Argentina Begins Receiving Israeli Arad Rifles to Modernize Armed Forces
Argentina has begun receiving IWI Arad 5 and Arad 7 assault rifles from Israel to replace aging FN FAL and M-16 systems, marking a major military modernization shift.
Argentina has begun receiving Arad 5 and Arad 7 assault rifles purchased from Israel Weapon Industries (IWI) to replace its aging FN FAL and M-16 rifles, the Defense Ministry in Buenos Aires announced. Argentine Defense Minister Carlos Presti attended the arrival ceremony for the first shipment.
The Arad 5 is based on the AR-15 architecture, using 5.56 mm rounds, while the Arad 7 is based on the AR-10 platform, firing 7.62 mm rounds similarly to the FAL. The rifles were acquired with Mepro M5 red dot sights manufactured by Meprolight, a subsidiary of IWI. According to local reports, IWI will conduct training this month for troops from all three branches of the Argentine military, with a second shipment scheduled for the first quarter of 2027.
Modernization and Local Production
Official Argentine data published by the South American defense portal ZM indicates that the Ministry of Defense has committed 4.75 billion pesos (approximately $3.1 million) for the initial phase of the rifle upgrade program. While exact quantities were not officially disclosed, ZM reported that 250 units have arrived: 50 Arad 7 rifles for the Argentine Army, and 200 Arad 5 rifles split evenly between the Air Force and the Navy.
Meanwhile, the Argentine outlet Pucará Defensa reported that the delivery is part of an initial order of 1,600 rifles. Chief of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral Marcelo Dale Nogare, stated during the reception ceremony that Argentina is exploring the establishment of a local assembly and manufacturing line for the rifles. He noted that the military branches submitted their requirements in 2024, Argentine teams evaluated options from Israel, the US, and Europe, and the agreement was finalized this year.
Strategic Shift
The Argentine military chief explained that diverse combat environments, ranging from high-altitude regions to jungles, extreme temperatures, humidity, and dust, made the selection process complex. The transition to IWI rifles marks a significant shift for Buenos Aires, as Belgian-designed FN FAL rifles had served the local armed forces for roughly 70 years.
"The transition to modern modular weaponry represents a fundamental upgrade for our armed forces, addressing varied operational theaters from high-altitude terrain to tropical jungles," defense officials noted regarding the procurement.
IWI, part of Samy Katsav's SK Group, possesses extensive experience in technology transfer and major international defense contracts. For instance, the Indian Army recently procured hundreds of thousands of assault rifles through joint ventures involving IWI, demonstrating the company's global footprint in supplying advanced military hardware.
