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Rifles: Decommissioning

Asked by Ben Obese-JectyConservativeMinistry of DefenceTabled Answered 27 October 2025UIN 83075

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the out-of-service date is of the L121A1 rifle.

Answered by Luke Pollard

On current plans, the Out of Service Dates (OSD) for the L115A3 and L121 rifles are 2030. An OSD enables future planning, however, it is ultimately a guideline which can be subject to change.

The UK Armed Forces continually assesses its current capabilities to ensure that it is appropriately equipped to face any adversary. If it remains an effective and required capability at the time of the planned OSD, it is possible that the OSD will be extended.

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