IDF won't buy IMI Tavor rifle for lack of budget

Israel Military Industries: Statements that the Tavor is the best rifle in
the world cannot be deposited at the bank.

[IMRA: There is considerable concern that while American funding is
certainly very important to make ends meet that its "buy America"
requirements distorts Israel's purchasing decisions and undermines efforts
to maintain both an edge over other consumers of American equipment (such as
Egypt, that uses billions of dollars of American aid to prepare advanced
American weapons systems with which to attack Israel) - and a degree of
independence (in the event that during a "reassessment period" there is a
delay in supplies).]

Dror Marom 4 Feb 03 16:39

The IDF is not equipping its combat units with Israel Military Industries'
(IMI) Tavor assault rifle at this time. The reason is a shortage in the
defense establishment's shekel budget. The shortage puts in doubt the IDF's
plan to equip its combat troops with the assault rifle developed by IMI's
small arms division. Only a few rifles have been purchased to date for use
in pilot operations to test its combat suitability.

There is concern that the defense establishment's shekel budget shortage
will force the IDF to buy rifles from the US, using US military aid. IMI
stated today, "Statements that the Tavor is the best rifle in the world
cannot be deposited at the bank. We still expect to receive a full
operational purchase order for the rifle, which is essential to improve our
global marketing efforts."

Minister of Defense Shaul Mofaz praised the Tavor yesterday during a visit
to the company.

In order to improve the chances that the IDF will purchase the Tavor, IMI is
negotiating with several US companies to jointly manufacture the rifle. If
US companies make the entire Tavor, or at least 50% of its components, it
would be declared "Made in USA" and US aid could be used to procure it. IMI'
s Integrated Security Systems unit currently manufactures the Tavor. The
main parts are produced at IMI's Kiryat Shmona plant and assembled at IMI's
center in Ramat Hasharon.

The Tavor is designed as a soldier's personal weapon. It comes in five
versions: basic assault rifle; a commander's personal weapon; a
sharp-shooting configuration as a squad weapon; a short version for
commando, airborne, paratroopers, special rescue units, and tank crews; and
Micro Tavor specially configured for security forces and special missions.
The Tavor uses standard NATO 5.56mm ammunition. The special forces version
weighs 2.4 kg, and can be equipped with special laser and night vision
sights. It is built of advanced rust-resistant materials, and can fire up to
750-900 rounds a minute. The Tavor is designed to NATO standards.

Published by Globes [online] - www.globes.co.il - on February 4, 2003