Israel · founded in 2005
Israel Weapon Industries
Private spin-off of IMI, heir to the Uzi, Galil and Tavor.
History
Israel Military Industries (IMI), founded in 1933 as Ta'as in pre-state clandestine workshops, is the source of the Uzi (1954), Galil (1972) and most Israeli ammunition. In 2005 the small-arms division was spun off and privatized as Israel Weapon Industries (IWI), part of the SK Group.
IWI develops the Tavor TAR-21 bullpup, in IDF service since 2009, and its successor X95. It exports to over 30 countries, from India (INSAS) to Vietnam (Galil ACE) and Brazil. The Tavor is the first standardized Israeli bullpup issue rifle.
Iconic products
- →Uzi, Mini-Uzi, Uzi Pro — the most iconic Cold War SMG.
- →Galil, Galil ACE — the Israeli AK in 5.56 and 7.62.
- →Tavor TAR-21, X95, Carmel — modern bullpups and modular rifles.