SOFEX NEWS: Colt Enters Deal to Manufacture Small Arms in Jordan
Colt photograph
AQABA, Jordan — Colt’s Manufacturing Co. LLC, one of many United States’ oldest and most venerable small arms makers, has inked a cope with a Jordan-based firm to co-produce hand weapons and rifles within the kingdom.
Colt and Jordan Armament and Weapon Programs (JAWS) signed a memorandum of understanding Nov. 2 on the sidelines of the SOFEX convention in Aqaba, Jordan.
“This cooperation is anticipated play a key function in Jordan Design and Improvement Bureau’s efforts to develop a sustainable and self-sufficient protection industries sector within the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan by supporting the localization of protection merchandise manufacturing,” a press release stated.
Jordan Armament and Weapon Programs is a subsidiary of the Jordan Design and Improvement Bureau, a government-owned analysis and growth company operated by the Jordanian Armed Forces.
West Hartford, Connecticut-based Colt’s historical past dates again to 1836 when Samuel Colt obtained a patent for his model of a revolver. It suppled the U.S. Military with small arms for nearly a century and half, however fell on arduous occasions over the previous decade, finally declaring Chapter 11 chapter. It’s now owned by a Czech holding firm.
Shaman I. Abdallat, head of gross sales and industrial actions on the Jordan Design and Improvement Bureau, advised Nationwide Protection that Jordan will search Colt’s experience in making its small arms lighter. That features handguns and rifles.
“Colt is without doubt one of the most well-known names in small arms,” he stated. The corporate won’t solely assist arrange a producing facility in Jordon, it should help in advertising and marketing the weapons all through the Center East, he stated.
The three way partnership is because of get underway in January, he stated. The merchandise will carry each the Colt and JAWS model names, he added.
Abdallat advisable that different small arms producers comply with Colt’s lead and discover companions within the area somewhat than have interaction in overseas army gross sales that may take years to ship the products.
“Japanese European arms makers and China are promoting weapons cheaper than any nation — particularly China,” he stated. An Japanese European made AK-47 assault rifle, for instance, would possibly promote for $600 and a Chinese language model for $300.
In fact, U.S. made small arms are greater high quality, however many army clients within the Center East and Africa have lowered protection budgets and wish decrease costs in addition to faster deliveries, he stated.
“American corporations should cooperate within the Center East and Africa and go into joint ventures to maintain a foot maintain available in the market,” he stated.
Colt representatives couldn’t be reached for remark.
Matters: World Protection Market