Colombian National Army to Acquire 460 M60-E6 Light Machine Guns.

According to an article from the Spanish journal Infodefensa, dated August 25, 2024, the Colombian National Army has announced the acquisition of 460 M60-E6 light machine guns, an advanced model designed by American manufacturer US Ordnance. This purchase, valued at $7.4 million, is part of the direct contract process No. 032-DIADQ-ARM-2024, with US Ordnance Inc. represented locally by Global Mark SAS.

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US Ordnance M60-E6 Light Machine Gun  (Picture source: US Ordnance)

These new 7.62x51 mm caliber machine guns will enhance the arsenal of the Colombian infantry, which already includes 2,797 units, 120 of which are of this specific model. This armament update comes at a crucial time as new professional soldiers begin to integrate into the army's ranks this year.

According to Alex Carrillo, a specialist in acquisition processes, the Army will visit the US Ordnance manufacturing facilities to ensure that the purchased units are new and meet the required quality standards. Quality control will include a verification of the production process, the materials used, and fire tests on randomly selected samples.

Once delivered, the machine guns will undergo a series of rigorous tests to evaluate their performance, interchangeability, and resilience under extreme conditions, including immersion in water, sand, static dust, and mud, as well as temperature and lubrication tests.

In addition to advanced tactical features such as a short barrel with a unique rate of fire, integrated MIL-STF-1913 Picatinny rails for accessories, and a tactical stock with a hydraulic shock absorber, these weapons come with a three-year warranty and a ten-year supply of spare parts. The manufacturer also guarantees a useful life of 50,000 shots for each machine gun, with 18,000 shots for the barrel.

The M60-E6, an evolution of the M60 series, is a lightweight and enhanced weapon designed for optimal maneuverability and reliability in combat. This 9.27 kg model operates with a gas system and fires 7.62x51 mm NATO caliber ammunition from a disintegrating belt. Equipped with a 558 mm barrel, it can achieve a firing rate of 550 rounds per minute, with an effective range of 1,200 meters and a maximum range of 3,725 meters under ideal conditions.

The M60-E6 is equipped with a machined aluminum feed cover incorporating a Picatinny M1913 rail for optics installation. A handguard also equipped with Picatinny rails allows the attachment of infrared sighting devices and other sensors, making the weapon operational both day and night.

Innovations in this model include a simplified gas system with a reversible piston, and an offset barrel handle that provides better visibility and avoids the need for protective gloves during barrel changes. The lightweight, one-hand operable bipod, and the forearm/pistol grip enhance control over the weapon.

The operating piston tube is treated with hard chrome and induction hardening to facilitate cleaning and extend the receiver's life. The machine gun also benefits from a 30% improved belt pull, ensuring increased reliability in harsh environments.

Additional features include a forged 7075 aluminum top cover with a Picatinny rail, an ergonomic grip with a storage compartment, and an improved trigger suitable for use with gloves. A pin-lock system secures the trigger assembly to the receiver, while a receiver-mounted ammunition hanger provides a stable and secure mounting point for the ammunition pouch and protects the feed tray.

The lightweight and ergonomic buttstock features a hinged shoulder rest and quick-detach sling mounting points. Finally, all major components are interchangeable with other M60 configurations, and the weapon can be directly mounted or adapted to all standard NATO tripod and vehicle mounts. The compact design of the M60-E6, combined with its multiple mounting options and a barrel lined with a chromium-cobalt alloy, makes it a versatile and robust solution for various combat scenarios.