before. All-weather new advanced day and night sights will mean snipers can operate around the clock in difficult conditions, and laser technology will allow distant targets to be accurately located.

The L115A3 Long Range Rifle fires an 8.59mm bullet, heavier than the 7.62mm round of the L96, and less likely to be deflected over extremely long ranges.

Other elements of the Sniper System Improvement programme include night sights, spotting scopes, laser range finders and tripods, and will be sourced from a variety of suppliers taking the total procurement value to over £11 million.