The Defense Ministry signed a contract with Israel Weapon Industries (IWI) to initially acquire 700 ARAD 5 and ARAD 7 rifles, plus 167 blank-firing guns, to replace, according to reports, the use of the Light Automatic Rifle (FAL).

The initial shipment will arrive in the coming days for an estimated amount of two million dollars, and the contract could be extended to 12 million, Ambito Financiero newspaper reported.

The replacement of the FAL in the Argentine Armed Forces will be gradual.

The Military Capabilities Plan also includes the acquisition of pistols, machine guns, grenade launchers, optical systems, and ammunition for the other military forces, the Navy, and the Air Force.

The process to finalize this agreement with IWI began in 2024, under the leadership of then-Defense Minister Luis Petri.

During his tenure, negotiations were held to address, as he explained, the logistical shortcomings in supplies, transportation, and equipment that the country had been experiencing for decades.

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