The armed forces of Peru are evaluating the purchase of the Israeli developed Negev machine gun. This advanced weapon is manufactured by Israel weapon industries (IWI). The Negev is a light machinegun (less than 17 pounds unloaded) meant to be easily fired by one man on the move.
The Negev can fire over 700 rounds a minute in full-auto. It can be switched to semi-auto for highly accurate single shots. It already comes in 5.56mm and 7.62mm variants, and IWI says it could be easily reconfigured to take different calibers.
In 2023 Israel Weapon Industries (IWI) has signed a ToT (Transfer of Technology and Knowledge) agreement with FAME, under which both companies will establish an as semblance and production line in Peru for the ARAD family of assault rifles.
Under the terms of the agreement, IWI will provide FAME with technological knowledge regarding small arms assembly, advanced quality assurance and maintenance processes. In the future, the companies will also explore the possibility of expanding production to include additional weapons and relevant optical sights for the country’s defense and security forces.
After the signing of the contract Leoncio Noriega Commercial Director of FAME said “IWI is a world-leader company, with decades of proven experience in the development, production and marketing of small arms .This signing aligns us with a partner that has rich experience and technological knowledge that it will share with FAME, as part of the agreement, promoting the Military Industry of Peru. We are sure (convinced) that the cooperation between the companies will be fruitful and long-lasting.”
According to IWI, The ARAD was designed to address the needs of Special Forces as well as the various infantry forces. It includes several advanced features that enable operational flexibility. Fully ambidextrous, the rifle consists of a short-stroke gas piston with a gas regulator in two or 3 positions, which allows constant operation in all environmental conditions. A two-step enhanced trigger ensures both comfort and shooting accuracy.
The lightweight ARAD, weighing only 2.85 kg, is available with barrel lengths of 292mm (11.5”) and 368mm (14.5”) and is also offered with barrel lengths of 419 mm (16.5″) and 508 mm (20″). The 300 BLK version comes with a 9.5 “barrel.
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