August 11, 2003. Copyright 2002. Graphic News. All rights reserved.

Israel -- end of days for American M-16 rifle

LONDON, August 11, Graphic News: Israel is replacing its American-supplied Colt M-16 assault rifles with a new home-grown weapon known as the ÒTavor.Ó

The first Tavors -- made by Israel Military Industries (IMI) -- have been issued to elite Israeli infantry units such as the Givati Brigade as part of an initial $20 million order for 15,000 rifles.

The design of the TAR-21 (Tavor Assault Rifle for the 21st Century) is based largely on lessons learned during military operations in the West Bank and Gaza Strip against the 34-month-old Palestinian uprising, or Intifada. ÒThe Tavor is probably the finest assault rifle now available. It is a matter of national pride,Ó said Moti Rosen, vice president of the small-arms division at IMI.

The first concept of the Tavor wasnÕt by professional weapons engineers, but surprisingly by two civilian product designers, without any firearms background, from the Formtech design company. Even more remarkable is the fact that the production model actually maintained most of the original features. According to Tamir Porat of Formtech, each piece, angle, and moving part of the Tavor was designed to become an extension of a soldierÕs body.

Named after Mount Tavor, where biblical Israelites fought to free themselves from Canaanite oppression, the Tavor is a compact 5.56mm, ÒbullpupÓ assault rifle. The bullpup design -- which puts the magazine and breech well behind the trigger mechanism -- allows for a very short weapon which can be used in confined spaces such as the back of vehicles. This design also results in a rear centre of gravity making the weapon more accurate in instinctive and one-handed fire and more comfortable to operate than the M-16.

There are three versions of the Tavor -- a standard infantry model, weighing 3.6 kg (7.9 lb) with a loaded magazine of 30 rounds, a sharpshooting rifle with a magnifying sight and bipod, and a commando version for paratroopers, airborne and special rescue teams operating in tough operational conditions. It is insensitive to water and can be fired immediately after immersion in the sea. 

IMIÕs Rosen said the Tavor spells the end of the M-16 which has been supplied to Israel since the early 1970s as part of WashingtonÕs annual defence grants. ÒAs for the Americans, IÕm sorry if they lose business but thatÕs the price of progress,Ó Rosen said.

Deals are also under way to sell the weapon, retailing at $1,000, to Òfriendly foreign clients.Ó India became the launch customer for the Tavor when IMI secured an estimated $20 million for an unspecified quantity of arms last December.
/ENDS

Sources: IMI, JaneÕs Defence Weekly