Thailand turns to Israeli anti-drone technology to counter growing battlefield threat

Israel Weapon Industries (IWI) announced this week that it has delivered its ARBEL anti-drone system to Thailand’s Ministry of Defense, providing Thai soldiers with technology designed to help counter the growing threat posed by small tactical drones.

The ARBEL Anti-Drone System is designed to integrate into existing infantry rifles, allowing soldiers to engage aerial threats using standard 5.56 NATO ammunition rather than carrying a separate weapon system.

According to IWI, a computerized trigger mechanism controls the rate of fire to improve the chances of hitting a moving drone.

The system’s design also allows soldiers to use their existing optics, including iron sights, red-dot sights, thermal and night-vision equipment, and telescopic sights. Its rechargeable lithium-ion battery provides up to 50 hours of active engagement in ARBEL mode, according to the company.

Ronen Hamudot, vice chairman of SK Group, IWI’s parent company, said in a statement accompanying the delivery that the kits are highly sought after by armies around the world.

“Small tactical drones have become a direct and growing threat to soldiers on the battlefield. We developed the ARBEL ADS to give soldiers an effective means of defending themselves against this evolving threat, while providing armed forces with a critical tactical advantage in an increasingly complex battlespace,” he said.

“As Southeast Asian militaries place greater emphasis on counter-drone capabilities, Thailand’s adoption of ARBEL ADS reflects this growing operational priority. We see rising demand across the region for solutions that can help soldiers meet this challenge,” added Doron Korol, SK Group vice president for the Asia-Pacific region.

The Thai Ministry of Defense has conducted extensive testing and evaluation of the system and is already in discussions with IWI about a larger follow-on order, according to the company. Thailand opted to purchase kits that can be installed on its existing rifles rather than acquire IWI’s custom-built weapons.

Based in Kiryat Gat, Israel, IWI has supplied small arms to the Israel Defense Forces and Israel Police for decades.

The company is known for developing weapons including the Uzi submachine gun, the Tavor bullpup rifle and the Negev light machine gun. Its products have been exported to military, police and special forces units in more than 60 countries, according to the company.

IWI describes itself as “a global pioneer in small arms technology and Israel’s leading firearms manufacturer,” with more than 90 years of experience developing weapons for military and security forces.