India May Soon Manufacture Israel's AI-Enabled Rifle System to Boost Infantry Lethality and Counter-Drone Capabilities

In a significant development for infantry modernisation, India is currently in advanced discussions to manufacture a revolutionary Israeli small arms technology domestically.

Israel Weapon Industries (IWI), a premier private defence manufacturer, has developed a system known as 'ARBEL', which promises to dramatically enhance the accuracy and lethality of standard rifles.

A Leap in Infantry Technology​

According to recent reports, including coverage by NDTV, the ARBEL system is being described as the world’s first fully computerised small arms system.

Developed over a period of nine years, this breakthrough technology is designed to bridge the gap between human limitation and machine precision. The system functions as a smart, computer-assisted firing platform that substantially reduces human error during combat.

The technology works by integrating a sophisticated electronic suite—including a microprocessor, motion sensors, and a high-capacity battery—directly into the weapon.

Once a soldier fires the first round manually, the ARBEL system takes over for subsequent shots. It continuously monitors the operator’s stability and trigger behaviour, allowing the weapon to discharge follow-up rounds only when the algorithm detects that the gun is perfectly aligned with the target. This ensures an optimised rate of fire and significantly higher hit probability.

All-Weather Reliability​

One of the most distinct advantages of the ARBEL system is its independence from optical sensors. Unlike many modern fire-control systems that require complex cameras or lenses, ARBEL relies on the operator’s own visual aim.

This makes the system exceptionally reliable in adverse conditions such as heavy fog, dust storms, smoke, or low-light environments where traditional optical systems might fail.

Furthermore, the system is designed as a "plug-and-play" solution. It can be easily attached to standard AR-15-style rifles and compatible Light Machine Guns (LMGs), such as the Negev, which is already in service with Indian forces.

This compatibility means defence forces can upgrade their existing inventory without the massive expense of procuring entirely new weapon platforms.

The entire unit adds only approximately 400 to 900 grams to the weapon's weight, ensuring it does not become a burden for the soldier.

Combating the Drone Threat​

A critical feature of the ARBEL system is its ability to counter modern aerial threats.

With battlefields increasingly crowded by small quadcopters and First-Person View (FPV) drones, infantry units face a constant challenge from above.

The ARBEL system addresses this by utilizing its high-speed sensors to track erratic, fast-moving targets. It allows soldiers to engage drones at short ranges—up to 450 metres in daylight—with a consistency that far surpasses manual firing.

This offers armies a cost-effective, soldier-level air defence solution, eliminating the need for bulky and expensive specialized anti-drone equipment for every squad.

Make in India Initiative​

Crucially, IWI has confirmed that the system is poised for entry into the Indian market. Company officials have stated that they are currently in talks with Indian customers.

Should an agreement be finalised, the ARBEL system will be manufactured in India under the government’s 'Make in India' initiative.

This potential partnership builds upon a strong existing relationship; IWI already collaborates with Indian firms, such as PLR Systems, to manufacture small arms like the Tavor assault rifle and Negev LMG domestically.

The local production of ARBEL would not only boost India's defence manufacturing capabilities but also provide Indian infantry soldiers with a cutting-edge advantage in modern warfare.

 

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