Colt Wins Major Canadian Military Rifle Contract—65,000 Rifles Incoming
- Austin Reville
- Mar 25
- 3 min read
In a significant development for the global firearms industry, Colt CZ Group has secured a major contract to supply the Canadian military with a new generation of service rifles.
The deal, part of Canada’s Canadian Modular Rifle (CMAR) program, could see up to 65,000 rifles delivered over the coming years, replacing the long-serving C7/C8 platforms that have been in use for more than three decades.
What the Contract Includes
The contract is valued at approximately CAD $273 million (about $198 million USD) and comes with a strong domestic manufacturing requirement. Key details include:
At least 80% of production must take place in Canada
Initial delivery of 30,000 rifles between 2026 and 2029
Potential expansion with:
19,207 additional General Service rifles
16,195 “Full Spectrum” rifles equipped with optics and accessories
If fully exercised, the total contract could reach 65,402 rifles. Production will take place at Colt’s facility in Kitchener, Ontario.
Meet the New Rifle: CMAR (C25)
Canada’s new service rifle—designated the C25—is chambered in 5.56 NATO and brings several modern upgrades to the platform. Key features for the new platform are:
Monolithic upper receiver
Chrome-lined, free-floating barrel
Fully ambidextrous controls
Full-length STANAG 4694 top rail
M-LOK compatible handguard
Magpul MOE grip and CTR adjustable stock
In short, this is a modernized, modular fighting rifle built around lessons learned from decades of AR-platform evolution.
A Notable Upgrade: Multi-Function Muzzle Device (MFMD)
One of the most interesting additions is the Multi-Function Muzzle Device (MFMD). This all-in-one system combines flash suppression, recoil mitigation, and flow-through suppressor capability. According to its designers, the MFMD delivers:
Sub-140 dB sound levels
99% flash reduction
Faster follow-up shots due to recoil reduction
This reflects a growing global trend: integrating suppressor technology and signature reduction directly into standard-issue military rifles.
What About Optics?
While the final optic selection hasn’t been confirmed, Canada has been testing both red dot sights and low-power variable optics (LPVOs). Manufacturers like SIG and Steiner have already been part of recent trials. This marks a potential shift away from the long-serving Elcan C79, a fixed 3.4x optic that has been standard since the late 1980s.
What Happens to the Old Rifles?
Canada’s outgoing C7 and C8 rifles—based on the M16 and M4 platforms—aren’t going away entirely. Instead, they will likely be placed into storage for future use to support reserve force expansion. Canada is actively working to grow its military capacity, with plans to significantly increase reserve personnel numbers.
At 2 If By Sea Tactical, we pay attention to military contracts like this because they often signal broader trends in the firearms world. It also, though unlikely, might allow military rifles like the C7 & C8 to make their way to the civilian market for collectors.
This move highlights several key shifts like the continued dominance of the AR-pattern platform globally. Increased focus on modularity and adaptability. Perhaps the most significant trend we are seeing worldwide is the growing adoption of suppressor and signature-reduction technology. This is born out of the lessons learned in Ukraine. We are also seeing an increase focus of integration of modern ergonomics and ambidextrous controls. These innovations often make their way into the civilian market over time.
It’s worth noting the contrast here. While Canada continues to expand military capability and modernize its service rifles, its civilian population faces increasingly restrictive gun laws and confiscation efforts. That contradiction speaks volumes. Governments clearly recognize the importance of effective, modern firearms for defense—just not always for their own citizens.
The CMAR program is more than just a procurement contract—it’s a glimpse into the future of small arms. Modern, modular, suppressor-ready rifles are becoming the standard for military forces worldwide. And as history has shown, what starts on the battlefield often finds its way into the hands of responsible civilian shooters. They shape the future of the firearms industry as a whole.
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