The Canadian Armed Forces are set to adopt variants of Colt Canada’s MRR as the Canadian Modular Assault Rifle (CMAR). The announcement stated that more than 65,000 rifles will be procured over the next 5 years to replace the Colt Canada C7 rifles and C8 carbines currently in Canadian service.
According to the Canadian government, the contract will be for the procurement of up to 65,402 weapons: 16,195 will be the Canadian Armed Forces' Full Spectrum (FS) variant, and the remaining 49,207 will be the General Service (GS) variant.
The FS variant is designed for front-line combat roles and is set to be optimized for 'offensive operations in urban and open terrain', and it has advanced features [likely optics and a suppressor] for soldiers in Regular Infantry units. The GS variant is intended for broader use across the CAF, with the Canadian Army stating that it will provide “reliable personal protection and deterrence for personnel who are not in primary combat roles.”
The exact configuration and barrel lengths of both variants have not been confirmed, but both rifles have monolithic upper receivers, ambidextrous controls, MLOK forearms, are chambered in 5.56x45mm and likely have a 14.5in barrel as standard, with an approximate weight of 3.4kg.
Lieutenant-General M.C. Wright, Commander of the Canadian Army, said:
“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.”
Variants of the CMAR have been in testing for some time, with variants broadly designated the C8A4. Colt Canada’s MRR, or Modular Rail Rifle, was first unveiled in 2015. Over the last 18 months, a number of photographs have been released featuring Canadian troops training with CMAR variants in various configurations including with a SAI Optics 6 patrol scope and a 5.56 Huxwrx suppressor.
The imagery released with the CMAR procurement announcement, however, features a carbine with a C8A3-marked lower receiver, a Strategic Services MFMD suppressor and a SAI 6 optic in FDE. It remains to be seen if this is the final configuration of the CMAR and whether the GS variant will be equipped with optic and suppressor.
The CMAR project will be delivered through 2 phases:
Phase 1 includes procuring 30,000 General Service (GS) rifles over three years. The estimated value of this initial phase is approximately CA$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.
The two-phase approach spreads the cost and prioritises the replacement of the C7.
The Canadian government was also keen to highlight the economic drivers of the sole source contract award, noting: “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.” The announcement added that Colt Canada has a commitment to include at least 80% Canadian content on the weapons.
The Canadian Army expects that the first deliveries are expected in 2027.
