Sources inform ''Globes'' that Alliant Techsystems (NYSE: ATK) of the US will probably manufacture the Tavor rifle, designed by Israel Military Industries (IMI). The measure would enable the IDF to buy the rifle using US aid money. IMI and Alliant are holding advanced negotiations on the subject, and an agreement is expected soon.
The Tavor rifle is currently manufactured by IMI's defense systems division. Its main parts are produced at the Keshet plant in Kiryat Shemona, but assembly is carried out at the IMI center in Ramat Hasharon.
The IDF is not procuring IMI's future rifle, which is marketed overseas under the name "Tavor-21", for two reasons: a shortage in the shekel component of the defense budget, and technical problems that occurred during the final stages of the rifle's development.
Ministry of Defense director general Amos Yaron told "Globes" today that were plans to equip the IDF with the Tavor. He did not reject the possibility that if the negotiations with the US company to manufacture the rifle in the US break down, the rifle would be bought, using the shekel component of the defense budget. Yaron also said last week at a defense conference, "When the Tavor meets the IDF's operational demands, we will buy it."
The Tavor is designed to be used by soldiers as a personal weapon. The rifle has five models for: assault, commanders, snipers, special units, and police.
Alliant is a veteran US ammunition manufacturer. It was spun off as an independent company from Honeywell International (NYSE: HON) in 1990.
Published by Israel's Business Arena on 13 November 2001