Colombia Unveils Domestic 'Miranda' Rifle to Replace Israeli Arms Amid Diplomatic Rift

Colombia has unveiled its first domestically produced combat rifle, named the 'Miranda,' to replace the Israeli-made Galil rifles that have been standard issue since the 1990s. The rifle, produced by the state-owned manufacturer Indumil, is 15 to 25 percent lighter and cheaper than its predecessor, with plans to produce 400,000 units over five years to gradually equip the armed forces. This move follows President Gustavo Petro's decision to sever military ties with Israel in 2024 in protest of its actions in Gaza and to halt arms purchases from the United States after Colombia was removed from Washington's list of allies by former President Donald Trump. While the rifle represents a significant step toward Colombia's defense self-reliance, experts have expressed skepticism about achieving full production capacity without incurring substantial costs. Additionally, Petro’s political stance has led to tensions with the U.S., including the revocation of his visa after his participation in a pro-Palestinian demonstration. The initiative reflects Colombia's broader shift away from reliance on foreign arms suppliers amid complex geopolitical dynamics.