IWI and FAME establish assembly plant in Peru to produce Arad rifles and Meprolight sights

Israel Weapon Industries (IWI), a member of the SK Group, has launched an assembly plant in Peru in collaboration with FAME, a key Peruvian defence industry company affiliated with the Peruvian Ministry of Defence, IWI announced on 16 April 2025.

The strategic partnership will enhance Peru’s defence capabilities while also fostering local industrial growth, IWI stated.

The facility is already supplying IWI Arad assault rifles to the Peruvian armed forces and National Police, starting with an initial order of 10,000 rifles, and plans to significantly expand production in the coming years. Additionally, the plant has provided thousands of Meprolight M21 reflex sights, with further deliveries planned to support Peru’s security forces as they continue upgrading their capabilities.

The Peruvian requirement for local production “ensures rapid deployment of advanced weaponry, enhances operational flexibility, and improves readiness for defence challenges by providing faster response times and reducing logistical dependencies”, IWI noted, adding that, through IWI’s partnership with FAME, the Peruvian forces “have upgraded their small arms inventory to meet the demands of contemporary combat scenarios, including urban warfare and day-night operations”.

The Arad rifle was developed in close collaboration with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and Israel Police Forces. It features a short-stroke gas piston system, a two-position gas regulator and a fully ambidextrous design. Its modular structure allows for easy maintenance and quick barrel replacement, reducing costs and enhancing operational efficiency.

The Arad operates in multiple calibers, including 7.62×51 mm, 5.56×45 mm and 300 BLK, making it adaptable for urban warfare and long-range engagements. According to IWI, its ergonomic design and quick-detachable barrel ensure it remains a preferred choice for military and law enforcement units, aligning with the needs of rapid response and border protection forces.

The M21 sight, meanwhile, is a dual-illuminated reflex sight that offers constant, battery-free aiming. It harnesses a fibre-optic light collection system for daylight illumination and a miniature self-powered Tritium capsule for night-time visibility. The transition between these two lighting systems is seamless and automatic, ensuring optimal performance in varying lighting conditions. The sight’s lens and highly visible reticle facilitate instinctive close-range shooting in urban and close quarters combat situations, as well as accurate shooting over longer distances in open terrain, IWI states.

“We are deeply pleased to strengthen our collaboration with FAME and expand our presence in Peru,” Tom Polak, director of marketing and sales at the SK Group, was quoted as saying in an IWI press release. “This step reflects IWI’s strong commitment to the region by providing advanced defence technology tailored to local needs and realities. This project not only contributes to strengthening the country’s defence capabilities but also promotes job creation and fosters local economic growth.

“Looking ahead, we anticipate the continued expansion of this partnership, Polak added.