With the intention of replacing the veteran FAL rifles, the Argentine Army has taken the first steps to realize a project that will culminate in the acquisition of a new assault rifle, which could lay the foundations for standardizing this type of equipment in the Argentine Armed Forces. Given the experience of recent years, Daniel Defense products are presented as one of the options to meet the modernization and homogenization requirements across the three branches of the Armed Forces.
It is worth noting that the Daniel Defense rifles have been selected by the Argentine Navy, Army, and Air Force to modernize their special operations troops (TOE), with the Amphibious Command Group leading this updating process. In this case, the project involved the acquisition of Daniel Defense M4A1 and Mk18 kits equipped with Trijicon ACOG TA31RCO sights and DD Wave Quick Detach suppressors, a program that would also partially extend to the 2nd Marine Infantry Battalion.
Meanwhile, to meet the modernization requirements for the armament of its special operations elements, the Argentine Army successfully implemented a project a few years ago that allowed the incorporation of various materials, including DD M4A1 RIS II assault rifles and Daniel Defense DD5V4 special sniper rifles.
The Modernization of the Argentine Army’s Special Operations Group and Hunter Companies
The Special Operations community in general, and the Argentine Army in particular, took a significant step forward when various projects aimed at re-equipping and modernizing the Special Operations Forces Group were carried out, which consolidates all TOE elements of the Army: Command Companies 601, 602, and 603, Special Forces Company 601, and the Army 601 Diver Engineer Company.
In Zona Militar, we have given great importance to this initiative as we believe that this process, due to its scope and scale, would establish the foundations for a long-desired joint standardization of Argentine TOE equipment.
“…Just by evaluating the executed and completed projects in detail, we can fully understand the numerous capabilities incorporated in a very short time. Capabilities that are common in the global Special Operations community but were lacking locally… the acquisitions carried out were for comprehensive, modern, modular weapon systems that, in many cases, are the result of constant evolution driven by the demands of battlefields in recent decades…”.
Among the weaponry acquired for the Army’s special operations troops, and considering the future rifle for the Armed Forces, the following stand out:
Daniel Defense M4A1-EA Assault Rifle: Configured to meet the requirements requested by the Argentine Army, this rifle features the RIS II rail system designed for USSOCOM, equipped with a unique rail system and a 6-screw attachment that allows for free-floating of the barrel, enhancing accuracy and allowing for the easy mounting and dismounting of an M203 grenade launcher without affecting the sight system’s zero.
The rifle has a 14.5-inch chrome molybdenum vanadium steel barrel, cold-hammered, a full-auto ALG trigger group, and a DD Wave QD flash suppressor. Ergonomically, it has a polymer front grip, an adjustable stock, and a pistol grip. The Argentine Army version includes a MAGPUL MBUS Pro flip-up sight kit, Trijicon ACOG 3.5×35 LED sight, DD Wave suppressor, and MAGPUL PMAG Gen 3 magazines. The accessory set is completed with a Vickers sling from Blue Force Gear, MAWC modular aerial transportable pouches from Capewell Aerial Systems, and a Pro-Shot cleaning kit.
Daniel Defense DD5V4-EA Special Sniper Rifle: A semi-automatic rifle in 7.62mm, intended for snipers. This model also features a cold-hammered chrome molybdenum vanadium steel barrel of 18 inches, equipped with a DD Wave QD flash suppressor, as well as a G2S trigger group provided by Geissele. It boasts an MLOK rail and a gas regulator system for use with or without a suppressor.
The optics and associated accessories are supplied by Leupold with their illuminated Mark 5HD 3.6-18×44 TMR scope and Mark IMS mount. It is complemented by the MAGPUL MBUS Pro flip-up sight kit, with the company also providing the bipod and PMAG magazines in 20 and 10-round variants.
As part of a weapon system, the purchase also included a Leupold Mark 4 spotting scope, Bushnell Elite Tactical rangefinder, Kestrel 5700 weather meter, MILDOT Masters analog calculator, and Magneto Speed ballistic chronograph. Other accessories include a Vickers sling, PROSHOT cleaning kit, Real Avid AR tools, Armaggeddon rifle and suppressor pouches, Eberlestock optic protectors, and SKB hard cases.
Based on the experience gained with Daniel Defense material and the decision to establish a path of uniformity, the Argentine Army moved forward with the acquisition of a new batch of Daniel Defense DD5V4-EA rifles for special snipers and Daniel Defense DD5V3 assault rifles, which are expected to be allocated to their Mountain and Jungle Hunter Companies. Replicating what was done with the AFOE, the acquisition of true weapon systems was realized, including optical systems and various accessories, with the ultimate goal of achieving total interoperability of their special operations components regarding weaponry.
Next Step: The Modernization of the Argentine Air Force Special Operations Group
Continuing with the initiative to standardize the weaponry of national TOE, the re-equipping project for the Argentine Air Force’s Special Operations Group also arose from a requirement of the unit due to the condition of its material. This request was raised based on the consistency guidelines set by the Joint Staff of the Argentine Armed Forces “…to try to harmonize (the) special operations weaponry…”. This was confirmed to Zona Militar by the Chief of Staff of the Argentine Air Force, Brigadier General Xavier Isaac.
The then Chief of Staff of the Argentine Air Force, now head of EMCOFAA, detailed to this outlet that it was clear that the GOE’s weaponry was technologically lagging, which could be observed on the ground. Zona Militar had the opportunity to be present at one of the phases of this process, which took place in Córdoba during the joint exercise “Top Malo House 2021”.
In July 2023, we mentioned that “…Coordinated and executed by the CCFOE, the activities (of the Top Malo House 2021 exercise) included the deployment of various special operations elements from the Armed Forces, emphasizing interoperability and jointness. One of the aspects addressed was the exposure of the Chiefs of Staff of the Argentine Air Force, Navy, Army, and EMCO regarding the capabilities, limitations, and requirements of the various participating units, which undoubtedly has yielded results for the GOE…”. As the months passed, the Argentine Air Force would initiate the bidding processes for the purchase of new weaponry, equipment, and accessories, highlighting the Daniel Defense M4A1 RIS III, MK18 RIS III in 5.56mm, and DD5V4 special sniper rifles in 7.62x51mm.
Standardization as a Goal
During the recent AONIKENK exercise, which was driven by the Argentine Army but adopted the concept of a joint operation, the modernization of material regarding rifles was evident after years of effort: in the demonstration held at the Urban Combat Range of the Marine Infantry Base Baterías, the vast majority of Argentine special operations troops operated with DD M4A1 and MK18 rifles.
Analyzing beyond a photo or video, the benefits of standardizing equipment translate into various aspects: from the ease of maintaining a unified logistical line and unifying criteria in the training of operators and armorer mechanics, to improving interoperability levels among TOE and the benefits provided by the supplier regarding annual personnel training.
With backgrounds ranging from the U.S. Special Operations Command to more recent experiences in Ukraine, Daniel Defense products have constantly evolved, offering various solutions regarding calibers and configurations, adapting to the requirements set by their operators.
Adding this to the local background, it would not be surprising if Daniel Defense products emerged as strong candidates to undertake the project for the future rifle of the Argentine Armed Forces.
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