Colt Lands $26.6M Army Contract to Supply Israel with M4A1s
Colt’s Manufacturing of West Hartford, Connecticut, has been awarded a significant contract by the U.S. Army to supply crucial weaponry to Israel. Valued at $26,675,000, the contract includes Colt M4A1 carbines, suppressors, and flash suppressors, funded by Fiscal Year 2024 Foreign Military Sales earmarked for Israel.
While Israel boasts a robust small arms manufacturing capability, including the Israel Weapon Industries facility in Kiryat Gat, which produces advanced weapon systems like the X95 Tavor and TAR-21 rifles, the IDF has historically relied on American-made firearms like the M4 and M16A1/A2 models.
The contract follows strategic deliberations prompted by the October 7, 2023 attack on Israel by Hamas terrorists. A previous shipment of 27,000 M4s, scheduled for delivery last fall, was delayed over concerns about their potential transfer to Israeli settlers in the West Bank. Nonetheless, the urgent need for modern weaponry remains, highlighting the ongoing security challenges.
Colt’s Manufacturing will conduct the contracted work at its West Hartford plant, with completion expected by August 31, 2024. Overseen by the Army Contracting Command in Newark, New Jersey, the process aims for efficiency and adherence to timelines.
Simultaneously, the IDF seeks tenders for the production of 20,000 “made-in-Israel M-4 rifles,” demonstrating a strategic move towards enhancing domestic arms production. Assembling these rifles locally with at least 51 percent of parts made in Israel signifies a shift towards self-reliance in defense manufacturing.
It was previously reported that Israel planned to hand out over 10,000 rifles to arm volunteer security civilian teams.
This collaboration underscores the enduring partnership between the United States and Israel in defense and security matters. It symbolizes a shared commitment to safeguarding mutual interests and promoting regional stability amidst evolving geopolitical landscapes.
[Photo Credit: Army Technology]
Justin Trump is the managing editor and owner of CAT Outdoors. The son of a Vietnam veteran, he’s an avid gun enthusiast and 2A advocate. He holds two firearm patents for the CAT M4 and Talon tools. When not managing CAT Outdoors, he enjoys spending time with his family and friends, rooting for Michigan sports teams, and serving his church.