JERUSALEM — Israel Weapons Industry (IWI), a small arms manufacturer, is extending its presence in Southeast Asia. Four nations are currently at different stages of procuring its ARBEL Anti‑Drone System, the company told Breaking Defense.
IWI reported strong demand for its platforms across the region, noting that countering the growing drone threat is a top priority for customers in southern Asia. The ARBEL system is versatile, compatible with AR‑15‑type rifles, light machine guns, and operates as an anti‑drone module. It is optics‑agnostic, allowing integration with existing equipment.
IWI, part of the SK Group, recently delivered the ARBEL ADS to Thailand’s Ministry of Defense. After integration into existing rifles and on‑site training, the system is now operational for both day and night missions.
The deployment involved replacing the lower receiver of Thai rifles with the Arbel ADS, enabling local upgrades without a full weapons replacement. This modular approach lets militaries enhance capabilities while preserving their current inventories.
The move reflects broader regional security concerns. Small tactical drones have become a direct threat on battlefields, as seen in conflicts such as Ukraine‑Russia and the Gulf. Recent drone incidents along the Cambodia‑Thailand border underscore the urgency.
SK Group executives highlighted that Southeast Asian militaries are prioritizing counter‑drone capabilities. IWI noted ongoing discussions with Thailand for additional orders and that several other Asian nations are evaluating the system.
In response to interest, IWI conducted multiple ARBEL ADS demonstrations across Southeast Asia in the current year, indicating strong regional appetite for effective counter‑drone solutions. While IWI declined to name the other three nations, it emphasized that the small‑drone threat is global and increasingly complex for Asian forces.
Launched in April 2024, the ARBEL system was billed as the world’s first computerized small‑arms platform designed to redefine combat effectiveness.
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