Expected OOS for current rifle = 20230? That’s slip, it’s only 4 yrs from now & timeframe for research, development, trails, revisions to design / spec, will take a lot longer than that.
For the L98A2, as long as servicing can continue (lots of spares from exisiting stock, etc), I would add on at least another 5 yrs after the new system comes into service. No need to bulk out the initial costs with a cadet rifle.
Heresy!! Planning ahead, it’ll never catch on! Sadly, looking at range locations in the future, & even S1 armoury options, I think that boat has sailed,
I don’t think the SA80A3 is going to be out of service by 2030 without significant investment to make it happen. What’s the old saying? You can have something cheap, fast or good, but can only pick 2! Maybe the rollout could be sped up by buying rifles made overseas while the UK factories are setup.
If I’m not mistaken, all the candidates in this project are pre-existing AR15 variants and the trials are already underway – R&D, revisions, etc. should be minimal.