March 19, 2026
RED FM News Desk
The federal government has announced a major defence procurement deal to purchase 30,000 new modular assault rifles for the Canadian Army from Colt Canada. The contract, valued at $307 million, will cover the first three years, with an option to acquire an additional 35,000 rifles in the future.
The new weapons are intended to replace the aging C7 and C8 rifles, which have been in service for over 30 years. Officials say the upgrade will modernize the army’s equipment and improve operational readiness.
Stephen Fuhr, secretary of state for defence procurement, stated that the deal ensures troops receive necessary equipment quickly. He added that the use of special procurement procedures and oversight by the Defence Investment Agency may have sped up the process by as much as two years.
This purchase is part of a broader increase in defence spending, following recent investments in a space launch pad and the domestic munitions industry.
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