Argentina, one of Latin America's most established military powers, has left behind a critical threshold in its small arms modernization program. Concrete steps have been taken in the process initiated to replace the veteran infantry rifles actively used by land, naval, and air elements for many years across the country. Acceptance tests for the first batch of Israeli-origin ARAD-5 and ARAD-7 platforms, procured within the framework of interstate agreements, have successfully concluded.

The first batch of rifles that arrived in the country at the beginning of September enabled the initiation of a comprehensive orientation and training process for instructors and armory technicians in military units. This shipment is considered the first practical reflection of the Buenos Aires administration's long-term modernization vision. Following the rigorous acceptance tests conducted at the Campo de Mayo Military Garrison, the manufacturing company plans to deepen operation and maintenance training for all force commands.

Technical Capacity and Modular Architecture

The meticulous technical and operational evaluation process, coordinated by the General Staff of Argentina and attended by personnel from all branches, was completed in 2025. In the competitive process attended by a total of eight different defense companies from Israel, Europe, and the United States, the ideal system was sought to replace the FAL rifles used by army infantry, air force, and naval security personnel, as well as the M-16s used by the marines. As a result of the evaluations, the choice turned toward Israel's modular solutions.

The ARAD-5 and ARAD-7 platforms were designed based on the AR-15 and AR-10 architectures to respond to the changing needs of the modern battlefield. Equipped with a short-stroke gas piston system that enhances reliability and durability, the ARAD-5 model offers 5.56×45 mm NATO and .300 AAC Blackout ammunition options, while the ARAD-7 supports 7.62×51 mm NATO and 6.5 mm Creedmoor calibers. Both rifles seamlessly adapt to different operational scenarios with fully ambidextrous control mechanisms, monolithic Picatinny rails, and M-LOK handguard structures. Additionally, the weapons are deployed in the field integrated with MEPRO M-5 electro-optic red dot sights.

Conclusion and Future Perspective

Accelerating unit-level integration activities with the shipment of the first batch, the Argentine defense bureaucracy aims to expand the supply chain. In line with the made plans, the delivery of the second batch of the modernization project is expected to take place in the first quarter of 2027. This comprehensive change will standardize the firepower of the Argentine Armed Forces while elevating personnel reaction time and combat effectiveness radius to the highest level.