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By David Pugliese

Defence Watch

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A Request for Proposals (RFP) was issued to Kitchener, Ontario-based Colt Canada to solicit a new Canadian Ranger Rifle design, the Department of National Defence says. This will later result in the award of two contracts to Colt Canada for the production of the new rifles, according to the DND.

The Rangers currently use Lee Enfield rifles.

More from the government: “While these remain excellent tools for the Arctic environment, they have been in service for roughly half a century and replacement parts are becoming less readily available. The Government of Canada is replacing the Lee Enfields with modern rifles to meet the future needs of the Canadian Rangers, for a specialized, robust rifle that can perform well in below freezing temperatures.”

The Government will issue two contracts to Colt Canada, as Canada’s long-standing and competitively selected Small Arms Strategic Source and Centre of Excellence, under the Munitions Supply Program, the DND has stated. This work will support approximately 55 jobs in the Kitchener, Ontario area.