Argentina Replaces M-16 Rifles With Israeli Arad Models
Translated & summarized from NEWSru Israel by baba
Argentina's Ministry of Defense has begun replacing its M-16 and FN FAL rifles with Israeli "Arad 5" and "Arad 7" rifles from IWI. The country is also considering local production and received the first batch of weapons with Mepro M5 sights.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Argentina is replacing M-16 and FN FAL rifles with Israeli Arad 5 and Arad 7 models.
- The new rifles are made by Israel Weapon Industries (IWI) and include Mepro M5 sights.
- A second shipment of rifles is expected in the first quarter of 2027.
- Argentina is considering establishing a domestic production line for the rifles.
- The selection process considered diverse environmental conditions and offers from multiple countries.
Argentina's Ministry of Defense has announced the commencement of a military modernization program, beginning with the issuance of new Israeli-made "Arad 5" and "Arad 7" rifles to its troops. These advanced firearms, manufactured by Israel Weapon Industries (IWI), are set to replace the aging FN FAL and M-16 rifles currently in service. The initial handover ceremony was attended by the nation's Minister of Defense, Carlos Presti.
The "Arad 5" is built on the AR-15 platform, similar to the M-16 and M-4, and fires 5.56mm ammunition. The "Arad 7" utilizes the AR-10 platform and is chambered for 7.62mm rounds, matching the caliber of the FAL. The rifles are being supplied with Mepro M5 sights, produced by Meprolight, a subsidiary of IWI.
According to Argentine media reports, IWI is scheduled to conduct training for military personnel across all three branches of the armed forces in October. The second shipment of rifles is expected in the first quarter of 2027. Chief of the Joint Staff of the Armed Forces, Admiral Marcelo Dalle Nogare, stated at the ceremony that Argentina is exploring the possibility of establishing a domestic production line for assembling the rifles. He detailed that the selection process involved requirements submitted by the armed forces in 2024, followed by Argentine specialists evaluating offers from Israel, the United States, and Europe in 2025. An agreement between Argentina and Israel was signed in 2026. The decision was complicated by the diverse operational environments the army faces, including high altitudes, plains, extreme temperatures, humidity, dust, and jungles.
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