For the love of Arctic warfare! In this Photo Of The Day, we’ll take a quick look at the new L403A1, as used by Britain’s elite Royal Marine Commando Forces. The model is a Knight’s Armament Company KS-1 rifle.

In terms of optics, the L403A1 will be used together with a Vortex Low Power Variable Optic with an Aimpoint ACRO P-2 red dot on top, which TFB reviewed about 2 years ago.

The suppressor is the Knight’s QDC/MCQ-PRT model.

Royal Marines using the new rifle and kit rolled out to the Commando Force

The new rifle, designated the L403A1, was tested in February 2023 by members of the Commando Force Surveillance & Reconnaissance Squadron (SRS) during their annual deployment to Norway.

Royal Marines using the new rifle and kit rolled out to the Commando Force

A new rifle, night vision goggles, tactical communications systems, battlefield vehicles and ‘survivability systems’, including new helmets, communications and suppressors which make the force more difficult to detect, are to be rolled out as the Royal Navy makes an initial investment in new kit for its elite, very high readiness fighting force, with plans for a longer-term procurement programme from 2024.

The L403A1 in the night. Can you tell which thermal they are using?

Royal Marines using the new rifle and kit rolled out to the Commando Force

Source: Royal NAVY – Britain’s Commandos to get new assault rifles