Israel Bolsters Defense with Distribution of ARAD Rifles

Location and Date of Announcement
Kiryat Gat, January 8, 2026 – The Israel Ministry of Defense (IMOD) and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have finalized the rollout of thousands of ARAD rifles, produced by Israel Weapon Industries (IWI), a subsidiary of SK Group and a recognized leader in small arms manufacturing. This milestone concludes a significant procurement initiative that reinforces Israel’s commitment to coherent, domestically manufactured defense solutions.

Features of the ARAD Rifle

The ARAD rifle is tailored specifically for Special Forces and law enforcement personnel operating in demanding environments. Key characteristics include:

• Caliber: 5.56mm
• Mechanism: Short-stroke gas-piston operation
• Controls: Fully ambidextrous, enhancing user accessibility
• Barrel: Free-floating, hammer-forged for improved accuracy under high-stress situations
• Customization: Integrated Picatinny rail and M-LOK handguards facilitate extensive modification options for optics and other attachments

Strategic Significance

Ronen Hamudot, Vice Chairman of SK Group, emphasized the importance of this advancement: “We are proud to furnish the IDF with dependable weapon systems that safeguard our nation and its populace. The expanded integration of the ARAD is a testament to its operational efficacy and reliability. This ongoing utilization highlights our dedication to providing tested and innovative solutions for challenging operational theaters.”

The contract, executed by the Ministry of Defense’s Defense Procurement Directorate (DPD) and the Land Acquisition Unit, is part of a larger strategy aimed at enhancing local security and operational preparedness throughout Israel. This approach incorporates lessons learned from previous conflicts to ensure more robust community-level defense.

Long-term Support and Standardization

Beyond the basic supply of rifles, the agreement includes a comprehensive 10-year maintenance and sustainability plan designed to guarantee the long-term operability and lifecycle management of the weapons. Additionally, the rifles are equipped with Meprolight M5 red-dot sights, sourced from current IDF stock, further standardizing equipment across rapid response units.

Implications for Future Defense Procurement

This initiative represents a pivotal shift in Israel’s procurement philosophy, emphasizing a model that integrates operational insights, industrial capabilities, and long-term support into a cohesive framework. Such a strategy may serve as a blueprint for future defense acquisitions both within Israel and on an international scale.

IWI’s Role in Military Supply

IWI, a pivotal supplier for the Israeli Army and Police, has developed a reputation for delivering combat-tested products that are operational in over 60 countries. Known for iconic models such as the UZI, IWI continues to lead in firearm development, innovation, and reliability — with advanced solutions like the ARAD, the NEGEV light machine gun, and the TAVOR reinforcing its market position.

This distribution of ARAD rifles not only enhances the immediate operational capabilities of Israel’s defense forces but also reflects a strategic maneuver toward self-reliance and long-term sustainability in military readiness.