The Department of Defense persists with preliminary market consultation regarding a novel multi-caliber marksman system under Project SHAMER, wherein Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S) specifies demands for firearms, ancillary gear, and enduring maintenance.
This initiative, presently in its second phase of initial market outreach (PME-2), aims to shape acquisition methodology and hone technical specifications prior to an official tender. DE&S conveyed that the system shall comprise sharpshooter armament units, supplementary apparatus like silencers and stands, along with ongoing servicing and upkeep.
The envisioned apparatus is anticipated to function with current active-duty projectile varieties, such as .338 Lapua Magnum and 7.62x51mm NATO, simultaneously bringing forth .300 Norma Magnum as a fresh caliber. Such an arrangement implies an adaptable, multi-caliber methodology, consistent with wider tendencies in obtaining accurate firearms, enabling users to customize setups according to operational demands.
This consultation succeeds a prior initial announcement disseminated in October 2025 and a sector information session conducted in December, where vendors offered perspectives on technological and mercantile aspects. DE&S declared that insights from these exchanges have molded the present demand, albeit additional specifics are being pursued in particular domains.
As per the announcement, the most recent phase of outreach seeks to resolve unresolved technical queries, enhance the appeal of the initiative for the sector, and foster rivalry among the vendor pool. The governing body furthermore employs this method to gain deeper insight into accessible remedies and production methodologies prevalent in the market.
The agreement is projected to span a maximum of seven years, carrying an approximate worth of up to £17 million. Deployment is tentatively planned for the period between March 2027 and March 2034; however, schedules are still mutable as the undertaking progresses. Operation SHAMER continues within a pre-acquisition stage, without any official solicitation released thus far.