ARBEL: Israel's Advanced Computerized Rifle System Set for Production in India

Israel Weapon Industries (IWI) has developed ARBEL, described as the 'world's first computerised small arms system', designed to eliminate human error on the battlefield.

This innovative technology from one of Israel's largest private defence companies employs smart, computer-assisted rifles to significantly improve combat effectiveness.

The ARBEL system functions by independently firing follow-up shots after the initial shot, analyzing the operator's behavior to determine optimal firing moments and rates. This sophisticated approach maintains maximum efficiency while reducing human error.

Following nine years of development, ARBEL can be directly integrated into AR-15-style rifles and light machine guns. Its complex algorithm studies the operator's trigger behavior to determine precise target engagement moments.

The system comprises a microprocessor, motion sensors, trigger sensor, control unit, and a rechargeable, field-replaceable battery. As an add-on solution, ARBEL allows for upgrades to existing weapons systems without replacement.

In an exclusive interview with NDTV, Adam, Chief Product Officer at IWI, explained: "The ARBEL is a gamechanger in combat by allowing the operator to continuously operate at maximum efficiency, taking human error out of the equation."

"What makes the ARBEL unique is that it depends entirely on the sight of the operator, giving flexibility and control to shoot at the target of choice without depending on any optical detection from the system, which could sometimes fail, especially in bad visibility scenarios."

He further emphasized that ARBEL "does not take away any of the existing operational capabilities of the gun, unlike many other systems which require operators to lock on and often inhibit the user from shooting, which is dangerous in rapidly changing battlefield scenarios."

Beyond improved accuracy, ARBEL is being positioned as a solution to counter the emerging drone threat on modern battlefields. IWI is promoting the system as a short-range interceptor against small unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). By utilizing high-speed sensors and optimized shot timing, it enables soldiers to track and engage fast-moving targets with significantly higher accuracy than traditional methods.

NDTV gained exclusive access to a shooting range demonstration, which revealed that ARBEL mode achieved more than double the number of hits on targets compared to continuous fire, while also reducing engagement time. This higher hit ratio enhances lethality while simultaneously reducing ammunition consumption.

Weighing approximately 400g, the ARBEL system eliminates the need for bulky counter-drone systems, offering a lightweight solution for frontline soldiers to defend against drone threats.

While the technology has not yet been integrated in India, IWI CEO Shuki Schwartz told NDTV: "We are in discussions with our Indian customers. Once we reach a deal, under Make in India, Arbel will be produced and implemented in India too."

This technology could prove particularly valuable for India, which has faced increasing drone attacks from Pakistan during Operation Sindoor, offering crucial defence capabilities without requiring dedicated anti-drone systems on the frontlines.

*On request from IWI due to security concerns, Adam's last name has been omitted.