September 30, 2025 | 08:23 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Colombian officials announced the country’s first domestically produced assault rifle, a lighter and more affordable weapon designed to replace firearms previously supplied by Israel.
The development follows President Gustavo Petro’s decision in 2024 to sever ties with Israel in protest of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s military campaign in Gaza.
The state-owned arms manufacturer, Indumil, produced the rifle, marking a milestone in Colombia’s defense industry. The new weapon is set to gradually replace the Galil rifles, which had been assembled in Colombia with Israeli components since the 1990s.
According to Al Arabiya, Colombia plans to produce 400,000 of the new rifles within five years. Officials say the design, made from a combination of steel and polymer, is between 15 to 25 percent lighter than its predecessor.
The announcement comes after skepticism from defense experts, who questioned whether Colombia could achieve such production capacity without significant costs.
President Petro has also suspended weapons purchases from the United States, a move dating back to former U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to remove Colombia from Washington’s list of key partners in the fight against drug trafficking.
For decades, Colombian governments have relied on foreign-supplied arms to combat guerrilla groups and drug cartels involved in cocaine trafficking and illegal gold mining. With the new rifle program, Petro’s administration signals a shift toward self-reliance in national defense.
Editor’s Choice: Arab and Muslim Nations Including Indonesia Welcome Trump's Gaza Peace Plan
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Indonesian Foreign Ministry Responds to Billboards Showing Prabowo with Trump, Netanyahu
3 jam lalu
The Indonesian Foreign Ministry responded to billboards in Israel featuring President Prabowo with world leaders, including Trump and Netanyahu.
Activists Give Update on Global Sumud Flotilla Journey to Gaza
7 jam lalu
The ships involved in the humanitarian mission Global Sumud Flotilla are getting closer to Gaza. They are delivering humanitarian aid.
Indonesia's Foreign Ministry Reacts to Prabowo Pictured on Pro-Trump Gaza Deal Billboards
9 jam lalu
A billboard featuring a photo of President Prabowo Subianto alongside several heads of state has gone viral on social media. This comes after his speech at the UN General Assembly.
Trump Proposes 21-Point Gaza Peace Plan, Here Are the Details
22 jam lalu
Donald Trump offers a 21-point plan covering hostage release, Gaza transition government, and Palestinian state opportunity as a way to end the conflict in Gaza Strip.
Global Sumud Flotilla Nears Gaza in Effort to Break Israeli Blockade
22 jam lalu
The Global Sumud Flotilla, an international aid convoy, is 570 kilometers from Gaza in a bid to challenge Israel's blockade, organizers said Monday.
Gaza Death Toll Surpasses 66,000 Amid Israeli Strikes on Hospitals
1 hari lalu
More than 66,000 Palestinians have been killed in what Gaza's health authorities describe as Israel's genocide in the enclave.
Trump Announces Gaza Peace Plan Reaches Final Stage
1 hari lalu
U.S. President Trump declares that the Gaza peace plan, jointly crafted with Israel and Arab nations, is in its final stage of negotiation.
Hamas Not Yet Aware of Trump's Gaza Ceasefire Plan
1 hari lalu
Hamas admits to not receiving the proposed ceasefire plan in Gaza from U.S. President Donald Trump.
UAE Meets Netanyahu, Skips Arab Walkout at UN Amid Raging Gaza Crisis
2 hari lalu
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) met with Israeli PM Netanyahu in a closed-door meeting on the sidelines of the UNGA in New York.
Tony Blair Tapped to Lead Gaza Interim Government During Critical Transition Phase
2 hari lalu
Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair is reportedly tasked with overseeing the territory's post-conflict reconstruction.
