Israel Completes Rollout of Arad Assault Rifles to Rapid Response Teams
Israel has completed the nationwide distribution of Arad assault rifles to rapid response teams, part of a $31.8 million procurement deal with Israel Weapon Industries. This initiative aims to enhance local defense capabilities following lessons from the October 2023 Hamas attack.
The contract includes a 10-year sustainment package and optical sights supplied from existing IDF stockpiles. Additionally, in December 2025, firearms such as M4 and M16 rifles will be distributed to 10,000 soldiers in the 96th Division 'Gilead,' a reserve unit created in 2024.
The Arad rifle, weighing 2.85 kg, fires 5.56×45 mm NATO cartridges, with a rate of fire of 1,100 rounds per minute and a range of 500 meters. Variants include the Arad 7, compatible with 7.62 mm NATO cartridges.
