The Argentine Army is evaluating the acquisition of Israeli-made ARAD-7 assault rifles to update its small arms inventory.
A multi-caliber weapon, the ARAD-7 can engage targets effectively at distances from 300 to 1,000 meters (984 to 3,280 feet).
It reportedly adheres to rigorous NATO standards, ensuring high interoperability and reliability across diverse combat environments.
The rifle also features a telescopic folding stock that offers exceptional ergonomics and adjustability to meet the needs of operators.
A delegation from the Argentine Ministry of Defense has been sent to Jerusalem to discuss the potential acquisition and explore local production options in Buenos Aires.
According to reports, Israel’s decision whether to allow domestic production of the ARAD-7 in Argentina will largely depend on the volume of the potential order.
Replacing Belgian Rifles
If the procurement goes through, the ARAD-7 will replace the aging FAL (Fusil Automatique Léger) rifles in the Argentine Army.
Manufactured by FN Herstal in Belgium, the FAL uses the NATO 7.62x51mm cartridge.
It has been combat-proven since its introduction in the 1950s, demonstrating effectiveness in various conflicts.
Despite its historical effectiveness, the FAL is now viewed as an outdated weapon for modern warfare, with its aging design and heavy weight negatively affecting soldiers’ agility and mobility on the battlefield.
Adopting a modern, more versatile assault rifle like the ARAD-7 will allow the Argentine Army to execute missions more effectively.
Another Rifle Under Consideration
In addition to the ARAD-7, Buenos Aires is also considering the ARAD-5, which is capable of firing 5.56x45mm or .300 Blackout rounds.
The weapon is based on the AR-15 platform and only weighs 2.85 kilograms (6.3 pounds) without a magazine.
It can also achieve a maximum rate of fire of 1,100 rounds per minute.