U.S. Approves $64 Million Sale of M4A1 Rifles to Ecuador
Deal includes Magpul magazines as Ecuador strengthens military ties with the U.S. and Israel
Photo by Sgt. Matthew Lucibello - 130th Public Affairs Detachment
The U.S. State Department has approved the sale of M4A1 assault rifles to Ecuador, in a deal worth approximately $64 million. The package also includes PMAG M4 magazines produced by the American company Magpul.
The M4A1, manufactured by American firearms company Colt, is the standard-issue rifle for most units in the U.S. military. Designed for close-quarters combat, the rifle weighs just 2.9 kg, has a maximum rate of fire of 950 rounds per minute, and can engage targets at distances of up to 600 meters. It is currently in service with more than 30 armies worldwide.
Ecuador maintains extensive security trade ties with Israel. In recent years, it was reported that Ecuador purchased 12 tactical boats from Elbit Systems. The deal also included Elbit’s communications and Command-and-Control systems, as well as dozens of IWI-manufactured “Negev” machine guns. Additionally, the Israeli company Emtan has sold assault rifles and sniper rifles to the Ecuadorian police. Most recently, it was reported that the Ecuadorian army purchased 137 “David” light armored vehicles, manufactured by MDT Armor and equipped with advanced Elbit systems, in a deal valued at over $67 million.
