Rwanda Engineering and Manufacturing Corporation (REMCO), a homegrown defense company, is steadily placing Rwanda on the global map in the domain of military production. Established in 2018, REMCO is based in the Kigali Special Economic Zone, Gasabo District, where it produces a range of advanced weaponry in support of national and regional security efforts.
The company’s core mission is to manufacture military equipment for the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF). However, its ambitions go beyond national borders. REMCO also aims to assist friendly countries in accessing quality military gear, thereby contributing to regional stability through defense cooperation.
REMCO’s state-of-the-art facility produces a wide variety of weapons, including firearms for infantry units, specialized forces, anti-terrorism operations, riot control, and sniper training. Some of the weapons are designed for use in night operations, thanks to sophisticated night vision technologies.
In a significant collaboration, REMCO works alongside Israel Weapon Industries (IWI), a globally recognized arms manufacturer. The partnership ensures that the arms produced in Rwanda meet international combat standards. Today, weapons manufactured at REMCO are actively used by both the Rwandan and Israeli armed forces.
Among the firearms produced are pistols and long-range rifles with effective shooting distances of up to 500 meters. These include models such as the ARAD5/300BKL,Jericho 941. For elite sniper units, weapons like the ACE SNIPER and ARAD SNIPER are designed to strike targets as far as 800 -1200 meters away.
REMCO also manufactures machine guns such as the NEGEV ULMG and develops night vision scopes that enhance combat capabilities in low-light environments.
While most components of these firearms are locally produced, certain parts like ammunition, magazines, and lenses are still imported. Nonetheless, the majority of the value chain remains domestic, a sign of Rwanda’s growing self-reliance in the defense sector.
As REMCO continues to grow, it stands as a symbol of Rwanda’s technological advancement and strategic investment in national security infrastructure. The company reflects Rwanda’s broader vision of becoming not only a consumer but a producer in high-tech and defense industries across Africa.
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