Tel Aviv: Israel Weapon Industries (IWI) has developed a advanced aiming system for assault rifles and light machine guns. The advanced aiming system has generated great interest in the world including in some European defence forces.
The Arbel is a state-of-the-art computerised fire control system that significantly increases hit probability and lethality on conventional AR-15 systems. Like any other rifle, the first round is fired mechanically when the shooter pulls the trigger.
The system can turn an assault rifle into a personal anti-drone system.
While the trigger is pulled, the system begins continuously analysing the shooter’s micro-movements and autonomously times the release of subsequent rounds, firing only when it calculates that the probability of a hit is at its peak. This eliminates the need for complex trigger work, one of the most challenging aspects of marksmanship in dynamic scenarios, allowing the shooter to focus entirely on target tracking and aiming.
In drone interception scenarios, where targets are small, fast-moving, and manoeuvre unpredictably at a distance, Arbel offloads the timing of follow-up shots to the system, making accurate and repeatable engagements possible even in high-pressure environments.
The system is capable of intercepting drones at ranges of up to 450 metres during daylight conditions and 250 metres at night, giving soldiers effective standoff capabilities in a wide range of operational settings.
Unlike other counter-drone solutions that require specialised platforms or sensors, Arbel integrates directly into existing AR-15 rifles without the need for external equipment or retraining. Its plug-and-play design enables any soldier to use familiar weapons while gaining immediate performance benefits.
Optics-agnostic and compatible with a wide range of sighting systems, from red dots and LPVOs to thermal and night vision devices, Arbel adapts to the shooter’s preferred setup. In an era where small drones pose an increasing threat on the battlefield, Arbel offers a cost-effective, scalable, and efficient solution that elevates every shooter’s ability to intercept airborne targets with confidence and precision.
According to Israeli weapon experts, the Arbel integrates a computer-based platform, an upgraded electronic trigger mechanism with sensors, and a new “Arbel” firing mode. Sophisticated MEMS-based algorithms analyse the weapon’s movement and the shooter’s aiming pattern in real time. When the user holds the trigger, the system detects the optimal moment for a high-probability hit and automatically releases the shot.
”When the weapon is in Arbel mode, after the first shot, which is always under full operator control, the user simply holds the trigger while aiming. The system then controls subsequent shots, firing only when the weapon is optimally aligned, enabling rapid and accurate follow-up shots,” one of the experts said.
The experts added that the Arbel system preserves all standard weapon controls and ergonomics. For example, on the NEGEV LMG, the selector switch now has Arbel, and auto positions, with the Arbel mode replacing the traditional semi-auto setting. No special optics or additional equipment are required, and the system is optic-agnostic.
According to IWI, Arbel can be integrated into various platforms, including the IWI NEGEV Light Machine Gun (LMG) and ARAD (AR-15 platform) rifles. While on the NEGEV, the system adds about 900 grams via a grip replacement, it involves a lower receiver swap on the ARAD and adds less than a pound.
”By firing only when a hit is most likely, the Arbel system reduces ammunition consumption, which is especially valuable in sustained firefights. This operational requirement became very obvious in the ongoing fighting in Gaza,” said Semion, director for Europe at the SK group that owns IWI.
Elaborating further, he said that the new aiming system creates great international interest including In Europe. He confirmed that the system is operational but was not ready to reveal the users.
“The system has many uses in combat. One that is trying to give some solution to the armed drones threat is being tested now. With this system on the soldier’s assault rifle, he can take part in protecting forces on the ground from an armed drone. The accuracy of the system turns the assault rifle to a relevant weapon that can kill an enemy drone,” he added.
-The writer is an Israel-based freelance journalist. The views expressed are of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views of Raksha Anirveda
