Royal Marines from the UK Commando Force have received a new rifle designated for specialized operations, such as counter-terrorism. The Royal Navy acquired over 1,500 Sig Sauer MCX rifles as part of an ongoing commitment to enhance the capabilities of the Commando Force.
The rifle is suited for the specialized counter-terrorism operations of the Commando Force, serving as a replacement for the L119A1 rifles manufactured by Colt Canada, and forms part of a GBP 6 million investment by the Royal Navy. It is intended to enhance the Commandos’ newly introduced general-purpose weapon, the L403A1, which was revealed in September 2023.
The incorporation of the MCX marks another advancement in the transformation of the UK Commando Force, providing them with a tactical advantage for Special Operations worldwide.
Lieutenant Colonel Olly Osborne, of the Commando Force Programme team, said: “These rifles reinforce the commitment of the Navy and Defence to our transformation, and the value the Commando Force provides to our national and international security.”
“This is an excellent period of investment in the force and provides great confidence through exceptional task specific modern weaponry.”
The Sig MCX offers a level of adaptability that aligns with the specific needs of the Commando Force, which operates in diverse and extreme environments worldwide. The Commandos have rigorously evaluated the system through force-on-force exercises and live-fire drills, enabling future users to train in realistic scenarios.
The MCX will be utilized by Commando Forces collaborating with the Royal Navy’s Littoral Response Groups, which integrate amphibious vessels, aircraft, vehicles, and Commandos into a formidable unit designed to deliver global Crisis Response and Special Operations capabilities.
This rifle was acquired under Project Hay, named in honour of Ronnie Hay, a distinguished fighter pilot and Royal Marine from the Second World War, who exemplified the audacity of the Commandos during operations in Nazi-occupied territories. Through this initiative, Commandos were able to extensively field-test systems and provide valuable feedback on their performance, which played a crucial role in determining the final specifications of the deployed MCX. This user input was influenced by Project Hunter, which facilitated the acquisition of the L403A1 rifle.
