Guatemala’s military recently acquired more than 2,000 Colt M4A1 rifles through the U.S. government's Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program. The delivery represents an important milestone in the nation’s ongoing modernization efforts and reinforces the longstanding defense cooperation between Guatemala and the United States.
“In a ceremonial act, the High Command of the Guatemalan Army participated in the official delivery of the first batch of M4A1 rifles, acquired from the United States of America, a partner and strategic ally of Guatemala, as part of the modernization and transformation process of the three forces of the Guatemalan Army,” the Guatemalan army stated in an announcement. “This acquisition reflects the continuity of bilateral cooperation in defense matters and contributes to the updating of institutional capabilities for the fulfillment of the constitutional mission.”
Colt has supported the U.S. military and allied nations for generations. The M4A1 continues that legacy, delivering a field-proven platform to U.S. and allied forces around the world.
In April of this year, for example, Colt was awarded a $40 million contract from the U.S. Army Contracting Command to manufacture M4s and M4A1s. Five nations received the guns— Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iraq, Macedonia and Tunisia—to equip and modernize their respective defense forces.
In early 2024, U.S. Army Contracting Command also awarded the company a $26 million contract to produce M4A1s, flash hiders and suppressors for Israel. Completion date for that agreement was Aug. 31 of that year.
The Guatemalan military has roughly 18,000 active-duty personnel. Another 64,000 are on reserve status.
“Colt is honored to support Guatemala through the FMS program and remains committed to providing dependable weapon systems that strengthen the capabilities of U.S. partners and allies,” the company stated in the Guatemala-delivery press release. Founded by Samuel Colt in 1836, Colt’s Manufacturing Company serves military, law enforcement and commercial customers in the United States and around the world. The West Hartford, Conn., manufacturer is a member of Colt CZ Group SE.
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