Israel MOD and IDF Complete Distribution of Thousands of ‘Arad’ Rifles to Rapid Response Teams

The Israel Ministry of Defense (IMOD) and IDF have completed the distribution of thousands of advanced Arad rifles to rapid response teams across the country, marking a significant milestone in Israel’s community defense strategy.

The deal with Israel Weapon Industries (IWI), valued at approximately $31 million (NIS 100 million), was signed through the Ministry’s Defense Procurement Directorate (DPD) Land Acquisition Unit. It forms part of the Ministry and IDF Ground Forces Command’s broader initiative to bolster security capabilities in communities nationwide.

Beyond supplying the rifles, the agreement includes comprehensive maintenance support for the next decade, including upkeep of Meprolight M5 optical sights. These sights will be transferred from IDF stocks and mounted on the weapons.

The completion of the initiative will create a standardized, Israeli-manufactured defense system for rapid response teams. This represents another significant step in advancing the Ministry’s strategy to expand Israel’s defense production base based on lessons learned from the war.