The Argentine Armed Forces have received an initial batch of 250 ARAD modular assault rifles from Israel Weapon Industries, initiating the replacement of the service’s aging FN FAL and M16 systems.
The acquisition, led by the Argentine Joint Chiefs of Staff, was signed under a government-to-government contract with Tel Aviv last June.
Buenos Aires specified that the delivery covered 200 ARAD-5 5.56×45mm rifles for the Argentine Air Force and Naval Infantry, along with 50 ARAD-7 7.62×51mm rifles chambered for Argentine Army security units.
Both variants feature short-stroke gas-piston systems, ambidextrous controls, Picatinny accessory rails, and MEPRO M-5 red dot electro-optical sights.
Shipments followed extensive evaluations by the South American military from 2024 to 2025, testing the weapons against alternatives from the US and European markets.
$3-Million Program for 1,600 Rifles
The handover forms part of an expected 1,600-rifle contract, with the next tranche scheduled for early 2027 following instructor training later this month.
Local sources reported that the government spent approximately 2 billion Argentine pesos ($1.3 million) on ARAD-5 and 2.7 billion pesos ($1.7 million) for the ARAD-7 through August 2026.
Officials are now weighing options to establish a local assembly line for future production.
“It is not common for a generation of military personnel to have the privilege of experiencing the replacement of their individual weapons,” Argentine Defence Minister Carlos Presti said during a ceremony at the Patricios Infantry Regiment in Buenos Aires.
“A rifle remains for decades, accompanying training, drills, and operations, and in the most extreme instance of the military profession, it accompanies the soldier in combat. The ARAD-5 and ARAD-7 rifles will accompany the Argentine combatant for many years to come.”
The small arms upgrade aligns with broader defense recapitalization efforts under President Javier Milei, which include purchases of F-16 combat aircraft, P-3 Orion maritime patrol aircraft, and Stryker armored fighting vehicles.