The Ecuadorian Army has operationally incorporated the Israeli-made IWI (Israel Weapon Industries) Arad 5.56×45 millimeter rifle.
A total of 5,700 units have been acquired, which are part of combat kits that include tactical helmets, vests, and ammunition, with which the country begins the process of progressive replacement of the current material.
All this is part of an integral bilateral project signed between the governments of Ecuador and Israel, for which the South American country has also recently signed a contract valued at US$65 million with the company Elbit Systems for the acquisition of 137 4×4 and 6×6 armored vehicles.
The announcement of this process was made by the commander of this institution, General Gustavo Acosta, in statements to Ecuavisa media.
He stated, “this project is a reality; we are going to replace all the rifles, helmets, and individual combat equipment that the soldiers have”.
THE ARAD
IWI has increased in recent years the promotion in the Latin American market of its Arad line, more precisely, the models
11.5 (six rifling on the right),
14. 5 (six right-hand riflings) and
300 BLK (five right-hand riflings) with Mepro M5 red dot sights,
They are said to be ergonomic and very light weapons thanks to a modern and highly modular design, which has – among other features – a retractable polymer stock adjustable according to the operator’s needs, ergonomic grip, and four QD anchor points.
In addition, the weapon is fully ambidextrous: safety, magazine release, and bolt lock.
The Arad has a short gas piston recoil mechanism, a hammered and chrome-plated barrel, and a Picatinny rail (Mil-TD 1913) on the top of the receiver.
Its magazines are of NATO type for 5.56×45 millimeter ammunition and with a rate of fire between 700 to 1,000 rounds per minute.