The Department of War has announced Colt’s Manufacturing Company LLC, West Hartford, Connecticut, was awarded a $40,863,564 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for the production of M4/M4A1 carbines for Foreign Military Sales. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of March 31, 2031. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Newark, New Jersey, is the contracting activity (W15QKN-26-D-A008).
Picatinny Arsenal, N.J. –
On December 10, 2025, the decision was made to advance the procurement of a carbine variant of the Army’s M7 Rifle, designated the XM8. While not a replacement for the M7, the carbine exemplifies the program’s commitment to rapidly incorporating Soldier feedback.
The Army continues to prioritize the modernization of its weapon systems to ensure Soldiers are equipped with the most effective tools for success in diverse operational environments. After considering Soldier feedback during these user evaluations, the Army is now introducing a shorter, more mobile carbine version of the M7 rifle. This reflects the Army’s commitment to enhancing Soldier mobility and adaptability while maintaining rigorous testing and evaluation standards.
Since the initial contract award, Capability Program Executive Ground, Capability Program Executive Ammunition and Energetics, Project Manager Soldier Lethality, Project Manager Maneuver Ammunition Systems, the Soldier Lethality Cross Functional Team, SIG Sauer, and the collective Army enterprise have worked tirelessly to develop and refine this new capability. The carbine variant has undergone extensive government testing, including a full developmental verification test and multiple Soldier engagements, to ensure it meets the Army’s rigorous standards for performance, reliability, effectiveness, and user acceptance.
SIG Sauer was awarded the Next Generation Squad Weapons (NGSW) contract in April 2022. The M7 Rifle and M250 Automatic Rifle have been successfully tested, produced, and fielded to multiple units across the U.S. Army. The M7 is a gas-operated, magazine-fed rifle with both automatic and semi-automatic firing capabilities. It is equipped with the M157 NGSW-Fire Control (NGSW-FC) which is a magnified 1-8x direct view optic with display overlay, laser range finder, aiming lasers, ballistic solver, and equipped with Intra-Soldier Wireless (ISW) which allows for external wireless communications to Soldier mounted subsystems. The M7 Rifle is the replacement for the M4A1 Carbine in the Close Combat Force (CCF).
The carbine variant of the M7 rifle has undergone extensive government testing, including a full developmental verification test and a Soldier evaluation. During the September 2025 Soldier Touch Point, Soldiers from the 101st Airborne Division, USASOC and other units provided direct feedback on the carbine, focusing on user acceptance, load carriage, and integration with advanced fire control systems. Compared to the rifle, the carbine variant is approximately 3.5 inches shorter and over 1 pound lighter, now the same weight as an M4A1. Despite its shorter and lighter design, the carbine still exceeds its lethality requirements due in part to the performance of the 6.8mm tactical ammunition.
In addition to the procurement of the Carbine, the NGSW program is planning several other product improvement efforts. These include lightweight ammunition and 25 round magazines to increase Soldier Unit Basic Loads (UBL), alternate optics to provide unit commanders options and flexibility, and enhancements to the thoroughly tested M157 Fire Control for increased capability and integration into existing Army network infrastructure. These enhancements include integration into future efforts like Soldier Borne Mission Command (SBMC) and Nett Warrior devices. With these capabilities, Soldiers can create target reference points and request for fire support with greater precision.
Ongoing efforts also include a thermal imager to substitute the AN/PAS-35 Family of Weapons Sight-Individual (FWS-I) on the NGSW which would reduce the overall cost to the government and the weight carried by the Soldier. Because the M157 utilizes a Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) with front and rear industry standard open-source enabler ports, the government can continue to upgrade enablers as technology improves, and mission requirements change. In addition to the M157 NGSW-FC, the Army is issuing the latest commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) optics and aiming lasers to six Mobile Brigade Combat Teams in FY26 for assessment and Soldier feedback.
As the carbine enters production, the Army remains focused on delivering a weapon system that meets the needs of its Soldiers to ensure they are equipped to win. This initiative represents a significant step forward in the Army’s ongoing mission to modernize its capabilities and maintain its position as a global leader in defense innovation.
CPE Ground Army
MEDIA ALERT ADF announce the Hi-Power Browning is coming back, the Australian Army has decided ” if it ain’t broke don’t fix it.” We will Cerakote these Coyote Brown Khaki CBK and re-issue the PLATATAC Bladetech Holster, designed in 1935 by John Browning the pistol was used through WW2.
Tell all your mates it’s coming back
@bladetechholsters @platatacdaily @platatac
Nampa, Idaho (March 2026) – Caracal USA, a leading US-based manufacturer of small arms for the law enforcement and defense markets, announced today that it has been awarded a new supply contract with various government agencies in Belize for the CAR814 A2 Patrol rifle. The award highlights the continued recognition of Caracal USA’s firearm platforms among government and security organizations throughout the Caribbean region.
Chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO, the CAR814 A2 Patrol is a centerfire, direct impingement gas-operated tactical rifle engineered and manufactured in accordance with NATO standards. Designed specifically for military and law enforcement users, the platform incorporates high-quality components, advanced engineering, and state-of-the-art manufacturing processes to deliver a durable, reliable, and accurate weapon system built to exacting tolerances.
This contract further demonstrates Caracal USA’s growing footprint in international markets and its commitment to providing trusted, mission-ready weapon systems to allied partners and professional end users.
“Working with our Caribbean regional representatives, I.I. & E, Caracal USA products have become well known with the government agencies of Caribbean nations,” said Jeffrey Spalding, CEO and President of Caracal USA. “Our dedication to safety, reliability, and durability continues to showcase the quality of Caracal USA weapon systems and has allowed the opportunity to compete in tender solicitations and be awarded supply contracts for new modern weapon systems to Belize.”
Caracal USA continues to expand its international partnerships while supporting the operational needs of military and law enforcement professionals worldwide.
For more information about Caracal USA and its full line of firearms, visit www.caracalusa.com.
On 13 March, 2026, the Department Of War’s Director, Operational Test and Evaluation Office (DOT&E) released their 2025 annual report to Congress. DOT&E provides oversight for acquisition related testing of new capabilities and releases an annual report. The report covers acquisition programs from each of the services and United States Special Operations Command, as well as missile systems. You can check it out here.
This article concentrates on the Next Generation Squad Weapons (NGSW) and Ammunition (W&A) and NGSW – Fire Control (FC) section.
As a reminder, the NGSW system includes the M7 Rifle, M250 Automatic Rifle, 6.8mm ammunition common to both weapons, and XM157 Fire Control mounted on each weapon. Recently added to the NGSW program is the XM8 Carbine. The M7, XM8, and the M250 are replacements for the 5.56mm M4/M4A1 carbine and M249 Squad Automatic Weapon currently used in the close combat force (CCF).
I’d like to note that the report refers to the XM157 FC without the eXperimental designation prefix it continues to carry. Over the years I have noted such instances of small details slipping through the cracks on their reports which remain at a very generic, high level for executive use.
NGSW is being procured under two separate Middle Tier of Acquisition programs: weapons and ammunition in one and Fire Control in the other. These are not traditional procurement programs but rather much more adaptive and fast paced. The NGSW W&A are manufactured by SIG SAUER, Inc, and the NGSW-FC is manufactured by Sheltered Wings, Inc, doing business as Vortex Optics.
According to the report, the Army completed an Operational Assessment of the NGSW system in October 2024 and limited lethality testing of the 6.8mm SP ammunition in December 2024 to support the planned transition of both the NGSW W&A and NGSW-FC programs from the MTA rapid fielding pathway to separate major capability acquisition programs in 3QFY26. The Army anticipates completing Live Fire Test & Evaluation (LFT&E) of the 6.8mm GP ammunition by 2QFY26. NGSW is no longer under DOT&E oversight for Developmental or Operational Testing. It has completed those tests. It does however, remain under Live Fire oversight.
The Army anticipates completing LFT&E of the 6.8mm GP ammunition at Aberdeen Proving Ground by 2QFY26. DOT&E will report on the 6.8mm GP ammunition LFT&E results in a classified lethality report in 3QFY26.
An Early Fielding Report (EFR) assessed individual soldier and squad performance using the NGSW system on static and maneuver ranges; highlighted the weapons’ suitability and soldiers’ safety concerns; and compared performance of the SP ammunition to that of current ammunition against specific types of targets.
Overall results of testing revealed these comments regarding the EFR report:
– Individual soldiers consistently qualified with their NGSW and, when firing on the variable distance range, demonstrated the ability to engage targets at extended distances.
– The 6.8mm SP ammunition generally provides increased lethality over the M855A1 (i.e., the SP ammunition for the legacy M4A1 weapon) against the tested targets.
– Improvements to system reliability, safety, human-systems integration, and compatibility with cold weather operations are needed.
– During the OA, soldiers reported negative physiological effects caused by the noxious off-gassing from their weapons, as well as concerns about the extreme heat from the weapons’ suppressors after firing.
– Most M250s equipped with M157s did not retain zero during the OA or the airborne test.
– Ergonomic complaints about the M157 persisted.
– The NGSW is compatible and safe for use during static line and military free-fall airborne operations.
In the end, the report leaves this lone recommendation:
The Army should:
1. Address the recommendations in the June 2025 EFR and classified limited lethality annex.
Naturally, we have no idea what is the classified annex. In fact, no information has been released regarding ammunition performance of NGSW than a mention that it performs similar to the commercial 270 WSM cartridge. However, considering the NGSW program remains under DOT&E oversight for the LFT&E portion of testing, we may learn more in the future.
Until then, NGSW remains a fast track program that has fielded over half of its basis of issue plan.
Fabbrica d’Armi Pietro Beretta S.p.A., founding member of the Beretta Defense Technologies (BDT) strategic alliance of Beretta Holding group companies, is launching a White Paper calling for greater consideration of the dismounted soldier in Europe’s defence policy and programming.
The paper, titled “the Enduring Importance of the Dismounted Soldier in Modern Conflict” was presented to Members of the European Parliament, national and EU defence representatives on 5 March. Taking stock of lessons from the war in Ukraine, the paper underlines that the human element remains central to operational effectiveness. To defend Europe, training and equipping soldiers effectively must be a priority.
Speaking ahead of the launch, Beretta Holding Vice-President and CEO of Fabbrica d’Armi Pietro Beretta S.p.A., Dr Franco Gussalli Beretta, said “As warfare continues to evolve through advancing technologies, the soldier remains a vital and irreplaceable element of modern defence. In this context, innovation and the continuous enhancement of individual equipment are essential to strengthening the capabilities and effectiveness of today’s soldiers”.
Although investment in defence at European and national level is ramping up, several challenges remain.
Programmes like the European Defence Fund (EDF), Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO), and the European Defence Industry Reinforcement through common Procurement Act (EDIRPA), the European Defence Industry Programme (EDIP), and the Security Action for Europe (SAFE) have strengthened Europe’s ability to invest together in defence. However, too little of this funding is allocated to soldier-focused capabilities.
A new industrial mindset
The White Paper highlights that Europe’s small arms, ammunition and equipment markets remain fragmented, characterised by different national approaches to equipping soldiers. Many countries are still equipping their soldiers with outdated service weapons or relying on non-European products.
The rapidly changing defence and geopolitical landscape calls for a new industrial mindset to address the challenges to equipping soldiers effectively. This mindset should focus on common requirements, pragmatic solutions and European collaboration.The paper calls on European policymakers to make the dismounted soldier a strategic priority by:
• Investing in modern infantry equipment;
• Harmonising European standards for that equipment;
• Streamlining design and performance criteria;
• Reforming procurement;
• Encouraging industrial cooperation between member states.
Beretta urges faster innovation, better planning, and learning from current conflicts to ensure soldiers are ready to face current and future threats.
Next steps
The White Paper draws on expertise from across Beretta Defense Technologies, a predominantly European alliance of Beretta Holding companies. Each BDT company has a rich history and reputation for excellence in their field: from firearms and ammunition production to precision optics, clothing and accessories.
Through this alliance, Beretta is uniquely placed to offer scalable solutions, designed and manufactured in Europe.
The latest innovations from BDT include specialised anti-drone firearms and ammunition.
This launch is intended as a first step towards the wider goal of a credible and autonomous European defence posture. Beretta stands ready to support decision makers to learn the lessons of today’s conflicts, address market fragmentation, establish key standards and criteria, and facilitate industrial alliances.
About Beretta
Beretta (Fabbrica d’Armi Pietro Beretta SpA) is the oldest firearms manufacturer in the world. With roots in Northern Italy going back to 1526, the company remains under the leadership of the Beretta family, making it one of the world’s oldest family-owned and family-run businesses. Beretta is also a founding member of BDT (Beretta Defense Technologies), an alliance of Beretta Holding Group companies that supply leading armed forces and law enforcement agencies worldwide with firearms, ammunition, optics, electro-optics, clothing and accessories.
To access the white paper, visit here.
March 19, 2026 – Kitchener, Ontario
The Government of Canada is committed to rebuilding, rearming and reinvesting in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) to ensure they receive the equipment they need to achieve mission success and protect Canadians.
Today, the Honourable Stephen Fuhr, Secretary of State (Defence Procurement), and the Minister of National Defence, the Honourable David J. McGuinty, announced that the Defence Investment Agency has awarded a contract to Colt Canada of Kitchener, Ontario, to acquire up to 65,402 assault rifle systems under the Canadian Modular Assault Rifle (CMAR) initiative. By awarding this contract to Colt Canada, the Government of Canada is reinforcing the recently announced Defence Industrial Strategy and its commitment to invest in Canadian innovation.
The CMAR project will be delivered through 2 phases:
Phase 1 includes procuring 30,000 General Service (GS) rifles over a three-year period. The estimated value of this initial phase is approximately $307 million, including applicable taxes.
Phase 2, which is expected to begin in year four under an optional provision, will include procuring the remaining 19,207 GS rifles, 16,195 Full Spectrum (FS) rifles, as well as associated ancillaries.
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. The new rifles will enhance the awareness, protection, and reliability of deployed CAF members. The project also includes system integration and engineering support.
The investment will bolster Canada’s defence industrial base for years to come, creating good?paying jobs and contributing roughly $10 million annually to Canada’s GDP over the next five years. Colt Canada’s commitment to include at least 80% Canadian content will also generate opportunities for suppliers across the country. Further economic benefits are expected under the Industrial and Technological Benefits (ITB) Policy, which ensures that defence procurements generate long?term, high?value investments in Canada.
This contract is part of the first wave of high-priority defence procurements to be implemented by the Defence Investment Agency. The Agency play a central role in implementing Canada’s Defence Industrial Strategy by engaging industry earlier in the procurement process, supporting innovation and aligning procurement strategies with long-term military and industrial priorities.
Together, the Defence Investment Agency and the Defence Industrial Strategy are making generational investments in Canada’s defence ecosystem—transforming how Canada equips its military, strengthening domestic supply chains, and ensuring the Canadian Armed Forces have the equipment they need to keep Canada safe and sovereign.
To replace the current service rifle, the DIA made a deliberate decision to advance CMAR through a direct acquisition for asset replacement, and advanced the procurement using a Risk?Based Approach (RBA). These actions reflect Canada’s commitment to streamlining processes and accelerating the delivery of equipment to the CAF. This investment supports Canada’s efforts to meet its NATO defence spending targets, while ensuring the CAF has the modern equipment needed to respond to evolving operational demands.
“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.”
The Honourable Stephen Fuhr
Secretary of State (Defence Procurement)
“Today’s announcement reflects our government’s ongoing commitment to ensuring the Canadian Armed Forces have the capabilities they need to protect Canadians and contribute to global security. The Canadian Modular Assault Rifle project is an important step in modernizing the equipment our service members rely on every day. By investing in modern, reliable tools and working with a trusted Canadian partner, we are supporting the operational readiness of our Armed Forces while strengthening Canada’s defence industry and the skilled workforce behind it.“
The Honourable David J. McGuinty
Minister of National Defence
“Today’s announcement is a win for Canada and the Canadian Armed Forces. Rifles remain foundational to soldier effectiveness in the field, and this development brings over 40 years of technology evolution to Canada’s fighting forces. This represents tangible progress, and a clear example of how we can move with greater agility to bring modern, reliable equipment to soldiers. It is about delivering the Army Canada needs, today, and into the future.”
Lieutenant-General M.C. Wright
Commander Canadian Army
On February 17, 2026, the Prime Minister launched Canada’s first Defence Industrial Strategy to transform our defence industries by prioritising Canadian suppliers and materials, investing in Canadian innovation and commercialisation, and streamlining procurement to give businesses consistent and predictable demand.
On October 2, 2025, the Prime Minister announced the creation of the Defence Investment Agency. This new special operating agency was established to strengthen Canada’s defence procurement system. It marks a major advancement in modernizing the process, aimed at rebuilding, rearming, and reinvesting in the Canadian Armed Forces to address evolving global threats and meet operational requirements.
The newly established Defence Investment Agency is modernizing defence procurement for the Government of Canada. The Agency is accelerating mission-critical equipment delivery to the CAF by centralizing expertise and streamlining decisions.
Under this contract, up to 65,402 modern assault rifles will be delivered: 16,195 will be the FS variant, while the remaining 49,207 will be the GS variant.
The FS variant is designed for front-line combat roles. It is optimized for offensive operations in urban and open terrain, and it has advanced features for soldiers in Regular Infantry units. The GS variant is intended for broader use across the CAF. It provides reliable personal protection and deterrence for personnel who are not in primary combat roles.
The ammunition to be produced as part of the CMAR initiative will also be made in Canada.
The CMAR contract was advanced under a Risk?Based Approach (RBA), through which a procurement is managed according to its level of complexity and risk . This approach ensures that procurements receive Treasury Board (TB) approvals and oversight appropriate to their complexity, enabling timely delivery for the CAF by streamlining processes.
The Munitions Supply Program, established in 1974, ensures that the CAF have reliable sources of supply in Canada for ammunition, small arms and related equipment. Equipment is purchased from designated domestic facilities that serve as strategic sources of supply and centres of excellence. The MSP supports the development of a competitive Canadian defence industry, creating long-term economic benefits and thousands of jobs across the country.
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This is a must-have for students of small arms history.
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