The rumours have been doing the rounds for a while but Israel’s IWI has now announced the introduction of their new AR-pattern rifle, the ARAD. The ARAD uses a short-stroke gas piston operating system rather than the AR-15’s direct impingement system but shares many features with Stoner’s iconic rifle.

IWI ARAD and Masada (IWI)

The rifle is chambered in 5.56x45mm and has a hammer-forged, chrome-lined, free-floated 11.5in barrel with a 1:7 twist. The rifle’s controls are fully ambidextrous. Its gas system has a 2 position regulator with settings for ‘regular’ and one for suppressor use. The rifle ships with either a Picatinny or MLOK forend and has a monolithic upper with a full length 12 o’clock Picatinny rail. Interestingly, the rifle also has a quick detachable barrel, which can “be replaced by a user in a matter of seconds”. This would presumably allow users to change barrel lengths for specific mission parameters and possibly allow calibre conversions as a later option. The rifle is pictured in both black and FDE finishes.

IWI ARAD in FDE (IWI)

Here’s what IWI have to say about the ARAD (from their website):

IWI ARAD Assault Rifle is designed for Infantry use, Special units and Law Enforcement units.

IWI ARAD is especially intended for all kinds of combat scenarios with it’s ability to change calibers.

IWI ARAD is equipped with a picatinny rail to enable the use of a variety of optics and other attachments. The picatinny rail is an integral part of the upper receiver of the rifle. In addition, M-LOK rails at the 3, 6 and 9 o’clock positions along the handguard. It includes a telescopic buttstock which allows the users to adjust the length individually for their particular needs.
The modular structure of the rifle enables the user to easily dismantle and replace the barrel. The weapon is fully ambidextrous with controls on both sides of the rifle.

IWI ARAD Assault Rifle is a short stroke gas piston operated, with a regulator which allows constant operation in all environmental conditions.

A close up of the ARAD’s forend with rail covers and a  VFG (IWI)

A close up of the ARAD’s buttstock (IWI)

Here’s a promo video from IWI:

The ARAD’s Technical Specs:

• Caliber: 5.56X45mm
• Rifling: 6 RH Grooves, 1:7″ twist
• Barrel length (mm) : 292 (11.5″)
• Total length, butt retracted (mm): 720
• Total length, butt extended (mm): 800
• Weight (approx.. Kg) (w/o magazine): 2.85
• Rate of fire (approx.. Rd./min): 700~1100

The ARAD is not currently available in the US. You can find out more about the ARAD here.