The Canadian military is set to receive a significant upgrade in its arsenal with a new order of assault rifles. This initiative will see the introduction of tens of thousands of Canadian Modular Assault Rifles (CMAR) over the next few years, following an announcement from the federal government.
Investment Details
The Canadian government has invested $307 million for an initial order of 30,000 assault rifles from Colt Canada, based in Kitchener, Ontario. This first phase of production is expected to be completed within three years. The announcement was made by Stephen Fuhr, Secretary of State for Defence Procurement, alongside Defence Minister David McGuinty.
Project Overview
The overall plan will include a total of 65,402 rifles, divided into two parts. The second phase, scheduled to begin four years from now, will involve an order for:
- 19,207 additional general service (GS) rifles
- 16,195 full spectrum rifles, designed for active combat and urban warfare
Although the cost of this second phase was not disclosed, estimates for the entire CMAR program range between $500 million and $1 billion.
Significance of the Upgrade
The CMARs will replace the aging C7 and C8 rifles that have been in service since the Afghan war nearly two decades ago. The military’s decision to accelerate this upgrade stems from a broader initiative to enhance the capabilities of the Canadian Armed Forces.
Modernization Approach
The plan to modernize the military also includes a potential expansion of the reserve force, with an option to acquire up to 300,000 additional rifles in the future. Lt.-Gen. Mike Wright, commander of the army, emphasized that this development is crucial for maintaining soldier effectiveness in the field.
Local Manufacturing and Economic Opportunities
Colt Canada has committed to integrating at least 80% Canadian content in the rifles, which is expected to foster domestic supply chain opportunities. Additionally, the ammunition for the CMAR initiative will also be produced in Canada.
Fast-Tracking the Procurement Process
The Defence Investment Agency has implemented a risk-based approach to expedite the procurement process. This method, developed during the COVID-19 pandemic, allows projects with less complexity to gain quicker approvals, thus reducing the required time frame significantly.
Overall, this initiative reflects the Canadian government’s commitment to re-equipping its military and supporting local industry while enhancing the operational readiness of its forces.
