Ottawa has contracted Colt Canada to supply 65,402 assault rifles under the Canadian Modular Assault Rifle program, replacing the Canadian Armed Forces’ C7 and C8 systems after more than 35 years in service.
The program will roll out in two phases, beginning with 30,000 general service (GS) rifles over three years, valued at about 307 million Canadian dollars ($223.2 million).
A second phase, expected to start in year four, includes 19,207 additional GS rifles and 16,195 full-spectrum variants designed for combat roles.
Canada’s Department of Defence noted that the incoming weapons will enhance lethality, protection, and situational awareness for deployed troops, with integration and engineering support included.
Throughout the program, Colt Canada will commit to approximately 80 percent domestic content, with ammunition also produced in the North American country.
Associated processes are being conducted under a risk-based procurement model, according to Secretary of State for Defence Procurement Stephen Fuhr.
“Providing modern, reliable capabilities to the Canadian Armed Forces is central to the Defence Investment Agency’s mission, and our streamlined approach will deliver this capability to our troops faster,” Fuhr said.
Meanwhile, Defence Minister David McGuinty called the program “an important step in modernizing the equipment our service members rely on every day.”
“Today’s announcement reflects our government’s ongoing commitment to ensuring the Canadian Armed Forces have the capabilities they need to protect Canadians and contribute to global security,” the minister stated.
“By investing in modern, reliable tools and working with a trusted Canadian partner, we are supporting the operational readiness of our Armed Forces while strengthening Canada’s defence industry and the skilled workforce behind it.“
The C7 and C8 Systems
Colt Canada’s C7 and C8 rifles were first introduced in the 1980s and have seen action across Africa, the Middle East, and Europe.
The C7 measures 40 inches (101 centimeters) long, has a weight of about 3.3 kilograms (7.2 pounds), and has a barrel length of 20 inches (51 centimeters).
The gun uses a 5.56×45-millimeter NATO standard cartridge, has a firing rate of up to 950 rounds per minute, a muzzle velocity of 945 meters (3,100 feet) per second, and a maximum firing range of 2,350 meters (7,710 feet).
Colt’s C8 is 33 inches (84 centimeters) long, weighs 2.6 kilograms (5.7 pounds), and has a 14.5-inch (37-centimeter) barrel.
It features a similar cartridge, rate of fire, and range to the C7, but has a muzzle velocity of 870 meters (2.854 feet) per second.
