Sunday, August 10, 2003
Haaretz - Israel to replace Uzi sub-machinegun, M-16 with Tavor firearm 
The design of the Tavor is based largely on lessons learned during military operations in the West Bank and Gaza Strip during the 34-month-old Al Aqsa intifada.
The first Tavors, made by Israel Military Industries (IMI), have been issued to elite Israeli infantry units, part of an order of 15,000 announced last month by the Defense Ministry.
Security sources said deals were under way to sell the weapon, retailing at $1,000, to "friendly foreign clients."
"The Tavor is probably the finest assault rifle now available. It is a matter of national pride," Moti Rosen, vice president of the small-arms division at IMI, said on Sunday.
Named after a mountain where biblical Israelites did battle, the Tavor is compact. Its commando variation weighs 2.8 kg (6.2lbs) compared with the Uzi's 3.7 kg and M-16's 3.4 kg. Bullets are loaded through its stock, allowing for a snub barrel.
"The Tavor would be useful anywhere where close quarters battle is the rule, and from vehicles," said Charles Cutshaw, firearms editor at Jane's International Defense Review Magazine.
It has large vents to prevent dust clogs and sights allowing the shooter to aim with both eyes open.
The Tavor spells the end, locally, of the M-16, a staple assault rifle supplied to Israel since the early 1970s as part of Washington's annual defense grants.
The M-16 has drawn complaints. Designed for Vietnam-style tropics, it jams frequently in the desert. Many of the rifles Israel received were from military surplus and often fatigued.
Nonetheless, Israel long allowed the M-16 to eclipse its Uzi and another IMI-made assault rifle, the Galil, which both ended up being sold to client states in Africa and South America.
Rosen said he expected no such hold-ups with the Tavor, developed over a decade at an undisclosed production cost.
"As for the Americans, I'm sorry if they lose business but that's the price of progress," he said.
Colt Manufacturing, which produces the M-16, did not comment.
The tavor is the best weapon to hit the market full stop.
my father General Ali shukri was king hussiens dierctor of the private office, helped and acieved the peace with Israel. I hope to see imi produce the best yet again.
The tavor is the best weapon to hit the market full stop.
my father General Ali shukri was king hussiens dierctor of the private office, helped and acieved the peace with Israel. I hope to see imi produce the best yet again.
well im realy impressed of the tavor, very accurate and the new ones are obviously lighter and better than the rest of the same weapons..though almost all of them jam very oftenly in certain conditions such as useing them in the desert and for long period of time,i wish IMI all the best and wish they use these weapons for the right purposes and to sell these weapons to trusted countries
i fully agree with ramzi shukri above..the tavor is very accurate and it rarely jams or locks..but it aint widespread yet. why are everyone still useing the m-16?!
Subject: business
Hi Amer you went dead on the hi5- please send me an email so I don´t loose your contact details- is your hotmail account still working?