# Argentina military rifle modernization > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/argentina-military-rifle-modernization > Updated: 2026-10-06T02:07:24.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2. The Argentine Armed Forces have initiated a modernization program to replace aging FAL and M-16 rifles with Israeli-made IWI ARAD-5 and ARAD-7 models. This transition, conducted through a government-to-government agreement, aims to standardize equipment across the Army, Navy, and Air Force to improve interoperability and logistics. The new rifles feature an AR-style architecture with a short-stroke gas piston system, modularity via Picatinny rails and M-LOK interfaces, and MEPRO M-5 electro-optical red dot sights. Minister of Defense Lieutenant General Carlos Alberto Presti characterized the acquisition as a “qualitative leap” for the military. While the first batch of over 10,000 units has arrived, the procurement has raised questions regarding industrial strategy. Unlike other nations that secure local manufacturing licenses, Argentina opted for a direct purchase without local production rights, which may increase industrial dependence on foreign suppliers. The transition is expected to be completed over the next two years. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-06: Argentina begins replacing military rifles with IWI ARAD models Argentina has begun replacing its FAL and M-16 rifles with IWI ARAD-5 and ARAD-7 models through a government-to-government agreement with Israel to modernize its military armament. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/argentina-begins-replacing-military-rifles-with-iwi-arad-models ### 2026-10-02: Argentina begins replacing FAL rifles with Israeli ARAD models Argentina is replacing its 66-year-old FAL rifles with Israeli ARAD-5 and ARAD-7 models, a move that modernizes military equipment but lacks local manufacturing licenses. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/argentina-begins-replacing-fal-rifles-with-israeli-arad-models --- Cite as: Argentina military rifle modernization. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/argentina-military-rifle-modernization