Colt Canada received a $273M CAD contract to modernize Canadian assault rifle fleet
Prague (March 19, 2026) – Colt CZ Group hereby announces that the Canadian Defence Investment Agency (DIA) has awarded a $273M CAD (excluding taxes) contract to Colt Canada as part of the Canadian Modular Assault Rifle Project (CMAR). This contract will provide a modern replacement for the current C7/C8 assault rifle fleet, which has been in service for more than 35 years. As part of the contract, Colt Canada is to supply 30,000 assault rifles between 2026 and 2029. The contract has provisions for additional quantities.
The contract award was highlighted today during a CMAR Program Launch announcement event at Colt Canada manufacturing plant in Kitchener, Ontario. The event was attended by the Honourable Stephen Fuhr, Secretary of State (Defence Procurement), and the Honourable David J. McGuinty, Minister of National Defence.
“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. 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,” said the Honourable Stephen Fuhr, Secretary of State for Defence Procurement.
“Colt Canada is proud to continue supporting the Canadian Armed Forces through the CMAR program. We remain committed to delivering high-quality, Canadian-manufactured solutions that meet the evolving needs of Canada’s soldiers,” said Sean Congdon, President and CEO of Colt Canada.
“Colt CZ Group and its companies have a proven track record of longstanding partnerships with NATO countries. 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,” added Radek Musil, CEO of Colt CZ Group.
Colt Canada has supplied Military and Law Enforcement customers in Canada and throughout the world for over 50 years, establishing itself as a world class firearms manufacturer. As the Canadian Small Arms Centre of Excellence, Colt Canada is the exclusive supplier to the Canadian military.
About Colt CZ Group SE
Colt CZ Group (Colt CZ) is one of the leading producers of firearms and ammunition for military and law enforcement, personal defense, hunting, sport shooting, and other commercial use. It markets and sells its products mainly under the Colt, CZ (Česká zbrojovka), Colt Canada, Colt Optics, Dan Wesson, Sellier & Bellot, Spuhr, swissAA and 4M Tactical brands. The Group is also active in the production of energetic nitrocellulose through Synthesia Nitrocellulose, in which it holds a 51% stake.
Colt CZ Group is headquartered in the Czech Republic and employs approximately 4,500 people in its production facilities in the Czech Republic, the United States, Canada, Sweden, Switzerland, and Hungary. The Group has been listed on the Prague Stock Exchange since 2020, and its largest shareholder is Česká zbrojovka Partners SE holding.
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Colt CZ Group SE Colt CZ Group SE
Phone: +420 735 793 656 Phone: +420 724 255 715
email: media@coltczgroup.com email: sipova@coltczgroup.com