- Colt’s Manufacturing was awarded a $12.9 million firm-fixed-price contract to supply M4A1 carbines and accessories under a Foreign Military Sales program for Israel.
- The contract funds production in West Hartford, Connecticut, with work scheduled for completion by June 30, 2026.
Colt’s Manufacturing has been awarded a $12.9 million contract to supply M4A1 carbines and related accessories under a Foreign Military Sales program for Israel, according to an Army contract announcement.
According to the award notice, the contract totals $12,934,700 and covers the production of Colt M4A1 carbines, suppressors, and flash hiders. Work will be performed at Colt’s facility in West Hartford, Connecticut, with completion expected by June 30, 2026.
Fiscal 2025 Foreign Military Sales funds designated for Israel were obligated in full at the time of the award, the Army said. Army Contracting Command in New Jersey is the contracting activity, operating under contract number W15QKN-26-C-0005.
The M4A1 is the fully automatic variant of the M4 series 5.56 mm carbine, which was developed as a compact version of the M16A2 rifle. The platform is widely used by U.S. forces and allied militaries due to its size, modularity, and compatibility with a broad range of accessories.
The M4A1 features a collapsible stock, an adapter rail system, and a backup iron sight. The rifle incorporates an ambidextrous fire control selector, allowing use by both right- and left-handed shooters, and supports rapid configuration changes based on mission needs.
The weapon can be mounted with multiple auxiliary systems, including the M203A2 grenade launcher, the M320A1 grenade launcher, or the M26 Modular Accessory Shotgun System. Soldiers can also add or remove accessories such as laser rangefinders, infrared illuminators and pointers, and thermal sights without the use of special tools, allowing units to adapt quickly to changing operational conditions.
Colt’s M4 platform has undergone multiple performance-based design updates since it entered service. These improvements have focused on durability, reliability, and compatibility with modern optics and fire-control accessories, reflecting lessons learned from extended operational use across different environments.
The effective range of the system is listed as up to 500 meters, providing accurate direct fire for infantry units. The Army describes the weapon as capable of delivering controlled, lethal fire to deter and repel adversaries across typical small-arms engagement distances.
The award underscores the continued role of U.S.-manufactured small arms in Foreign Military Sales programs, particularly for partners operating alongside or closely aligned with U.S. forces. Israel has long relied on American-supplied weapons and equipment through FMS channels, which are managed by the U.S. government to support allied defense needs while maintaining oversight of sensitive technologies.
Colt, one of the longest-standing suppliers of U.S. military rifles, continues to produce M4 and M4A1 variants for domestic and international customers despite broader modernization efforts aimed at fielding next-generation infantry weapons.