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Brazil has moved to procure 4,000 new 5.56x45mm IMBEL IA2 Carbines. The state owned Indústria de Material Bélico do Brasil or IMBEL, has been awarded a contract worth over $7 million.
Jane’s report that the Brazilian Army’s Logistics Command has confirmed the purchase of the new rifles as part of a contract worth R$25.64 million or $7.3 million. The new rifles are part of Brazil’s ongoing move to replace their 7.62x51mm FN FAL licensed clones, the M964.
The IMBEL A2 (or IA2) was adopted in August 2015, chambered in 5.56x45mm it weighs 3.38 kg or 7.3 lbs unloaded. The rifle has had a number of changes to its stock with the production model measuring 34 inches or 85 cm with its stock extended and 24 inches or 60 cm with it folded. The carbine has a 13 inch / 33 cm barrel while the rifle variant has a reported barrel length of around 18 inches / 46 cm. The rifle has a full length top rail, feeds from STANAG magazines but is not ambidextrous.
IMBEL IA2 Carbine with green upper (IMBEL)
IMBEL’s product page for the rifle explains:
The Assault Rifle 5.56 IA2 meets the requirements established by the Army, having been approved and adopted as standard Ground Force weaponry. With automatic, semi-automatic and repeat shooting schemes – for launching grenade nozzles aims to meet the operational needs of the military and security forces. Using new technologies, concepts and polymeric materials, the lA2 family guns are lighter, ergonomic and more maneuverable. Its picatinny rails, arranged across the top surface of the breech box lid and on all faces of the guardman, allow the coupling of various devices such as tactical flashlights, laser pointers, quick-gliding beacons, night vision or lunettes of precision
Here’s some video of the IA2 in action:
A prototype 7.62x51mm variant, which feeds from standard FAL magazines, has also been developed. The contract reportedly stipulates that the new rifles must be delivered within 8 months of the contract award. For more on the history of the rifle’s development check out this SADJ article by fellow TFB writer Ronaldo Olive.
