Argentina Army Considers Israeli ARAD 7 Assault Rifle as Potential Replacement for Belgian FAL.

On September 9, 2024, the Argentine Ministry of Defense, under the leadership of Luis Petri, sent a delegation to Israel to explore the possibility of acquiring ARAD 7 assault rifles from Israel Weapon Industries (IWI). These rifles are intended to replace the aging FAL rifles currently in service with the Argentine Armed Forces. The delegation, composed of officers from the Navy and Air Force, embarked on a nine-day mission starting on August 30 to assess the performance of the ARAD rifles and explore local production options in Argentina under license.

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Israel Weapon Industries ARAD 7 Assault Rifle (Picture source: Israel Weapon Industries)

According to internal sources, the potential agreement with Israel for local manufacturing of ARAD rifles will depend on the volume of arms Argentina intends to purchase. This agreement may include technology transfer, benefiting Argentina’s military industry. However, current budget constraints may limit the full replacement of FAL rifles in the short term. The Argentine military is evaluating two main versions of the ARAD rifle: the ARAD 5, designed based on the AR-15 platform and capable of firing 5.56x45mm or .300 BLK rounds, and the ARAD 7, which uses 7.62mm ammunition and is designed for more precise, semi-automatic operations.

It is worth noting that Peru is already a regional user of the ARAD 7, having incorporated the rifle into its arsenal through a local production agreement with FAME S.A.C. During Peru’s Independence Day parade in July, more than 10,000 units were showcased, reflecting the modernization of Peru’s infantry.

In Argentina, the ARAD 7 is one of several options being considered as part of a larger project to modernize military equipment. Several international companies are in talks with Fabricaciones Militares to propose local co-manufacturing solutions aimed at renewing the Argentine Armed Forces’ arsenal.

The FAL rifle (Fusil Automatique Léger), manufactured by Fabrique Nationale Herstal in Belgium, has long been the weapon of choice for the Argentine Armed Forces. Introduced in the 1950s, the FAL is a semi-automatic and automatic assault rifle chambered in 7.62x51 mm NATO, renowned globally for its robustness and reliability. However, despite its proven qualities, the FAL is beginning to show signs of obsolescence in the face of modern military requirements. Its older design and relatively heavy weight make it less suitable for contemporary warfare, where agility, modularity, and the ability to integrate with new technologies are critical. The replacement of the FAL with more modern rifles like the ARAD 7, which are lighter and more versatile, aligns with Argentina’s efforts to modernize its military equipment.

ARAD 5

The IWI ARAD assault rifle (ARAD 5) is designed for infantry, special forces, and law enforcement units. Based on the M4 platform, it is particularly suited for various combat scenarios due to its ability to change calibers from 5.56x45mm to .300 Blackout. The rifle features an integrated Picatinny rail on the upper receiver, allowing the attachment of optics and other accessories, along with M-LOK rails positioned at 3, 6, and 9 o'clock along the handguard. The modular design allows the user to easily dismantle and replace the barrel. The rifle is fully ambidextrous, with controls on both sides. It operates with a short-stroke gas piston system, and the two-position gas regulator ensures constant operation in all environmental conditions.

Among its features, the ARAD is equipped with a telescopic polymer stock, an ergonomic grip, and attachment points for slings. Designed to minimize maintenance, its parts are corrosion-resistant, and its hammer-forged, chrome-lined free-floating barrel enhances accuracy and durability. The ARAD can use steel, aluminum, or polymer magazines that meet NATO/MIL-STD standards.

In terms of specifications, the rifle is chambered in 5.56x45mm or .300 Blackout, with a 292mm (11.5-inch) barrel. The total length of the weapon varies between 720mm (with the stock retracted) and 800mm (with the stock extended), and it weighs approximately 2.85 kg without a magazine. The rate of fire is between 700 and 1,100 rounds per minute.

ARAD 7

The ARAD-7 assault rifle from Israel Weapon Industries (IWI) is a multi-caliber weapon designed for infantry, law enforcement, and special forces units. It complies with strict NATO standards for small arms, including environmental standards, ensuring its ruggedness and reliability in various combat environments. Using a semi-automatic short-stroke gas piston system, the ARAD-7 offers high accuracy thanks to its cold-hammer-forged chrome-lined barrel and precise manufacturing tolerances, allowing operators to engage targets effectively at distances between 300 and 1,000 meters.

The rifle is equipped with an extended Picatinny rail integrated into the upper receiver, enabling the attachment of optics and other accessories. This rail ensures that zero is maintained even when night devices are added. Additionally, 360-degree M-LOK rails are positioned around the handguard for customization. The ARAD-7 also features a telescopic folding stock, providing excellent ergonomics and adjustability according to the operator's needs. The rifle is fully ambidextrous, and its modular design allows for easy disassembly and barrel changes. A three-position gas regulator ensures optimal performance in all environmental conditions.

In terms of specifications, the ARAD-7 is available with 368mm or 406mm barrels. It uses 7.62x51mm ammunition, with a 1:12-inch rifling twist (four right-hand grooves). Weighing between 4.15 and 4.55 kg without a magazine, the rifle is designed for minimal maintenance, with the major components (such as the barrel and frame) having a service life of at least 20,000 rounds. The ARAD-7 is also equipped with Picatinny and M-LOK rails positioned around the handguard for attaching additional accessories.