IWI delivers Arbel anti-drone system to Thailand

A rifle fitted with IWI's Arbel fire-control system. IWI said it installed the system in existing Thai military M4 rifles. (IWI)

Israel Weapon Industries (IWI) said it delivered its Arbel anti-drone system to Thailand's Ministry of Defence (MoD). The company said on 22 October that the system had been deployed by the Thai military and “is now operational for day and night use”.

IWI said it installed Arbel in existing Thai military rifles in Thailand by replacing their lower receivers. It said this approach enables customers to upgrade weapons already in service without procuring new rifles.

In response to questions from Janes , IWI identified the rifles as M4s and said it completed delivery and installation in June 2026. The company did not disclose the number of systems delivered, the contract value, or the service branch or unit operating them.

IWI also said Thai military officials were discussing an additional Arbel order. It did not provide details of a prospective purchase.

Arbel is a computerised fire-control system intended to help rifle users engage small, moving unmanned aircraft. The first round fires mechanically; while the user keeps the trigger pressed, the system controls the timing of subsequent shots, according to IWI.

The system uses standard 5.56 mm ammunition and does not require a dedicated sight. IWI also offers an Arbel configuration for its Negev light machine gun, as Janes reported in November 2025.

SK Group, IWI's parent company, identified Thailand as a potential first Asia-Pacific customer in November 2025. Its regional vice-president, Doron Korol, told Janes at the time that Thailand could acquire Arbel in 2026.