Solider Systems reports that Malaysia is seeking permission to federate the production of M4 rifles, which they produce under license from Colt Defense, across Southeast Asia. An M4 clone, the CQ 5.56, is already produced by China and exported all over the world.

One of the most compelling points of the plan to federate the production of the rifles across partner countries is that 85% of the parts will be locally produced. Defence Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi explained “Only the main technology and equipment come from United States. Colt also gave us the right to sell M4 to ASEAN countries. “Asean partners will be given the opportunity to share production. Although M4 will be made in Malaysia, its components will be produced by ASEAN countries.”

I think by now the AR-15 and M4 Carbine are being produced by more countries than the AK-47 / AK-74 / AK-1xx.