After five years in development, Colombian forces are set to receive an assault rifle built entirely on home soil.
The JAGUAR rifle is a 5.56mm weapon made with 65 percent high-grade polymers, making it significantly lighter and potentially more durable than the steel-made Galil ACE currently used by the country’s security forces.
It is said to cost around 20 percent cheaper than imported systems, thanks to the localization of production and components.
Military and police personnel were also involved in the rifle’s development, with manufacturing expected to take place in the central-eastern city of Socha.
According to Colombian President Gustavo Petro, JAGUAR is undergoing final testing and could eventually be exported to allied countries if it successfully completes evaluations.
A Stronger Local Arms Industry
The JAGUAR program aligns with President Petro’s push to strengthen Colombia’s domestic defense manufacturing sector and reduce dependence on foreign arms suppliers.
Petro has reportedly instructed the army and national police to prioritize weapons produced within Colombia.
“The cartels that mediate the import of weapons are sometimes the ones that fuel the violence,” the president said, as quoted by Militarnyi.
