Anyone thinking this weapon system is intended to replace the L85A2/L85A3 wholesale in BAF should read the title of the tender: "Army Special Operations Brigade Rifle Procurement [...]".

It appears the Brits are to stand up a new SOF brigade they will be calling Rangers and these weapons are intended to arm them.

Given that 43 Commando of the Royal Marines have been running C8s for five years and the Royal Marines, as a whole, have been transitioning to C8s for over a year... I don't think this is that big of a deal.

Unless it's like those 43 Commando C8s and USMC M27s and ends up worming its way into broader issuance with BAF. But since the L85A3 was adopted three years ago, I wouldn't expect that any time soon.