Defence chiefs to target airsoft players in attempt to boost military recruiting targets
Defence chiefs are seeking airsoft industry experts and suppliers to procure imitation firearms in a bid to help boost poor recruiting targets.
The MOD says that the military's recent use of imitation firearms has been "highly effective" at attracting potential recruits and the "capability needs to be expanded and grown".
The contract is worth up to £120,000 and the closing date for submissions from experts within the target games and equipment industry is 28 March.
Posted on the government's public procurements and contract finder, the notice reads: "Airsoft systems have been used throughout Engage to Recruit (EtR) and have proved highly effective at attracting the main target audience (MTA) and has a strong positive effect on Army image and recruiting.
"The current Airsoft system is one of the most effective engagement assets being used to support EtR. This capability needs to be expanded and grown."
Realistic imitation firearms (RIFs) or airsoft guns are replica weapons which shoot spherical plastic projectile balls instead of real 'bullets' or ammunition. Plastic pellets are usually 6mm in size and are sometimes known as BBs.
High-end gas-powered airsoft rifles can be purchased for as little at £250 and upwards of £1,700 online in the UK.
People must be 18 or older to sell, buy or own an airsoft weapon in the UK. However, anyone under the legal age can still play airsoft at a licensed site but must be accompanied by an adult or have permission.
UK airsoft legislation centres on the Violent Crime Reduction Act 2006 (VCRA). The law deems airsoft guns as Realistic Imitation Firearms (RIFs) or Imitation Firearms (IFs).
Airsoft weapons are typically battery powered or CO₂ gas and are legally only allowed to be used at insured and licensed sites for airsoft activities.
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