Tel Aviv: The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) have decided to purchase additional Micro-TAVOR assault rifles from Israeli company IWI. The decision was made as part of the IDF’s complete annual plan, taking under consideration significant parameters such as adaption to the forces’ missions in the modern battlefield, compliance between acting duty forces and reserve and more.
Designed for militaries, law enforcement agencies and Special Forces, the Micro-TAVOR (X95) was developed in close cooperation with elite units of the IDF, and was tailored to their specific requirements. Incorporating advanced technology enabling the conversion between calibers within minutes, special ops can use the same weapon platform for a wide array of scenarios, for mission success.
With an outstanding effective range of more than 500 meters, the Micro-TAVOR was created to deal with modern terror threats, as well as urban and open area combat – all in one mission. Exceptionally reliable in even the harshest weather conditions, the Micro-TAVOR complies with the most stringent NATO standards for small arms, including environmental standards. Combat-proven by many police and armed forces around the world, it is the standard Israel Defence Forces (IDF) rifle.
According to Ronen Hamudot, Executive VP Marketing and Sales of IWI, “The TAVOR family has been in use by various units of the IDF for the past 15 years. This announcement by the IDF for further procurement is yet another evidence for the TAVOR’s high performance and reliability in the field”.
Some years ago, IWI has unveiled two new designs – the ARAD and the CARMEL. The Israeli company says that the ARAD is designed for Infantry use, Special units. The rifle can be changed easily to shoot two different caliber bullets – 5.56 and 300BLK.
IWI ARAD is equipped with a picatinny rail to enable the use of a variety of optics and other attachments. The picatinny rail is an integral part of the upper receiver of the rifle. In addition, M-LOK rails at the 3, 6 and 9 o’clock positions along the handguard. It includes a telescopic buttstock which allows the users to adjust the length individually for their particular needs.
According to IWI, the ARAD Assault Rifle is a short stroke gas piston operated, with a gas regulator which allows constant operation in all environmental conditions. Designed to address the needs of Special Forces as well as the various infantry forces, it includes several advanced features that enable operational flexibility. Fully ambidextrous, the rifle consists of a short-stroke gas piston with a gas regulator in two or 3 positions, which allows constant operation in all environmental conditions. A two-step enhanced trigger ensures both comfort and shooting accuracy.
Additional features include a hard-anodized monolithic aluminium MIL-STD 1913 rail in the upper receiver. The lightweight ARAD, weighing only 2.85 kg, is available with barrel lengths of 292mm (11.5”) and 368mm (14.5”) and will soon be offered with barrel lengths of 419 mm (16.5″) and 508 mm (20″). The 300 BLK version comes with a 9.5” barrel. The ARAD will also soon be available in additional calibers.
According to Ronen Hamudot, in addition to ARAD, the company has also developed the CARMEL ‒ a multi-purpose, modular, 5.56 X 45mm caliber assault rifle for modern warfare, ideal for manoeuvres between different combat zones and for extended combat duration ‒ which has been supplied to many customers around the world.
The company’s official said that the CARMEL is designed for minimum operator and armorer level maintenance.
The CARMEL can be fired with folded stock. It has adjustable cheek rest. The CARMEL is a fully ambidextrous weapon: safety lever, magazine release, bolt catch, non-reciprocating charging handle that can be easily changed from side to side within seconds by the user. It also has an enlarged trigger guard for easier access for glove use.
