Israel has завершed the nationwide distribution of thousands of Arad assault rifles to rapid response teams, marking a major step toward standardizing and strengthening local defense capabilities.
These rapid response units are part of a broader initiative led by the Ground Forces Command to enhance domestic security, particularly in communities located near border areas.
The rollout follows a 100-million-shekel ($31.8 million) procurement contract with Israel Weapon Industries (IWI), signed through the Defense Procurement Directorate’s Land Acquisition Unit. The agreement includes a 10-year sustainment package and Meprolight M5 optical sights transferred from existing IDF inventories.
Israeli officials said the program incorporates lessons from the October 2023 Hamas attack, during which local security teams were often the first to encounter infiltrators but lacked adequate equipment.
The updated doctrine prioritizes forward defense by equipping civilian-backed response teams to delay or disrupt attacks until regular military forces arrive.
As part of this broader effort, Israel announced in December 2025 that M4 and M16 rifles would be issued to the homes of approximately 10,000 soldiers, including reservists from the 96th Division “Gilead,” a unit established in 2024 to protect local communities.
The Arad rifle is an AR-based platform designed for infantry, special operations, and law enforcement roles. Weighing 2.85 kilograms unloaded, it features an 11.5-inch barrel, fully ambidextrous controls, a free-floating barrel, a Picatinny top rail, and an M-LOK handguard.
The standard Arad supports 5.56×45-millimeter NATO and .300 BLK calibers, using a short-stroke gas-piston system with an adjustable regulator, a rate of fire of up to 1,100 rounds per minute, and an effective range of up to 500 meters.
Newer variants include the heavier Arad 7, chambered for 7.62×51-millimeter NATO or 6.5-millimeter Creedmoor, and the Arad 7 DMR, a semi-automatic designated marksman rifle optimized for precision, durability, and sustained performance.
