Jerusalem: Israel is moving rapidly to transform small arms into smart, highly accurate, and drone-intercepting weapons through a breakthrough technology known as ARBEL, a computerized fire-control system designed to eliminate human error and significantly enhance battlefield performance. The system is expected to be produced in India under the Make in India programme once an agreement is finalized with Indian defense partners.
Developed by Israel Weapon Industries (IWI) over nine years, ARBEL is described as the world’s first fully computerized small-arms enhancement system. Once attached to a rifle or light machine gun, it studies the operator’s trigger behaviour using a sophisticated algorithm and then automatically determines the precise moment to fire follow-up shots.
The technology uses a range of components a microprocessor, motion sensors, a trigger sensor, a control unit, and a field-replaceable battery all of which work together to ensure that the weapon fires only when the operator is perfectly aligned with the target. The system can be mounted on most AR-15-type rifles and many existing guns, allowing armies to upgrade weapons without buying new platforms.
IWI officials describe ARBEL as a major leap in infantry combat, enabling soldiers to operate at maximum accuracy even under stress, fatigue, or poor visibility. Unlike some advanced targeting systems, ARBEL does not require optical lock-on or electronic detection, giving the shooter full freedom to choose targets instantly an essential feature in rapidly evolving combat conditions.
Beyond improving precision in conventional scenarios, ARBEL is being positioned as a short-range anti-drone solution. The system’s rapid-fire precision and optimized shot timing allow soldiers to track and shoot down small, fast-moving unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) a growing threat on modern frontlines.
Tests conducted by IWI showed:
• More than double the number of hits compared to traditional firing
• Shorter engagement time, crucial when confronting drones
• Reduced ammunition use, due to a significantly higher hit ratio
Weighing about 400 grams, ARBEL offers a soldier-level drone-defense option without the need for heavier counter-UAV equipment.
IWI leadership has confirmed that discussions with Indian defense agencies are underway. Once a deal is reached, the ARBEL system will be produced and deployed in India under domestic manufacturing frameworks.
India’s rising concerns over drone incursions along the western border especially highlighted during Operation Sindoor, when Pakistan-origin drones targeted Indian positions have increased interest in compact, front-line anti-UAV technologies. ARBEL’s portability and precision make it a potential fit for infantry units operating in sensitive sectors.
ARBEL marks a significant shift in how militaries worldwide may approach small-arms warfare. By combining machine intelligence with human decision-making, the system strengthens accuracy, reduces waste, and provides a lightweight counter-drone efficiency all while preserving the operator’s full control of the weapon. If adopted under the Make in India initiative, the technology could soon play a key role in strengthening India’s soldier-level firepower and drone-defense readiness.