Thailand Fields IWI ARBEL Anti-Drone Rifle System

CounterUASWorld Summary

Israel Weapon Industries (IWI) has delivered its ARBEL anti-drone fire-control system to Thailand, marking the system’s first publicly announced operational deployment in Asia. Rather than acquiring new rifles, Thailand upgraded existing service weapons by integrating the ARBEL module, which enhances soldiers’ ability to engage small drones using standard 5.56 mm ammunition. The system does not detect or track drones automatically but optimizes the timing of follow-up shots, improving hit probability against fast-moving aerial targets while allowing operators to focus on target tracking. ARBEL is effective day and night, compatible with a wide range of optics, and can engage drones at ranges of up to 450 meters in daylight. Following delivery, integration, and training, Thai military officials are reportedly discussing additional orders as Southeast Asian countries place greater emphasis on counter-drone capabilities.