Azerbaijan and Israel launch joint infantry rifle production

Azerbaijan has commenced the local manufacturing of OR-4 infantry rifles through a strategic partnership with Israel’s Ari Arms. The rifles are based on the AR-15 platform and are being produced at a state-owned facility in Azerbaijan that was previously used for Kalashnikov-style weapons.

The joint venture involves Ari Arms, the Azerbaijani Ministry of Defense Industry, and the Scientific Production Enterprise of Azerbaijan. This collaboration focuses on the transfer of technology and production expertise from Israel to Azerbaijan, aiming to enhance the country’s capacity to produce Western-standard light weapons and reduce reliance on foreign imports.

The first prototype was presented to President Ilham Aliyev and other high-ranking officials during the ADEX 2026 International Defense Industry Fair in Baku. The initial contract for the project is reported to cover tens of thousands of rifles, with a value reaching tens of millions of dollars.