Tampa, Florida, SOF Week, 19 May – Beretta Defence Technologies UK (BDT UK) has signed an exclusive agreement with the London Proof House, the UK’s statutory authority for the testing and safety certifications of small arms, to provide the advanced testing and proofing for the rifles it is putting forward to replace the current SA80 as part of Project GRAYBURN.
The agreement will mean that, should BDT UK win Project GRAYBURN, the London Proof House will provide all weapon proofing to ensure either the Beretta NARP or Sako ARG40 is ready for frontline service. The decision to sign the exclusive agreement is part of BDT UK’s mature position on Project GRAYBURN and recognises the essential part that proofing will play as part of the UK manufacturing chain.
As part of the development of its proposal for Project GRAYBURN, the business has highlighted that testing and proofing of the weapons is likely to present a critical step in the manufacturing process that is often overlooked. This agreement is aimed at ensuring these steps are at the centre of BDT UK’s offering to streamline the process from weapons manufacturing to front-line fielding.
The London Proof House remains one of only two proofing institutions in the UK. It continues to operate under the authority of the Gun Barrel Proof Act and subsequent legislative updates. The Proof House is responsible for testing both new and imported firearms, as well as re-proofing older guns that have undergone repairs or modifications.
The announcement comes as BDT UK demonstrates its proposal for Project GRAYBURN at SOF Week, focused on the importance of manufacturing the British Army’s future weapon systems in the UK.
Jack Cadman, Military Group Manager at BDT UK, said: “Our exclusive agreement with the London Proof House demonstrates the development of our sovereign manufacturing model for Project GRAYBURN and our focus on limiting risk for the customer. Having a partnership with the UK’s leading proofing organisation will help streamline manufacturing, getting new rifles into the hands of our soldiers faster.”
David Miles, Proof Master at The Worshipful Company of Gunmakers, said: “BDT UK engaged us early in their bid preparation cycle and recognised the vital role that proofing will play in the manufacturing and delivery of Project GRAYBURN. This agreement represents a significant opportunity for the London Proof House, and we look forward to supporting BDT UK’s proposition to UK Defence.”
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