Thousands of Arad rifles have been delivered to rapid response teams throughout Israel, following the completion of an agreement between the Israel Ministry of Defense (IMOD), the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), and Israel Weapon Industries (IWI).
The deal, worth about $31m (NIS100m), was signed through the Ministry’s Defense Procurement Directorate Land Acquisition Unit.
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The initiative is a component of broader plans by the Ministry and IDF Ground Forces Command aimed at increasing defence capabilities in communities across the nation.
IWI Arad rifles are manufactured domestically and will equip rapid response teams with standardised weaponry.
The IDF will also supply Meprolight M5 optical sights from its existing inventory to be mounted on the new rifles.
Under the terms of the contract, IWI will provide ongoing maintenance support for both the rifles and their optical sights for a period of ten years.
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By GlobalDataThis arrangement intends to ensure long-term operability and readiness for community-based teams.
A statement from IMOD spokesperson said: “The completion of the initiative will create a standardized, Israeli-manufactured defense system for rapid response teams. This represents another significant step in advancing the Ministry’s strategy to expand Israel’s defence production base based on lessons learned from the war.”
According to information from IWI, the Arad rifle is designed for use by infantry, special units, and law enforcement.
The M4-type rifle can switch between calibres, specifically 5.56X45mm and 300 BLK. It features a picatinny rail on the upper receiver for attachments and optics, M-LOK rails at multiple positions along the handguard, a telescopic buttstock with adjustable length, and ambidextrous controls.
The modular construction allows users to dismantle and replace the barrel as needed, while its short stroke gas piston system includes a regulator designed for sustained operation under various environmental conditions.
In November last year, IWI integrated its BOOST power bank into the buttstock of M4 and AR-15 rifles with the aim of removing the need to carry disposable batteries.
