IWI’S ARBEL anti-drone system deployed in Thailand

KIRYAT GAT – IWI (Israel Weapon Industries), an SK Group company and global leader in small arms manufacturing, has delivered its ARBEL Anti-Drone System (ADS) to Thailand’s Ministry of Defence. Following integration into its existing rifles and on-site training by IWI, the ARBEL ADS has been deployed and is now operational for day and night use.

The ARBEL ADS is a computerized fire control system designed to dramatically improve hit probability and lethality. When the shooter pulls the trigger, the first round is discharged mechanically, as in any standard rifle. While the trigger remains pulled, the system controls the fire cadence at an optimal rate. This eliminates the need for complex trigger work, one of the most challenging aspects of marksmanship in dynamic scenarios, allowing the shooter to focus on target tracking and aiming. In drone interception scenarios, where targets are small, fast-moving, and maneuver unpredictably at a distance, ARBEL ADS automates follow-up shots to enable accurate, repeatable engagements, even in high-pressure environments. The system gives soldiers effective standoff capabilities across a wide range of operational settings.

Unlike other counter-drone solutions that require specialized platforms or sensors, ARBEL ADS integrates directly into the soldier’s existing weapon without the need for external equipment or retraining. Its plug-and-play design lets soldiers use familiar weapons with standard 5.56 ammunition without having to learn a new platform. Optics-agnostic and compatible with a wide range of sighting systems, from red dots and LPVOs to thermal and night vision devices, ARBEL ADS adapts to the shooter’s preferred setup.

“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,” said SK Group’s Vice Chairman Ronen Hamudot.

IWI offers two procurement options for the ARBEL ADS: either as part of a complete IWI-manufactured rifle or installed in a customer’s existing weapon. Thailand’s Ministry of Defence selected the latter, with IWI completing the integration in Thailand by replacing the rifle’s lower receiver with the ARBEL ADS. This approach enables militaries to upgrade their existing platforms locally without replacing their rifle inventories or procuring entirely new weapons.

Thailand military officials are in discussions with IWI about an additional order for its ARBEL Anti-Drone Systems.

Across Southeast Asia, several countries are at various stages of the procurement process, with additional deployments expected in the coming months.

“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,” said SK Group Vice President Doron Korol, who oversees the APAC region.

photo courtesy IWI