Indumil Galil Cordova AR
Industria Militar de Colombia · Assault Rifle · In Production · 1990
Also known as: Galil Cordova, Galil-C AR, Cordova AR18
Overview
The Indumil Galil Cordova AR is a select-fire assault rifle chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO, produced by Industria Militar de Colombia since 1990. Safety features include manual safety selector, firing pin block, reflecting modern design standards that prioritize safe handling and operation. With over 71 years of firearms manufacturing experience, Industria Militar de Colombia brings established expertise in metallurgy, machining, and quality control to every product in their lineup, ensuring each firearm meets the standards expected by today's demanding market of knowledgeable shooters and professionals.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 4000 g (141.1 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 4500 g (158.7 oz) |
| Overall Length | 992 mm (39.06") |
| Folded Length | 937 mm (36.89") |
| Barrel Length | 457 mm (17.99") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated Long Stroke |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 35 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 950 m/s (3117 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 1805 J (1331 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 500 m (547 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 3600 m (3937 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 650 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 178 mm (7.01") |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
| Finish | Parkerized |
Calibers
- 5.56x45mm NATO · primary · 5.56mm NATO — also known as 5.56x45mm, 5.56 NATO
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic, Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety Selector, Firing Pin Block
- Features: Select Fire, Folding Stock, Picatinny Rail Top, Rotating Bolt, Chrome Lined Barrel, Bayonet Mount, Flash Hider, Galil Derived Action, Polymer Handguard
Variants
- Cordova SAR 13 — Compact
- Cordova MAR 8 — Sub Compact
- Cordova 18 — Standard
Service history
Operators
- Colombian Army · adopted 1990 · as Galil Cordova
- Colombian Navy · as Galil Cordova
- Colombian Air Force · as Galil Cordova
- Colombian National Police · as Galil Cordova
- Guatemalan Armed Forces · adopted 2019 · as Galil Cordova
Conflicts
- Colombian Armed Conflict (1964-present)
Production
Estimated total produced: 100,000 · Production years: 1990-present
Over 100,000 units produced domestically. Annual production peaked at 38,500 units in 2004. 8,000 exported to Guatemala in 2019.
Origin
Country of origin: Colombia
Designer: Yisrael Galili / Yaacov Lior (original Galil design)
Notes
Colombia acquired the license to produce the Galil in the late 1980s, and Indumil has since manufactured over 100,000 units domestically. The Cordova uses the Galil's AK-47-derived long-stroke gas piston system, known for exceptional reliability in adverse conditions - particularly relevant for Colombia's jungle and mountainous terrain. The modern Cordova family includes three configurations: the AR18 with an 18-inch barrel for standard infantry use, the SAR13 with a 13-inch barrel for patrol and special operations, and the MAR8 with an 8.3-inch barrel for CQB. Annual production peaked at approximately 38,500 units in 2004 during the height of the Colombian internal conflict. Guatemala purchased 8,000 rifles in September 2019, marking the first confirmed export sale. The rifle feeds from proprietary 35-round magazines. The folding stock reduces overall length to 937mm for the AR18 variant.
Background
The Cordova rifle has been the backbone of Colombia's decades-long fight against guerrilla insurgencies, drug cartels, and paramilitary groups across some of the most challenging terrain in the Americas. Its Galil heritage - itself derived from the AK-47's operating system - gives it the rugged reliability needed for operations in dense jungle, high altitude, and tropical humidity that would challenge more precision-built platforms.