Tavor Assault Rifle

The development of the new assault rifle, that should eventually replace in service the ageing M16A1, CAR-15 and IMI Galil assault rifles, began in Israel in the 1991. The new rifle was developed by the Israel Military Industries (IMI, now privatized as IWI - Israeli Weapons Industries Ltd) company, in close cooperation with the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). This new rifle received the name of "Tavor" and the designation of TAR-21 (Tavor Assault Rifle, for 21st century). The new rifle first appeared on public in the1998,and it had been tested by the IDF during 1999-2002. Initial issue of Tavor rifles to IDF showed some teething problems, but by now the Tavoris already in widespread use by IDF, and it seems that many earlier problems are worked out. It is also in limited use with Special Operation forces of India and Georgia.

Tavor TAR-21 assault rifle(standard version)

In general,the TAR-21 represents the mainstream of the present assault rifle developments. It shares all the "modern"features, already tried and proved successful by previous designs, like the bullpup layout, polymer housing, optical sights as a prime sightinge quipment,modular design with several different configurations (from very short submachine gun and up to standard assault rifle and a para-sniper accurized rifle with heavy barrel). So far it seen not much real action, and it is hard to judge if it is really a success, and only time will show that.

The IWI also developed and manufactures a civilian, semi-automatic only version of the Tavor rifle, which looks much like the Tavor Micro rifle but with longer barrel. This version has already been exported to several European countries and Canada.

 Tavor CTAR 21 assault rifle (compact version)

      Next are the compact assault rifle, called CTAR-21, with the barrel 380 mm (15 in) long, and themicro assault rifle, with the barrel of only 330 mm (13 in) long,called MTAR-21. The latter rifle also featured a redesigned front part of the housing, with charging handle placed further back on receiver,for a more comfortable hold of the short weapon.