Colt CZ Group announced earlier this month that the Canadian Defence Investment Agency (DIA) has awarded a contract valued at $273 million CAD to Colt Canada, one of its global family of firms. The agreement is part of the Canadian Modular Assault Rifle Project (CMAR), which will provide a modern replacement for an aging C7/C8 rifle fleet (C7 seen above) that has been in service for more than 35 years.
“Colt Canada is proud to continue supporting the Canadian Armed Forces through the CMAR program,” said Sean Congdon, president and CEO of Colt Canada. “We remain committed to delivering high-quality, Canadian-manufactured solutions that meet the evolving needs of Canada’s soldiers.”
Terms of the contract include Colt Canada supplying 30,000 rifles between 2026 and 2029. It also provides the option to purchase of additional quantities. A two-phase approach is being employed by Canada’s military in procurement, with general operations firearms first to be fielded. That is followed by additional guns and variants tailored for more specialized troops, if needed.
“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,” said Stephen Fuhr, Canada’s Secretary of State for Defence Procurement. “This contract with Colt Canada advances Canada’s new Defence Industrial Strategy by strengthening domestic production, creating good‑paying jobs, and growing our economy. By investing in advanced systems and Canadian expertise, we are ensuring our Forces remain ready for the challenges ahead while building a stronger, more resilient defence industry at home.”
The contract award was highlighted during a CMAR Program Launch announcement event on March 19 at the Colt Canada manufacturing plant in Kitchener, Ontario. The event was attended by the Secretary Fuhr and David J. McGuinty, Canada’s minister of national defence.
“Colt CZ Group and its companies have a proven track record of longstanding partnerships with NATO countries,” added Radek Musil, CEO of Colt CZ Group. “I am proud that Colt Canada, apart from being a member of the Canadian government’s Munitions Supply Program and a trusted partner of Canadian army, is also a reliable partner of many European customers, including the Dutch, Danish and British armies.”
Colt Canada has supplied military and law enforcement customers in Canada and throughout the world for more than 50 years, establishing itself as a world-class firearm manufacturer. As the Canadian Small Arms Centre of Excellence, Colt Canada is the exclusive supplier to the Canadian military.
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