Tel Aviv: Israel Weapon Industries (IWI), has launched an assembly plant in Peru in collaboration with FAME, a key Peruvian defence industry company affiliated with the Peruvian Ministry of Defense. This strategic partnership enhances Peru’s defence capabilities while fostering local industrial growth.
The facility is already supplying ARAD rifles to the Peruvian Armed Forces and National Police, starting with an initial order of 10,000 rifles and plans to significantly expand production in the coming years. Additionally, the plant has provided thousands of Meprolight M21 reflex sights, with further deliveries planned to support Peru’s security forces as they continue upgrading their capabilities. This collaboration reinforces Peru’s commitment to equipping its forces with cutting-edge, combat-proven technology.
The Peruvian requirements for local production approach ensures rapid deployment of advanced weaponry, enhances operational flexibility, and improves readiness for defence challenges by providing faster response times and reducing logistical dependencies.
Through this partnership with FAME, the Peruvian forces have upgraded their small arms innovatory inventory to meet the demands of contemporary combat scenarios, including urban warfare and day-night operations. The selection of the ARAD 7 as the primary rifle for the Peruvian Armed Forces, along with upgrading current equipment, marks a significant step in equipping the military with advanced capabilities meeting modern battlefield challenges.
The ARAD rifle was developed in close collaboration with the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) and Israel Police Forces. It was introduced to the market only after the completion of its development process and after successfully meeting the most stringent testing protocols, including extensive field trials and fully complies with military standards (MIL-STD) and operational requirements.
The ARAD rifle is a versatile and reliable weapon for infantry and special units, featuring a short-stroke gas piston system, a two-position gas regulator, and a fully ambidextrous design. Its modular structure allows for easy maintenance and quick barrel replacement, reducing costs and enhancing operational efficiency.
The ARAD operates in multiple calibers, including 7.62x51mm, 5.56x45mm and 300 BLK, making it adaptable for urban warfare and long-range engagements. Its ergonomic design and quick-detachable barrel ensure it remains a preferred choice for military and law enforcement units, aligning with the needs of rapid response and border protection forces.
The M21 sight is a dual-illuminated reflex sight that offers constant, battery-free aiming. It harnesses a fiber-optic light-collection system for daylight illumination and a miniature self-powered Tritium capsule for nighttime visibility. The transition between these two lighting systems is seamless and automatic, ensuring optimal performance in varying lighting conditions.
The sight’s lens and highly visible reticle facilitate instinctive close-range shooting in urban and close quarters combat situations, as well as accurate shooting over longer distances in open terrain. Designed to the highest military standards, the M21 guarantees years of reliable operation even under harsh environmental conditions.
“We are deeply pleased to strengthen our collaboration with FAME and expand our presence in Peru. This step reflects IWI’s strong commitment to the region by providing advanced defence technology tailored to local needs and realities. This project not only contributes to strengthening the country’s defence capabilities but also promotes job creation and fosters local economic growth,” said Tom Polak, Director of Marketing and Sales, SK Group.
“Looking ahead, we anticipate the continued expansion of this partnership. At IWI, our work goes beyond weapon manufacturing; we work closely with the forces on the ground, developing solutions that arise directly from the real challenges of the battlefield. Each of our products is designed with the goal of being more precise, reliable, and effective. Our experience is not only based on decades of high-quality engineering but also on the successful operations where our systems have been decisive in turning complex missions into accomplished objectives,” Tom Polak 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
