The 2025 IDEX exposition in Abu Dhabi once again served as a global hub for defense procurement, drawing military and security professionals from around the world. With hundreds of companies showcasing new solutions, one booth that stood out was that of EMTAN Small Arms Industry, where the Israeli based company unveiled its latest addition to its suppressor lineup—the MZX.
A Recognized Innovation or Just Another Suppressor?
During IDEX, EMTAN’s MZX suppressor was awarded the prestigious IDEX Innovation Award, a distinction given to only 20 out of more than a thousand exhibitors. This accolade suggests that the suppressor offers more than just noise reduction—it is positioned as an advanced tool that enhances the effectiveness of modern combat forces. However, with the growing number of suppressors on the market boasting similar claims of noise reduction and durability, the real question is whether the MZX genuinely stands out or simply follows the trend.
Stopping by EMTAN’s booth, I had the opportunity to see the MZX up close. Company representatives highlighted its ability to reduce shooter detectability without compromising performance. Designed with input from military and law enforcement professionals, the suppressor aims to optimize operational efficiency in close-quarters battle (CQB) and military operations in urban terrain (MOUT). Yet, while the claims of reduced gas blowback and improved accuracy are impressive, independent testing and long-term operational feedback will ultimately determine its effectiveness in the field.
Evolving Threats in CQB and MOUT
Conversations with NATO special forces personnel at IDEX revealed the increasing challenges faced in modern combat scenarios. The era of engaging poorly trained opponents has shifted—today’s adversaries, including non-state actors, possess advanced weapons, tactical training, and sophisticated command-and-control (C2) systems. These evolving threats underscore the need for more effective suppressors to enhance force survivability in urban warfare.
EMTAN, already supplying weapons to various defense and law enforcement agencies, has integrated insights from the field into its product development. The MZ-4P 5.56 rifle (11.5″ barrel) and MZ15 5.56 CQB rifle (7.5″ barrel) have been issued to Israeli police and Spain’s Guardia Civil, reinforcing the company’s growing reputation for reliable firearms in high-risk environments. However, these same agencies have also procured weapons and suppressors from other manufacturers, raising the question of whether EMTAN’s offerings are truly best-in-class or simply another option in an already saturated market.
Technical Advantages and Potential Drawbacks
One of the notable features of EMTAN’s second-generation suppressor is its ability to minimize gas blowback and enhance accuracy. This is attributed to the company’s proprietary 3D printing technology, which enables a refined internal structure for better gas dispersion and cooling. However, while the promise of improved accuracy is appealing, it remains unclear just how significant the improvement is compared to established suppressor brands with decades of combat-proven reliability.
Company engineers explained that EMTAN’s manufacturing techniques allow for lightweight yet highly durable suppressors. The MZX is designed to withstand the extreme heat generated by prolonged automatic fire, an essential requirement for modern combat conditions. Additionally, the suppressor is adaptable to rifles from other manufacturers when paired with a compatible muzzle device. Yet, only military trials will determine whether the suppressor’s longevity will match that of other competitors.
Beyond noise reduction, the MZX suppressor reportedly brings decibel levels below 135, making it difficult for opponents to detect the shooter’s location. In environments where stealth and survivability are paramount, such as counterterrorism operations and CQB engagements, this feature can provide a critical advantage. However, this is a claim made by many manufacturers, and without extensive third-party validation, it is difficult to assess whether EMTAN’s suppressor performs better than others in real-world scenarios.
Refined Design for Operational Efficiency or Just Another Gimmick?
A key design element of the MZX is its integration of a front-flow management system with two pressure chambers—one high and one low—enhancing cooling and regulating gas flow. Users with rifles equipped with a gas regulator can seamlessly switch between suppressed and unsuppressed modes, offering operational flexibility in dynamic engagements. While this sounds promising, practical implementation in the field may prove more complex, and any added mechanical complexity introduces potential failure points.
Field demonstrations at IDEX suggested that the suppressor also allows compatibility with both subsonic and supersonic ammunition, an essential feature for forces that require versatility in their loadouts. However, whether this compatibility comes at the cost of long-term durability or performance trade-offs remains to be seen.
Global Deployment and Future Prospects
EMTAN’s suppressors and rifles are already in use by several military and law enforcement agencies worldwide, including (according to open sources) in Israel, Spain, Mexico, Ecuador, the Philippines, and Thailand. The company’s integrated AR-15 platform, known for its rapid caliber conversion capability, is reportedly undergoing final field tests before deployment with additional NATO and FRONTEX-aligned forces. However, some NATO members have expressed skepticism about the overall durability of newer suppressors compared to legacy models already in service.
Observing the growing interest in EMTAN’s offerings at IDEX, the company is positioning itself as a key player in the evolution of small arms technology. Whether the MZX suppressor will set new standards in suppressor performance remains to be seen, but its development reflects a broader trend—one where modern warfare increasingly relies on advanced engineering to maintain operational superiority. The true test will come when military units put the MZX through the rigorous conditions of real-world engagements, determining whether it lives up to its promises or is merely another entry in an already crowded suppressor market.
Emtan Karmil Ltd
Mr. Ron Pollak
Contact: ron@emtan.co.il
Find out more here: emtan.co.il