Before we replace the C7 / C8 we will be undergoing the Small Arms Modernization (SAM) project. The project should be fully defined by March of this year and then procurement for the entire project (Upgrades: C7/C8, ammo, accessories, C6, C9 (maybe). Replace: pistol, Ranger rifle, M203, .50 Cal. Procure: weapons accessories, weapon sight, sharpshooter capability, reduced weight ammunition) will be completed FY 19/20.
The SAM project slated to "fix" many of the issues that users are concerned about with the C7 / C8. For the C7/C8 these include (as of the last briefing I attended before Christmas), a rail system, new rear sling attachment, change to the cocking handle, an issued back up sight, some sort of camouflage system (although I do not know exactly what this is). They also mentioned that they were going to investigate with users (starting with 1 and 3 RCR) / industry the option of adding a power rail / battery system.
There is also a line within SAM to procure a whole line weapons accessories, many of them for the C7 / C8 (new slings, magazines, laser aiming devices, cleaning kits, collimators, and suppressors for "specialists (and I do not think they mean orthopedic surgeons in this case
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Finally, the SAM project is also going to procure a new weapons sight. A combined close quarter / magnification sight with maybe a new reticle. The picture on the ppt slide (which was for illustration purposes only) had what looked like a ACOG sight, with a mini EO tech on top. Not sure if this exists or was a Photoshop.
The C7/C8 will then be replaced in the Next Generation Small Arms (NGSA) Project. This will have project definition (not procurement) in 2017-2020, with research on new technology occurring from now to 2017 as part of the NGSA. Once a new weapon system is procured between 2020 and 2026 the C7/C8 will be divested. So it looks like we will have it for awhile.
There is also one other small arms project in the works. The Special Weapons and Ammunition (SWA) Project. It has for procurement between 2017 and 2022 a small inventory of foreign weapons, a breaching weapon (including ammunition varieties and doctrine for the shotgun), a personal defense weapon (and old concept which died some time ago but will be brought back to life) and a modernization / replacement for navy boarding party weapons.
I hope that is of some interest to you guys,
MC