The rifle is made of 85% nationally manufactured components, with the goal being to reach full domestic manufacturing capabilities over the next few years.
Colombia has unveiled its new domestically manufactured rifle, the ‘Miranda,’ this week, in its first major step in moving away from Israeli-made weapons, Agence France-Presse reported on Monday
The rifle is composed of 85% locally manufactured components, with the goal of achieving full domestic manufacturing capabilities within the next few years.
According to AFP, the Miranda is produced by state-owned weapons manufacturer Indumil, which aims to produce 400,000 rifles over a five-year period.
Indumil manager and retired Colonel Javier Carmago told AFP that they want to “gradually replace current weapons in the armed forces.”
When presenting the new rifle, the Defense Ministry explained that it featured various improvements over the Israeli Galil ACE model currently in use, including lighter weight and greater resistance to extreme conditions.
A supporter of Israel holds flags during a protest, following Hamas’ biggest attack on Israel in years, in Bogota, Colombia October 9, 2023. (credit: REUTERS/LUISA GONZALEZ)
According to Colombian Defense Minister Petro Sánchez, the Miranda rifle, named for General Francisco de Miranda, represents the country’s progress in reducing dependence on external suppliers.
The rifle’s name, chosen by Colombian President Gustavo Petro, has not been formally accepted.
“Look at the Colombian rifle, it must be called Miranda. General Miranda, who went to Europe to learn military techniques and fell in love, returned from Europe with ideas of the Republic, independence, and freedom: Miranda,” Petro wrote on X/Twitter.
Columbia broke diplomatic ties with Israel in May 2024
Petro announced in May 2024 that his country would break diplomatic relations with Israel. Both countries share a history of strong ties and significant collaboration, particularly in trade and security.
“Here in front of you, the government of change, of the president of the republic announces that tomorrow we will break diplomatic relations with the State of Israel … for having a government, for having a president who is genocidal,” Petro said at a Workers’ Day rally.
The Media Line contributed to this report.