The Argentine armed forces are receiving new assault rifles from Israel Weapon Industries (IWI). The Argentine Ministry of Defense officially unveiled the ARAD 5 and ARAD 7 models. The weapons are intended to modernize the individual armament of the armed forces and will be delivered with Meprolight M5 reflex sights.
IWI has received a contract to supply the ARAD rifle family to the Argentine armed forces. The Ministry of Defense officially introduced the ARAD 5 and ARAD 7 models earlier this week. The selection is intended to support the modernization of the Argentine armed forces’ individual weapons. IWI positions the ARAD family as a modular weapons platform for military and police customers.
Short-stroke gas piston and free-floating barrel
The ARAD rifles are based on the AR platform but feature a short-stroke gas piston drive and fully ambidextrous controls.
A free-floating, cold-forged barrel is designed to provide high precision even under heavy use. An integrated Picatinny rail and an M-LOK handguard allow the mounting of optics and other accessories, as well as adaptation to different operational configurations.
Meprolight M5 sights
The rifles delivered to Argentina are equipped with Meprolight M5 reflex sights. This gives the ARAD platform an integrated optical sight. The M5 family uses LED technology and is designed, according to the manufacturer, to MIL-STD requirements. In daylight operation, thousands of hours of use should be possible with a single AA battery.
The brightness can be adjusted over a wide range. Therefore, the sight should be usable both in bright sunlight and under partially lit conditions. Also mentioned are operations in close-quarters combat and use with night-vision devices in covert operations.
ARAD family: designed for at least 20,000 rounds
IWI specifies a design life of at least 20,000 rounds for the key components of the ARAD family. The system is intended to maintain its performance over its entire service life.
The combination of durability, precision, and modular equipment is intended to provide the Argentine armed forces with a platform adaptable to different mission requirements.
SK-Group Vice President Ronen Hamudot stated that IWI developed the ARAD family on the principle that weapon performance is non-negotiable. According to him, the design combines durability, precision, and adaptability in a platform designed for modern operations.
Author: Arie Egozi, Israel Correspondent
