The United Kingdom’s Ministry of Defence (MoD) has announced its intention to award contract Colt Canada with a contract for the supply of C8 rifle spares and accessories, according to a tender notice published on 19 February 2025. The contract will run for an initial two-year period, with options to extend for a further three years. The contract covers essential components for the C8 rifle platform, a widely used firearm among UK specialist military units.
According to the MoD, the contract will “provide C8 Rifle Spares and Accessories for a period of 2 years with 3 option years”, ensuring continued support and maintenance of these critical weapons. The contract is expected to run from 8 August 2025 to 7 August 2027, with potential extensions based on operational requirements. The MoD has confirmed that the contract will be awarded without prior publication of a competitive tender, citing technical reasons under Regulation 16(1)(a)(ii) of the Defence and Security Public Contracts Regulations (DSPCR) 2011. The justification states:
“It is considered that the award of the contract without prior publication of a contract notice in the UK e-notification service (as required by the relevant legislation) is lawful in accordance with Regulation 16(1)(a)(ii) of the DSPCR 2011 for technical reasons.”
The MoD argues that Colt Canada Corporation is the only supplier capable of fulfilling this requirement, due to its “significant niche expertise, technical ‘know-how’ and acquired specific experience to source quality spares and manage the supply chain / delivery process.”
The Colt Canada C8 is designated as the L119A1/A2 in British service, is primarily used by the United Kingdom Special Forces (UKSF) and certain specialised units which include:
Special Air Service
Special Boat Service
Special Reconnaissance Regiment (SRR)
Special Forces Support Group (SFSG)
Pathfinder Platoon (16 Air Assault Brigade)
43 Commando Royal Marines
Royal Military Police Close Protection Unit
The Colt Canada L119/A2 gained fame through media coverage of the rapid tactical response conducted by SAS operator Christian Craighead during the 2019 Al Shabab terror attack in Nairobi Kenya. Craighead worked with local Kenyan forces to engage Al Shabab terrorists and rescue hostages being held in the DusitD2 hotel complex, earning him the nickname ‘Obi Wan Nairobi’ and reinforcing the solid reputation of Colt Canada’s C8 as being the carbine of choice for some of the world’s most prestigious Tier 1 SOF units.
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