Royal Marine Commandos To Receive New American Rifle

Since 1985, the British Army and Royal Marines have used the SA-80 assault rifle throughout conflict zones in Northern Ireland, Iraq, Afghanistan, and the former Yugoslavia. Soon, Royal Marine Commandos will receive Knight’s Stoner (KS-1) rifles from the American Knight’s Armament Company.

Speaking to Forces News about the new assault rifle, Sergeant Gilbert of 45 Commando Royal Marines said, “So for us to manipulate and throw the weapon around as we're running makes it a little easier and a bit better to use." While the old SA-80 weighed around 5 kilograms, the KS-1 comes in at around 3 kg [Army]. 

Additionally, the KS-1 is compatible with M4-type rifles, simplifying supply chains in combined operations with allies.