The federal government announced a significant rearmament program that will provide the Canadian army with tens of thousands of new assault rifles in the coming years. The initiative to acquire the Canadian Modular Assault Rifle (CMAR) has been on the military’s agenda for some time but was accelerated following an injection of $93.3 billion into the Department of National Defence this year.
The procurement plan, initially reported by CBC News last December, was officially unveiled at the Colt Canada factory in Kitchener, Ont. The order includes 65,402 rifles, divided into two phases. The first phase entails acquiring 30,000 general service (GS) rifles over three years at a cost of $307 million. The second phase, set to commence in four years, will involve purchasing an additional 19,207 GS variants and 16,195 full spectrum rifles designed for frontline combat and urban warfare.
While the price for the second phase was not disclosed, estimates suggest the overall program could range from $500 million to $1 billion. Plans are being discussed to potentially expand the size of the military’s reserve force, with the possibility of ordering up to 300,000 additional rifles as outlined in a Defence Department briefing obtained by CBC News.
The CMAR aims to replace the current C7 and C8 rifles, which have been in service since the Afghan war nearly two decades ago. The announcement of the program was made by Stephen Fuhr, the secretary of state for defence procurement, and Defence Minister David McGuinty, emphasizing the government’s commitment to equipping the military through Canadian industry.
Colt Canada has pledged to incorporate at least 80% Canadian content in the rifles, creating opportunities for suppliers nationwide. Additionally, the ammunition produced under the CMAR initiative will also be manufactured in Canada, enhancing the country’s military capabilities.
Lt.-Gen. Mike Wright, the army’s commander, highlighted the significance of the rifle upgrade, stating that it brings advanced technology to Canada’s armed forces. The Defense Investment Agency expedited the procurement process by utilizing a federal funding mechanism developed during the pandemic, reducing the original timeline by two years. Known as a risk-based approach, this method streamlines project approval processes, contributing to the swift re-equipping of the military.
In conclusion, the government’s initiative to modernize the army’s arsenal with the CMAR underscores its commitment to enhancing national defense capabilities and supporting Canadian industry.
[End of the rewritten article]
