Counter-UAS with a standard rifle: IWI unveils new generation of the Arbel fire control system

Israel Weapon Industries (IWI) has unveiled the next generation of its computerised small arms system Arbel in time for two trade fairs: IDEX 2025 from 17 to 21 February and Enforce Tac from 24 to 26 February. The Israeli company is part of SK Group and produces small arms; the new system also targets counter-UAS.

Building on the previous year's concept design, the system brings improvements for combat scenarios: precise suppressive fire for light machine guns (LMG) and rifle-based counter-drone capability.

According to IWI, the new Arbel retains the precision and accuracy of its predecessor. In addition, the system compensates when the user's physical and mental concentration declines due to overexertion, fatigue, stress or other factors – especially when a target is visible only briefly, for two to three seconds.

Arbel-Negev and Arbel-Arad at a glance

Arbel-Negev provides an optimised trigger unit for the Negev LMG. It consists of a different grip assembly that adds only 900 grams to the weapon. The automatic fire mode is retained and supplemented by an Arbel-assisted burst mode – necessary because ammunition often has to be conserved in prolonged engagements.

Arbel can also be integrated into the Arad LMG. Here, replacing the lower receiver is enough to increase precision and hit probability. All standard controls of the weapon are retained, and the user can engage aerial threats very effectively with his standard rifle. Training effort with the Arbel-Arad is also minimal, as the basic actions of aiming, pulling the trigger and firing remain the same. Weapons and optics are the same as before.

Depending on the selected fire mode, engagement ranges of up to 450 metres are possible. No additional equipment is needed to engage drones; the weapon can be supported on a bipod or other aids. The Arbel system is compatible not only with IWI's Arad but also with all other AR-15 platforms in 5.56-millimetre calibre.

Counter-UAS in field trials

Ronen Hamudot, Executive VP of Marketing & Sales at IWI, describes the new features as follows:

The optimised Arbel system not only improves front-line soldiers' ability to neutralise aerial threats with their personal weapon, but also significantly increases the precision and efficiency of our Negev light machine gun— Ronen Hamudot, Executive VP of Marketing & Sales at IWI

The Arbel-based Arad represents a breakthrough in counter-drone defence. It is capable of engaging aerial threats in real time. The system is currently undergoing operational field trials to evaluate its effectiveness in various combat environments. These advances enhance the fundamental advantages of Arbel.— Ronen Hamudot, Executive VP of Marketing & Sales at IWI

The Arbel system does not change how the weapon fundamentally works: if the battery fails, the weapon continues to function normally. With the safety engaged, Arbel's power supply lasts for up to 50 hours of continuous operation. The system works independently of the optics used, supports several mission-specific configurations and meets the highest military standards, including MIL-STD-810 for harsh environmental conditions. At IDEX and Enforce Tac, IWI is showing various Arad models in 5.56-millimetre and 7.62-millimetre calibres, a new lightweight Negev variant – the Negev-7 ULMG (ultra-light machine gun) – and other IWI platforms.