Azerbaijan and Israel launch local OR-4 rifle production

A joint venture between Israel’s Ari Arms and Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Defence Industry has commenced local production of OR-4 infantry rifles in Azerbaijan. Based on the AR-15 platform, these weapons represent the country’s first facility capable of producing Western-standard, M4-type rifles.

The production takes place at a state-owned facility in Azerbaijan that previously manufactured Kalashnikov-style rifles. The initial contract for the project is reportedly valued at tens of millions of dollars and covers the production of tens of thousands of units. Ari Arms is providing the necessary technology and technical expertise to implement Western manufacturing standards at the local site.

The project was highlighted during the ADEX 2026 Defense Industry Exhibition, where prototypes were presented to Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and other high-ranking officials. This industrial cooperation follows deepening defense and energy ties between the two nations, including recent significant investments in Israeli gas fields.