Indian and Israeli arms maker IWI are discussing adoption of Arbel, a next-generation computerized fire-control system designed to boost battlefield precision.
India and Israel have begun early negotiations on adopting what is billed as the world’s first fully computerized rifle fire-control system, signaling a potential leap in how Indian forces engage in fast-moving combat environments.
The discussions center on Arbel, a next-generation system developed by Israel Weapon Industries (IWI). The technology promises to sharply improve accuracy, lethality and tactical decision-making by automating key elements of targeting and shot-release. IWI confirmed the talks this week, describing them as the initial phase of a broader evaluation.
“We are now in the first conversations and talks regarding integrating the Arbel systems in India,” IWI CEO Shuki Schwartz said in an interview. He noted that interest from India reflects the country’s long-standing collaboration with Israel on advanced small-arms technologies.
Arbel is designed to assist soldiers in challenging battlefield conditions by using real-time data and micro-sensors to determine the optimal moment to fire. The system incorporates advanced sensors, target-acquisition tools and a ballistic calculation engine that assesses the weapon’s movement and the user’s posture. According to IWI, these inputs feed into a Micro Electro Mechanical System (MEMS) algorithm capable of generating an accurate fire solution in milliseconds.
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One of Arbel’s defining features is its ability to regulate shot release. After a soldier fires the initial round and holds down the trigger, the system evaluates the shooter’s movement pattern and releases subsequent rounds only when the probability of a hit is sufficiently high. The mechanism is designed to work with a wide range of small-arms platforms and does not require a dedicated optical sight, giving militaries flexibility in deployment.
India’s defense and security forces are already heavy users of IWI equipment, including the Tavor TAR-21 and X95 assault rifles, Galil sniper rifles and the Negev NG-7 light machine gun. In recent years, New Delhi has signed contracts for thousands of Negev machine guns to strengthen both army and paramilitary capabilities.
Schwartz said IWI’s partnership with India has expanded significantly over the past two decades, boosted by New Delhi’s Make in India initiative. The company is already manufacturing barrels in India and has signaled readiness for deeper transfer of technology if future contracts demand it.
“We are absolutely open to deeper technology as the market and contracts require,” Schwartz said, adding that India remains one of IWI’s most important strategic partners.