President José Antonio Kast led Thursday's delivery of around 300 CZ Scorpion EVO 3 A1 submachine guns, chambered in 9 mm, to the Carabineros' Special Police Operations Group (GOPE). The ceremony took place at GOPE headquarters and is part of the force's weapons modernization process.
According to Cooperativa, the new weapons will replace Uzi submachine guns. Their prolonged use increased maintenance costs and caused technical difficulties due to wear.
GOPE is the Carabineros' specialized unit that responds to high-risk situations. During the ceremony, Kast remembered Marcos Concha, a member of the group killed this year whose farewell ceremony was held in Temuco: "Honor and glory to him, and all our nation's respect."
The president expressed his government's support for the force. "For many years, everything was asked of you, and you were not given the support you deserved. You were required to maintain public order and, at the same time, on many occasions you were left alone," he said.
Kast added that some police officers, after fulfilling their duty, "were put in the dock where the criminal should have been." He then said that this "has begun to change" and that the government had promised legal protection, tools and more resources. "Today I have come to account for what we have done," he said.
According to acquisition details reported by G5 Noticias, the purchase represents an investment of around US$586,500. The aim is to obtain a more modern, lighter and more ergonomic platform, as well as to standardize equipment.
The contract provides for a projected service life of 12 years, after-sales support for the same period and a supplier's technical warranty against covered faults. With these terms, the force seeks to secure spare parts and technical assistance.
Carabineros' planning projects demand for more than 6,000 submachine guns. The contract also includes an additional 90 units, with arrival estimated for December 2026, which would bring the total to 390 units this year.
