Regional Arms Race Heating Up as Israeli and Turkish Firms Display New Weapons Systems

Israel Weapon Industries (IWI), a part of the SK Group, has introduced its next-generation ARBEL system, marking a significant leap forward in infantry combat technology. Designed for military, law enforcement, and government agencies, the ARBEL system promises to redefine battlefield effectiveness with its precision-guided suppression fire and innovative rifle-based counter-drone capabilities.

Building on its groundbreaking 2024 predecessor, the enhanced ARBEL system amplifies operator lethality, accuracy, and survivability by up to three times in combat scenarios. The system excels in high-pressure environments where adversaries appear only briefly, providing optimal solutions to reduce fatigue and maximize performance.

Ronen Hamudot, Executive Vice President of Marketing & Sales at IWI, emphasized, “The ARBEL-ARAD system delivers groundbreaking capability in counter-drone warfare, enabling real-time engagement with aerial threats with exceptional precision.”

The system has undergone extensive field testing and operational evaluation, proving its effectiveness across various combat scenarios. Designed to integrate seamlessly with existing weaponry, the ARBEL system ensures full firearm functionality even with a depleted battery, offering up to 50 hours of continuous operation when the safety is engaged.

IWI will showcase the ARBEL system at the upcoming IDEX and Enforce-Tac defense exhibitions, along with the new NEGEV-7 ULMG variant, expanding its portfolio of advanced infantry weapons.

Meanwhile, Allison Transmission has entered a new phase of its collaboration with the Turkish defense industry, securing a contract to supply X1100-5A4 cross-drive transmissions for the next-generation T-155 Fırtına self-propelled howitzers. This agreement represents a key step in Turkey’s artillery modernization program, ensuring enhanced mobility and battlefield performance for the Turkish Armed Forces.

The contract covers the supply of an additional 32 transmissions, with deliveries set to begin in the first quarter of 2026.

The Turkish Armed Forces are planning to acquire approximately 140 to 160 units of the new-generation Fırtına howitzers, which will feature advanced technologies such as an electrically powered turret, automatic ammunition loading system, and integration with the *SARP Remote-Controlled Weapon System*. With a 155mm 52-caliber barrel, the howitzer can engage targets at distances of up to 40 kilometers, using NATO-standard ammunition.

Powering the T-155 Fırtına is the MTU 881 Ka-500 diesel engine, generating 1,000 horsepower, which allows the vehicle to reach speeds of 67 km/h and navigate challenging terrains with ease. The integration of a cutting-edge fire control system, GPS navigation, and *NBC (nuclear, biological, and chemical) protection* further enhances operational efficiency and ensures crew safety in diverse battlefield conditions.