Photo: Israeldefence.
The Israeli company ARI ARMS will provide the IDF with 10,000 modern OR-4 assault rifles, replacing the Tavor from the infantry brigades. The NIS 50 million deal is the largest defence contract of the year.
On 1 December 2024, it was announced that ARI ARMS won a tender from the Israeli Ministry of Defence for the supply of 10,000 OR-4 assault rifles. This modern modification of the M-16 and M-4, designed to meet the latest needs of the army, will cost NIS 50 million. According to the Time Ukraine Israel portal, citing theVesty. publication, the first deliveries are expected in the coming months.
The tender, announced in February 2024 amid the armed conflict in Gaza, initially attracted the attention of leading Israeli companies such as IWI, Emtan Carmiel and Silver Shadow. However, ARI ARMS won the tender by offering the most favourable terms.
ARI ARMS: from innovation to military contracts
ARI ARMS, based in the Emek Hefer Industrial Zone, is a leader in the production of small arms. The company is owned by businessmen Oren Anconin and Avihai Stolero and has extensive experience in working with defence companies around the world. Previously, ARI ARMS successfully exported rifles to the US market, supplying tens of thousands of units annually.
The OR-4 model is the result of many years of research and development of the AR-15 rifle family. It has already proven to be a reliable weapon adapted to modern military needs.
The importance of the contract for the IDF
The new contract is of strategic importance for the unification of personal weapons in IDF infantry units. The OR-4 assault rifles will gradually replace the Tavor, which will remain in service with other units. According to representatives of the Ministry of Defence, before the outbreak of war in October 2023, the army had purchased only 2,800 Tavor units, which was insufficient for current challenges.
The contract also provides for an option to expand the supply to 20,000 rifles, which would increase the total value of the deal to NIS 100 million. The Ministry of Defence does not rule out an additional tender to meet the growing needs of the army.
The future of Israeli small arms
Subsequent tenders, like this one, will focus exclusively on the Israeli industry, supporting the development of local production. The supply of the new rifles will not only strengthen the army’s combat capability, but also support the domestic defence industry market.
The decision to make a massive transition to OR-4 demonstrates Israel’s desire to adapt to modern challenges by strengthening its army in the face of growing regional threats.
