Companies downselected for British Army vehicle programme
It is believed that three companies did not make the downselect but a dark horse in Spain’s Iturri is believed to have got through.
New integrated assault rifle concept for Canada
Colt Canada and Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC) have developed a new integrated assault rifle concept for the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), the latter announced on 9 February.
The prototype includes a firing mechanism for shooting lightweight cased telescoped ammunition. It has a secondary effects module for greater firepower and a NATO standard power and data rail that can integrate accessories such as position sensors and electro-optical sights.
The secondary effects module is designed to be fitted with a 12-gauge shotgun or a three-round, 40mm grenade launcher. Once optimised, the prototype can weigh less than a C7 with an M203 grenade launcher.
Lt. Col. Serge Lapointe, soldier systems group, Canadian Army, said: ‘In the medium term, this weapon concept represents a lethal, flexible general-purpose platform.’
He added: ‘It will be able to operate in all theatres of operations in the most complex terrain including urban areas, mountains, jungles, deserts and the Arctic.’
The prototype has been in development since 2009 under the soldier integrated precision effects systems project. In the next development phase, assisted target engagement and automated target detection will be studied in depth under the future small arms research project. The data from this project and from the DRDC will be used to develop the technical criteria that will form part of the operational requirement documentation for the CAF small arms modernisation project.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
You may also like
More from Land Warfare
-
![Companies downselected for British Army vehicle programme]()
-
![Air defence offerings multiply in anticipation of emerging requirements]()
Air defence offerings multiply in anticipation of emerging requirements
Air defence and counter-drone weapons continue to be developed, tested and demonstrated in anticipation of growing demand, with most solutions designed to be platform-agnostic and readily integrated onto suitable platforms.
-
![September land forces roundup: DVD 2026 puts British Army requirements in the spotlight]()
September land forces roundup: DVD 2026 puts British Army requirements in the spotlight
The US Army began its search for a 155mm tracked mobile tactical cannon in an effort that Shephard forecasts could be worth billions of dollars. Meanwhile, the UK DVD exhibition saw companies showcase their offerings for the British Army’s mobility and air defence requirements.
-
![BAE Systems looks beyond the M113 replacement as it tests 30mm AMPV]()
BAE Systems looks beyond the M113 replacement as it tests 30mm AMPV
The development demonstrates how the platform could provide additional firepower and growth potential while the US Army progresses its long-term replacement for the Bradley.
-
![FNSS advances Indonesian Kaplan APC programme as local production expands]()
FNSS advances Indonesian Kaplan APC programme as local production expands
FNSS and PT Pindad are progressing the Indonesian tracked armoured personnel carrier programme as local production gets under way.
-
![Tulpar firing trials expand Hitfact Mk II platform options]()
Tulpar firing trials expand Hitfact Mk II platform options
Firing trials of the Tulpar and Leonardo Hitfact Mk II combination follow an integration programme covering mechanical, electrical, electronic and software interfaces.
