Aimpoint, EOTECH and SIG Sauer have all been awarded contracts to provide weapon sights for various weapon systems as a part of the UK’s wider Support Weapons Enhanced Sighting Systems (SWESS) program. Overall, the SWESS program is looking to acquire around 12,000 sighting systems for a variety of the British Army’s support weapons ranging from M2 Brownings to 84mm Carl Gustafs.

Aimpoint optic and magnifiers selected for UK SWESS (Aimpoint)Aimpoint announced back in April 2023 that they had been selected to provide an optic and magnifier package and their FCS13-RE Fire Control System with a TH-60 thermal clip-on for the British Army’s ‘Heavy Mature Project’ and ‘Light Battlesight Project’ portions of the SWESS program. These will be mounted on84mm Carl Gustafs, Browning M2 heavy machine guns and 40mm HV grenade machine guns. Here’s the announcement from Aimpoint in full:

MALMÖ, Sweden – Aimpoint, the leading manufacturer and innovator of red dot sighting technology, has been awarded a seven-year framework contract within the Support Weapons Enhanced Sighting Systems (SWESS) programme for the British Armed Forces, via our exclusive UK distributor Edgar Brothers.

Aimpoint will supply both the FCS13-RE Fire Control System with the TH-60 thermal clip-on for SWESS-Heavy Mature Project and the CompM4 sight combined with ballistic adjustable mounts and 3X Magnifiers for SWESS-Light Battlesight Project.

The FCS13-RE is a direct view, Dynamic Universal Reflex Sight, which utilises an integrated laser range finder and ballistic computer to give the Operator an aiming point corrected for range, type of munition, terrain angle, and environmental conditions. In addition to the 84mm Carl Gustaf, the system can be utilised on other crew-served weapons including 40mm high velocity grenade launchers, and 12.7mm (.50 caliber) heavy machine guns. The FCS13-RE provides a very high probability of first-shot hit on both stationary and moving targets at extended ranges and utilises a very intuitive User control interface. The system can be enhanced with modular magnification and thermal imaging components and is compatible with all generations of military night vision equipment.

The CompM4, in combination with SPUHR Ballistic Adjustable Mount (BAM) and 3X Mag-1, is a combat proven sighting solution for 5.56mm and 7.62mm lightweight and medium machine guns. The configuration allows for mechanical bullet drop compensation at various distances and combines the benefits of a rugged red dot sight with magnification for engagements at longer distances.
The selection of the Aimpoint sighting solutions followed extensive tests and evaluations conducted by the UK MOD. All optics will be supplied through Aimpoints exclusive UK distributor, Edgar Brothers, to the British Armed Forces.

“We at Aimpoint are extremely proud to be awarded these contracts by the UK MOD”.
-Erik Jeppsson, Marketing Director Aimpoint
“The addition of these systems to the British troops will greatly increase their lethality on the battlefield and the ability to place first round hits with any heavy support weapon will be a game changer”.
-Magnus Andersson, Director FCS Aimpoint.

SIG Sauer optic and magnifiers selected for UK SWESS (SIG Sauer)

SIG ROMEO8T red dot optics and magnifiers from SIG’s JULIET range. These will be procured as part of the UK’s Support Weapons Enhanced Sighting Systems (SWESS) program. Here’s SIG Sauer’s announcement:

SIG SAUER, Inc. is pleased to announce the award of a contract within the Support Weapons Sighting System (SWESS) program of the British Armed Forces to include the ROMEO8T, JULIET3, and JULIET4 from SIG SAUER Electro-Optics.

The SIG SAUER ROMEO8T is a 1x38MM full-size red dot sight with an exceptionally large field of view, a rectangular lens, in a ruggedized housing with integral steel shroud designed. The optic is designed and tested to withstand extreme conditions and will maintain zero under the most hostile temperature differentials.

This combination of the ROMEO and JULIET products chosen for the Support Weapons Systems Sighting Program by SIG SAUER Electro-Optics will easily increase the effective range and accuracy at greater distances for operators in both day and night operations,” said Andy York, President, SIG SAUER Electro-Optics. “Further the SIG designed system is completely versatile and will easily compensate for bullet drop at various distances and designed to withstand the rigors of the 5.56 and 7.62 lightweight or medium machine gun platforms.”

The SIG SAUER JULIET3 and the SIG SAUER JULIET4 magnifiers extend the effective range and augment the red dot experience with crystal clear optics in a ruggedized aluminum housing and a flip to side mount. Combining any SIG SAUER JULIET series magnifiers with a ROMEO Red Dot allows hits on targets, with ease, beyond 200 yards. The JULIET3 offers 3x magnification and the JULIET4 4x magnification.

Holographic Weapon Sight (HWS) EXPS3 and the G33 3x Magnifier for SWESS’ Light Battle Sight requirement (Viking Arms)

Subsequently, on 27 September, Viking Arms (representing EOTECH in the UK) announced that the Holographic Weapon Sight (HWS) EXPS3 and the G33 3x Magnifier had also been selected to fulfil the SWESS’ Light Battle Sight requirement for the L7 GPMG. Here’s their announcement in full:

Viking Arms Ltd, in partnership with EOTECH LLC, are proud to announce the award for a seven year contract framework by the Dismounted Close Combat team, part of the UK Ministry of  Defence (MoD), for the Procurement and Support of up to a total fleet requirement of 12,000 SWESS Light Battle Systems, subject to financial approval.

As part of the framework, Viking Arms and EOTECH® will provide the Holographic Weapon Sight (HWS) EXPS3™ and the G33™ 3x Magnifier as a complete system. The EOTech HWS is  considered the fastest target acquisition CQB weapon sight available with true two eyes open, a  proven solution that has been in-service with the UK Ministry of Defence for over 15 years.

Viking Arms Managing Director, Sam MacArthur said, “We are immensely honoured to be entrusted with the contract to equip His Majesty’s UK Armed Forces with this combat-tested capability, in collaboration with our esteemed industry partners, EOTECH®. This recognition underscores the diligent efforts of both teams and cements Viking Arms’ position as a reputable contractor and supplier in the UK Defence Sector.”

EOTECH LLC’s President, Dennis Finnegan commented, “We are very honoured to be a part of this program. EOTECH’s history of supporting the United Kingdom’s warfighters along with our partner, Viking Arms, is a point of pride for everyone in our organisation. We look forward to continuing to provide our weapon sights, lasers, and sensors that help make the UK Ministry of Defence a more successful and lethal force.”

The three contracts will provide sighting systems and thermal capabilities to the full range of the British Army’s support weapons including general purpose machine guns, heavy machine guns, grenade machine guns and the newly adopted Carl Gustaf 84mm recoilless rifles.