India Explores Integration Of IWI’s Arbel Smart Weapon System

The leading small-arms manufacturer, India and Israel Weapon Industries (IWI), has opened discussions to explore the integration of the revolutionary Arbel computerised weapon system for Indian forces.

IWI manufactures the Arbel system and touts it as the world’s first fully computerised small-arms fire-control system, designed to significantly improve soldiers’ accuracy, lethality and decision-making in complex battlefield scenarios.

In an interview, IWI CEO Shuki Schwartz stated that initial discussions are already happening, saying, “We are currently in early-stage conversations about integrating the ARBEL systems in India.”

The Arbel system employs advanced sensors, real-time ballistic computation and target-acquisition capabilities to help soldiers achieve greater hit probability across varying combat environments.

The system monitors the weapon’s movement and trigger status to identify the user’s tactical scenario and aiming pattern.

Its Micro Electro Mechanical System (MEMS) algorithm determines the optimal fire solution within milliseconds.

After the shooter presses and holds the trigger following the first shot, Arbel evaluates the shooter’s movements and fires the next rounds only when it determines the likelihood of a hit is high.

The system can be fitted onto any small-arms platform and operates without needing a dedicated optical device.

Range of IWI weapons

Indian armed and security forces have acquired a range of IWI weapons: assault rifles like the Tavor TAR-21 Assault Rifle and its variant IWI X95 Assault Rifle, sniper rifles from the Galil Sniper Rifle family, and light machine guns such as the Negev NG-7 Light Machine Gun over the years.

In recent years, authorities have signed contracts for thousands of Negev light machine guns to bolster frontline and paramilitary firepower.

Schwartz also highlighted the expanding partnership between IWI and the Indian defence sector.

“In the last two decades, we have been working closely with India to equip different defence organisations, and we have seen the growth over the years,” Schwartz said.

He further added, “We are proud to be among the first to adopt the Make in India initiative, which has enabled larger quantities and a bigger market share in India.”

He also added that IWI is already producing barrels in India and remains open to deeper technology cooperation as per India’s requirements.

Schwartz concluded by saying, “We are absolutely open to deeper technology as the market and contracts require”.

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