The IDF will equip its troops with the new Tavor assault rifl

IMRA ^ | 7-24-02

[SJackson]

The IDF will equip its troops with the new Tavor assault rifle, manufactured by Israel Military Industries.

Globes' correspondent 23 July 2002

Hebrew daily "Yediot Ahronot" reports that the IDF will equip its troops with the new Tavor assault rifle, manufactured by Israel Military Industries (IMI), the IDF Army Headquarters decided yesterday. The decision will shortly be sent to IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Moshe Yaalon for approval.

Most IDF troops currently use the obsolescent US M-16 or Israeli Galil rifle. The IDF decided a new, more advanced rifle was needed. The two alternatives were the Tavor and the M-4, an updated version of the short M-16. The advantage of the M-4 is it could be bought with US military aid.

Both rifles underwent extended testing in the past year. The Tavor was given to soldiers in the Givati infantry brigade, and the M-4 to the Nahal infantry brigade. Both rifles saw operational use in the fighting in the territories.

Yesterday, GOC Army Headquarters Maj.-Gen. Yiftah Ron Tal convened a meeting that decided that the Tavor will be the IDF's next rifle. The IDF will shortly open negotiations with IMI to finalize delivery details.

The Tavor is equipped with an Israeli-built integral reflex optical reflective sight. The rifle's rearward center of gravity provides easy aiming, including in the standing position. The rifle passed many firing tests, proving effective in difficult field conditions. Givati infantrymen, who have used the Tavor for months, have heaped praise on the new rifle, saying it was very comfortable, accurate and always reliable on the battlefield.

[Dallas]

TAR-25 (Tavor Assault Rifle)

CTAR-25 (Commando Tavor Assault Rifle)

STAR-25 (Sharpshooter Tavor Assault Rifle)

[Jack Black]

Here is the picture. Another trendy but weird bullpup design. IMI built the Gallil, often considered the Cadillac of AK-47s. This means it may work better than the current Enfield bullpup, which has been plagued by problems from day one. The Styer AUG is probably the best of the bullpup designs currently in service.

[Illbay]

The IDF will equip its troops with the new Tavor assault rifle, manufactured by Israel Military Industries.

Gee, where do you suppose they got the money for this?

[Boonie Rat]

The advantage of the M-4 is it could be bought with US military aid.

Gotta love it.

Boonie Rat

MACV SOCOM, PhuBai/Hue '65-'66

[Andy Ross]

The advantage of the M-4 is it could be bought with US military aid.

Looks like you started typing as soon as you saw the story had something to do with Jews.

Andrew

[Illbay]

No, as soon as it had something to do with the (U.S. subsidized) Israeli military.

[1rudeboy]

Looks like we got our money's worth, in my opinion.

[Illbay]

Oh? I wasn't aware that OUR military were receiving these rifles.

[Andy Ross]

Yeah, but the bile overflowed so quickly that you failed to notice that US funds could only have been used for the American rifle.

Andrew

[1rudeboy]

Don't be dense. You think the technology won't be shared?

[Illbay]

This is as silly an argument as that of Congress' promising a "social security lockbox."

The money's all in one pile, dude.

[Illbay]

I think we can come up with our own technology. In fact, I'll bet if you look into it, the Israelis have manufactured this weapon with AMERICAN technology--possibly stolen.

[xsrdx]

"SUBSIDIZE LOCAL INDUSTRY" Bump

Wait and see if anybody else buys this bullpup? Interesting....

[xsrdx]

IMI built the Gallil, often considered the Cadillac of AK-47s.

The Galil is actually a hybridized AKM, it incorporates elements of Stoners AR15/AR180 also. The AK cadillac is probably the Valmet.

The AUG and French FAMAS, along with the SA80, are the only other bullpups adopted by major armies, of the three only the AUG has been successfully exported.

Interestingly I've heard little about this rifle in the small arms press, it's been developed quietly.

M4 MWS or SOPMOD is a more flexible choice but perhaps this rifle will be successful.

The IDF is generally intolerant of crap, apparently unlike the UK MOD.

[Crowcreek]

Say -- that looks like my 'Harris bipod'....

[xsrdx]

Yup, a Harris bipod on JB's pic, also looks like an ACOG scope or similar, not the issue reflex. Hmmm.

[Let's Roll]

Right, Yehuda, even if he doesn't think Israel has a right to defend herself, you would think the phrase "first line of defense" might have some meaning.