Quote:
Originally Posted by RN7
I think it was for a number of reasons. From the late 1980's the Steyr became the rifle of choice to replace the FN-FAL and its major derivatives such as the SLR in many Western armies as it was not only a high quality rifle but was a bit space age looking at the time. I think British forces such as the SAS used it in a limited way, and the British government gave the Falkland Island Regiment funding to buy their own gear but failed to make sure the Falklands would buy the same gear as the rest of the British Army. So the Falklands Regiment bought some snazzy new kit including quad bikes I believe.
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As I understood it, the Falkland Islands has it's own government and as such, makes it's own decisions about what they will get when it comes to their defence force. While the FIDF has strong links to the British Armed Forces, it is not part of them although they do have a Warrant Officer from the RMC on permanent attachment as a training officer. For what it's worth, it's been speculated on a few forums that the WO attached at the time advised against adopting the L85.
Edit: I wouldn't place too much emphasis on countries such as Australia and New Zealand adopting the AUG to replace the SLR when it comes to why the FIDF chose the AUG. Australia originally chose the M16A2 as the successor rifle but like all our main rifles from the past, the intention was to make it under licence here in Australia. When Colt refused to agree to the licence deal, Australia dropped the M16 and took the AUG. (It's been said that Colt losing out to FN to manufacture the M16 for the US forces caused some embarrassment and even bitterness at Colt and they didn't want other companies manufacturing "their" product - hence, no licensed production in Australia.)