Canada to provide 11,000 Colt C7 and C8 Assault Rifles to Ukraine.

On November 24, 2023, Canada announced its intention to procure a significant batch of firearms and ammunition valued at almost $50 million to donate to Ukraine. This decision was communicated by the Office of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. The additional firearms and ammunition, totaling approximately CAD 60 million, will be acquired from Colt Canada, a manufacturer based in the province of Ontario.
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The C7 assault rifle is a modified version of the American Colt M16A1E1 rifle, produced under license by the Canadian company DIEMACO, now known as Colt Canada. (Picture source: Netherlands MoD)

This defense assistance package will include approximately 11,000 assault rifles and machine guns, along with over 9 million rounds of ammunition. The funds for this purchase will be drawn from the $500 million defense aid budget allocated for Ukraine, as approved in June.

Canada has been actively supporting Ukraine since the onset of Russia's full-scale invasion, providing defense aid valued at nearly $2 billion. While the specific rifle models have not been disclosed, it is likely that they are local versions of the Colt M16 or Colt M16 rifles, known as Diemaco C7 and Diemaco C8, respectively.

The C7 assault rifle is a modified version of the American Colt M16A1E1 rifle, produced under license by the Canadian company DIEMACO, now known as Colt Canada.

Canada's commitment to assisting Ukraine includes the previously reported allocation of 21,000 assault rifles, 38 machine guns, and more than 2.4 million rounds of cartridges. A significant portion of the allocated funds, CAD 816 million, is designated for the period of 2023-2024, with CAD 515 million planned until 2026. While specific details of the aid are not disclosed, it is expected to encompass direct financial support for security and defense.

The C7 and C8 are two Canadian assault rifles that originate from the M16 platform. The C7 serves as the standard issue assault rifle for the Canadian Armed Forces. While it is based on the American M16A2, the C7 possesses unique features that set it apart. It is equipped with a direct impingement gas system and a rotating bolt, similar to those of the M16, and fires the 5.56x45mm NATO cartridge, fed by 30-round magazines. This rifle offers selective firing modes, including semi-automatic and automatic. Additionally, it is often equipped with an Elcan 3.4x scope, enhancing its accuracy. The C7 is used as the standard rifle by the Canadian Armed Forces.

In contrast, the C8 is a variant of the C7 designed for more specific missions, primarily intended for special forces. It distinguishes itself through its compactness, being shorter and more maneuverable than the C7, making it ideal for confined environments. The C8 shares many similarities with the C7, including the 5.56x45mm NATO cartridge, 30-round magazines, and selective firing modes. However, it is primarily used by Canadian special forces and other units requiring a more compact and versatile weapon.