The MCX rifle replaces older models previously supplied by Colt Canada and is tailored for the unique demands of Commando Force operations. This addition aligns with the broader transformation of the force, complementing the Knights Armament Stoner 1 (KS-1), the Marines’ new general-use weapon introduced in September 2023.
Designed for flexibility, the MCX enhances the operational effectiveness of the UK Commando Force, which undertakes high-risk missions worldwide. The weapon has undergone extensive testing in live-fire drills and force-on-force exercises to ensure reliability in extreme environments.
Lieutenant Colonel Olly Osborne of the Commando Force Programme highlighted the importance of this upgrade, emphasising the Navy’s commitment to modernising the force. He described the new rifles as a confidence-boosting investment in cutting-edge weaponry tailored to mission-specific requirements.
The MCX will be deployed with the Commando Forces assigned to the Royal Navy’s Littoral Response Groups, which integrate amphibious ships, aircraft, and personnel for rapid crisis response and special operations. This capability strengthens the UK’s ability to conduct global security missions alongside allied forces.
The rifle acquisition falls under Project Hay, named after World War II Royal Marine fighter ace Ronnie Hay, known for his daring raids on Nazi-occupied territory. Hay’s legacy as a decorated pilot and commando leader has inspired the UK Marines’ evolution into an advanced raiding force.
Under this initiative, Marines played a key role in testing and refining the MCX, providing feedback that influenced the final configuration of the weapon. This hands-on approach, modelled on the earlier Project Hunter that introduced the KS-1 rifle, ensures that new equipment meets the exacting standards of modern special operations.
Source: Royal Navy.
