Enforce Tac 2026 Special Coverage: IWI Showcases ARBEL Counter-Drone Fire Control System
This rifle-integrated solution enables infantry soldiers to intercept drones using standard ammunition without dedicated equipment
Photo: Eyal Boguslavsky
Israel Weapon Industries (IWI), the small arms manufacturer of the SK Group, has showcased for the first time in Europe its ARBEL counter-drone system at Enforce Tac 2026, currently taking place in Nuremberg, Germany. The system is a computerized fire-control solution designed for installation on AR-15–configuration assault rifles and was developed to provide infantry soldiers with an effective response to the growing drone threat on the modern battlefield.
According to the company, the ARBEL counter-drone system is intended to provide every soldier in the field with a self-defense capability similar to standard personal protective equipment, without burdening troops with cumbersome, dedicated systems.
The ARBEL system is based on an algorithm that analyzes the shooter’s micro-movements. While the first shot is fired mechanically in the standard manner, the system activates when the trigger remains depressed and autonomously times the release of subsequent rounds only at the precise moment when the probability of hitting the target is highest.
This method neutralizes trigger control — one of the most difficult skills to execute under stress and when engaging moving targets — allowing the soldier to focus solely on aiming accurately. According to company data, the system enables drone interception at ranges of up to 450 meters in daylight and up to 250 meters at night, operating in conjunction with a range of optical and thermal devices.
Because ARBEL is integrated into the soldier’s primary personal weapon, it enables immediate response without switching systems, without requiring specialized ammunition, and without designating specific operators within a unit. As a result, every soldier can intercept drones, expanding defensive coverage and increasing the likelihood of rapid and effective neutralization.
Beyond its operational capabilities, IWI emphasizes the system’s economic advantage. Unlike other interception systems that require expensive munitions or alternative energy sources, ARBEL enables tactical drone interception using standard ammunition at a cost of only a few dollars per target. The system reduces ammunition consumption and offers up to 50 hours of continuous operation.
Ronen Hamudot, Deputy Chairman of the SK Group, stated: “The company’s ARBEL drone interception system offers both a clear operational advantage and significant economic and logistical benefits. It is lightweight, does not compromise standard weapon performance, and enables rapid deployment across diverse scenarios while reducing the operational burden on the soldier.”