After Peru, Argentina is considering buying Israeli IWI rifles

Argentina’s Ministry of Defense is considering replacing outdated Belgian FN FAL rifles with new Arad 7 assault rifles manufactured by Israel Weapon Industries (IWI), the ZM website reported. Argentina recently sent a delegation to Israel to seriously investigate the purchases, the report said. If a deal is reached, production of the rifles is expected to take place in Argentina – a key issue for the government in Buenos Aires.

IWI manufactures the Arad 5 and Arad 7 assault rifles. The Arad 5 weighs 2.8 kilograms and fires 5.56 millimeter rounds and was originally developed for IDF special forces. It is reported that the Argentines are interested in the Arad 7, which shoots 7.62 mm caliber bullets and weighs 4.15 kilograms.

If the Argentines go through with the purchase, it will not be the first country in Latin America to purchase IWI assault rifles. During Peru’s Independence Day celebrations last month, the Peruvian military proudly unveiled its new Arad 7 rifles. One of the units that introduced the rifles was the first special forces unit of the Peruvian army. During the events, the Peruvian army said it would buy about 10,000 rifles. The Lima government said the rifles were part of a program to increase the capabilities of Peru’s military. According to estimates, 3,500 rifles have already been delivered to Peru, and the rest will be delivered by the end of October. Like Argentina, Peru is replacing Belgian FN FAL rifles and Galil rifles formerly produced by IWI.

Globes, Israel business news – en.globes.co.il – published on September 12, 2024.

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