Argentina's Ministry of Defense has completed acceptance testing of the first batch of IWI ARAD-5 and ARAD-7 rifles acquired via Israel's Ministry of Defense, according to an announcement from the Argentine government. Defense Minister Lt. Gen. Carlos Alberto Presti presided over the presentation ceremony at the Patricios Infantry Regiment on October 2, 2025, joined by Joint Chiefs of Staff Admiral Marcelo Alejandro Dalle Nogare and service chiefs from all three branches.
The procurement marks a significant milestone in Argentina's military modernization program. The rifles will replace aging FAL firearms currently used by Argentine Army infantry and security personnel across the Air Force and Navy, as well as M-16 rifles operated by the Marine Corps infantry, according to the Ministry of Defense announcement.
The locally produced 7.62x51mm FAL rifles have been in Argentine service for decades and is supplemented in service by the Steyr AUG and M4 carbine. A decade ago, back in 2016, it was announced that Fabricaciones Militares would produce the 7.62x51mm Beretta ARX200 under license to begin replacing the venerable FAL in 2020. Subsequently in 2018, however, Fabricaciones Militares delivered the first batch of modernised FAL rifles. The selection of the ARAD now signals a move in another direction.
Government-to-State Procurement Process
The Argentine Joint Staff's Directorate General of Logistics managed the acquisition through a state-to-state contract with Israel's Ministry of Defense. According to the Argentine government the evaluation process examined eight firms from Argentina, Israel, Europe, and the United States before selecting the ARAD system, according to the government statement.
Technical and operational assessments conducted by Joint Staff personnel from all three services continued through 2025. Technical staff from the Argentine Army completed acceptance tests at the Campo de Mayo Military Garrison before the formal presentation.
Technical Specifications and Capabilities
The 5.56x45mm ARAD-5 uses AR-15 architecture while the 7.62x51mm ARAD-7 employs AR-10 architecture. At the ceremony FDE ARAD-7s were seen while Argentine Marines had black ARAD-5s. Both variants will be equipped with MEPRO M-5 red dot sights. The rifles provide reduced weight, greater modular capacity, and compatibility with emerging technologies compared to the older FALs. "A rifle remains for decades, accompanying training, exercises, operations, and in the most extreme instance of the military profession, accompanies the soldier in combat," Minister Presti said during the ceremony. "The ARAD-5 and ARAD-7 will accompany the Argentine combatant for many years."
Training and Deployment Timeline
Manufacturer IWI is scheduled to begin operation and maintenance training courses for personnel from all three services in October 2026, according to the government announcement. The second batch of rifles is expected to arrive in the first quarter of 2027.
The procurement supports President Javier Milei's military modernization initiative. "The ARMA Plan allows us to finance the means, the Military Career Strengthening Policy allows us to care for and develop the human capital that must employ them," Presti said, linking equipment acquisition to personnel development programs.
Broader Modernization Context
Minister Presti emphasized the acquisition represents one component of a larger transformation effort. "It is not enough to renew equipment. The transformation must also reach the career of those who have the responsibility to employ it," he stated during the presentation.
The defense minister framed the delivery as marking the beginning of new operational responsibilities rather than the conclusion of a procurement process. "We have a professionally chosen system, we have a tool that represents a qualitative leap, and we have, fundamentally, the human capital capable of being up to what this moment demands," Presti said.
IWI commented on the procurement saying: "It's exciting to see Argentina join other global forces in trusting the ARAD platform. A significant step towards enhanced capabilities for their military and law enforcement. These additions are part of Argentina's broader strategy to update and improve the effectiveness of individual weaponry for their personnel."
The ceremony was attended by Argentine Army Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Oscar Santiago Zarich, Navy Chief of Staff Admiral Juan Carlos Romay, and Air Force Chief of Staff Brig. Gen. Gustavo Javier Valverde, reflecting the joint-service nature of the procurement. The state-to-state contract structure bypasses traditional commercial procurement channels, facilitating direct government coordination between Argentina and Israel on defense acquisitions.
