small arms – The Defense Post

May- 2026 -

12 May

Personnel targeting a drone with fire control-equipped weapon

US Army Orders More Fire Control Devices From SMARTSHOOTER

Israeli defense firm SMARTSHOOTER has signed a $10.7-million follow-on contract to provide its proprietary SMASH 2000LE fire control systems for the US Army, further expanding its position in the American market.

Apr- 2026 -

21 April

Americas

191110-M-HB658-2561 PACIFIC OCEAN (Nov. 10, 2019) U.S. Marine Corps 1st Lt. Luke Boyd, the combined anti-armor team platoon commander with Weapons Company, Battalion Landing Team 3/5, 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), draws an M9 pistol during a small arms range aboard the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS John P. Murtha (LPD 26). The Marines and Sailors of the 11th MEU are conducting routine operations as part of the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group in the eastern Pacific Ocean. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Donald Holbert)

Rojoef Manuel

US Bill Seeks Concealed Carry Rights for Special Ops, Veterans

The US House of Representatives has unveiled legislation to grant nationwide concealed carry authority to active-duty and veteran US special operations personnel.

20 April

Americas

U.S. Army 1st Lt. Amanda Lee, fires the SIG Sauer P320-M17, semi-automatic pistol while kneeling during weapons qualification at Camp Bullis in San Antonio, Texas, on April 19, 2021. The Contract Operational Readiness Exercise culminating events validates Soldiers set to deploy within the coming months and next fiscal year (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Eric Kestner / Released by Ms. Angele Ringo 377th Public Affairs Specialist).

Rojoef Manuel

Canada, SIG Sauer Hit With Lawsuit Over Military Pistol Accident

A Canadian military security officer has filed a lawsuit against the federal government and American gunmaker SIG Sauer after an injury from an alleged unintentional discharge from a service pistol.

17 April

Americas

A United Arab Emirates soldier with the Al Forsan Brigade, Presidential Guard fires a CAR 816/Sultan during a Unit Enhancement Training 24-2 event on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, July 18, 2024. The UET 24-2 consisted of a series of combined arms offensive and counter-insurgency operations at the platoon level, enhancing the proficiency, tactical readiness, and interoperability between the Marine Corps and foreign partners. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Antonino Mazzamuto) (This photo has been altered for security purposes.)

Rojoef Manuel

EDGE Group, Brazilian Army Team Up on Small Arms Testing for Special Forces

UAE state-owned defense company EDGE Group has launched a teaming framework with the Brazilian Army to support evaluations of next-generation small arms for special forces.

1 April

Arms

Rojoef Manuel

IDF Receives Thousands of X95 Micro-TAVOR Rifles From IWI

SK Group segment Israel Weapon Industries has supplied thousands of X95 Micro-TAVOR assault rifles to the Israel Defense Forces.

Mar- 2026 -

25 March

Americas

A U.S. Marine with Maritime Special Purpose Force, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable), fires an M18 pistol during a qualification range aboard San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock USS Fort Lauderdale (LPD 28), while underway in the Caribbean Sea, Feb. 22, 2026. U.S. military forces are deployed to the Caribbean in support of the U.S. Southern Command mission, Department of War-directed operations, and the president’s priorities to disrupt illicit drug trafficking and protect the homeland. (U.S. Marine Corps photo)

Rojoef Manuel

US Marine Corps Approves Optical Device on Pistol Qualification

The US Marine Corps has greenlit the use of optical sights during the Combat Pistol Program qualification, marking the first time the accessory is permitted for the certification.

24 March

Americas

Rojoef Manuel

Canada to Replace Aging C7, C8 Rifles With 65,000+ New Firearms

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.

Feb- 2026 -

23 February

Americas

A Ranger with the 1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment engages targets during squad live fire (blank iteration), while operationally testing at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. (U.S. Army photo by Mark Scovell)

Rojoef Manuel

US Marines Not Adopting Army’s M7 Next Generation Squad Weapon

The US Marine Corps has confirmed it will not field the Sig Sauer M7 assault rifle, steering away from a potential adoption in partnership with the US Army.

Jan- 2026 -

13 January

Arms

PHILIPPINE SEA (April 3, 2020) A Marine with Battalion Landing Team, 1st Battalion, 5th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), fires his M4A1 service rifle during a combat marksmanship range aboard amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6). Deck shoots allow Marines to get hands on training with their rifles to ensure that they stay proficient and lethal with their weapon systems. America, flagship of the America Expeditionary Strike Group, 31st MEU team, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Kolby Leger)

Rojoef Manuel

Taiwan Marines Unit Upgrades to US-Made M4A1 Rifles for Base Security

A new Republic of China Marine Corps unit assigned to land-based security has replaced its aging assault rifles with US-made M4A1 systems, according to state media.

13 January

Arms