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The Tavor is an Israeli bullpup assault rifle chambered for 5.56×45mm NATO ammunition with a selective fire system, selecting between semi-automatic mode and full automatic fire mode.
It is produced by Israel Weapon Industries (IWI). It is produced in three main variants: the TAR-21; the CTAR-21; and the MTAR-21 (export designation X-95).
Built around a long-stroke piston system (as found in the M1 Garand and AK-47), the Tavor is designed to maximize reliability, durability, and ease of maintenance, particularly under adverse or battlefield conditions.
In 2009, the MTAR-21 (export designation X-95)[citation needed] was selected by the IDF to gradually replace the M16 rifle variants as the standard issued weapon of the Israeli infantry by the end of 2018. The first Tavor (MTAR-21 variant) rifles were issued to new recruits of a main IDF infantry brigades in 2013, replacing the M-16 rifles.
History and design objectives
Israel Military Industries (now Israel Weapon Industries) initiated the Tavor development team in 1995, under the direction of gun designer Zalmen Shebs.
The objective of the project was to create an assault rifle that was more reliable, durable and easier to maintain than the M4A1 Carbine, while also being better suited to close-quarters combat and mechanized infantry roles. As a result, they hoped that the weapon would be officially adopted by the Israel Defense Forces.
Due to the military's close-quarters and mechanized infantry requirements, the project team selected a bullpup design, that would allow the weapon to be compact while keeping a long barrel able to achieve ballistically favorable high muzzle velocities.A long-stroke piston system, similar to that found in the AK-47 and M1 Garand, was selected to ensure the weapon's reliability under adverse conditions.
Design features and engineering
Long-stroke piston system
The Tavor uses a long-stroke piston system, as found in the M1 Garand and the AK 47.
The Tavor rifle uses a non-lubricated long-stroke piston system, as found in the M1 Garand, IMI Galil and the AK 47.Like in the AK-47, the long-stroke piston mechanism contributes to the extreme forcefulness of the Tavor's extraction and chambering.
A long-stroke piston system may increase a weapon's reliability in extreme conditions (in comparison to the less reliable short-stroke piston systems), as has been found to be the case in both the M1 Garand and the AK 47.
The Tavor's attachment of the piston to a heavy bolt carrier, and the extension of the mainspring into the hollow stem of the bolt carrier, bears a family resemblance to the internal mechanism of the AK 47.
Ambidexterity and modularity
The TAR-21 has ejection ports on both sides of the rifle so it can easily be reconfigured for right or left-handed shooters. However, this process requires partial disassembly, so it cannot be quickly reconfigured while the rifle is in use.An issue related to this is the original plastic cover on the unused ejection can allow gas to escape during the course of fire. Due to the bullpup design this vents right under the shooters face causing issues, such as inhaling ejection gases and the fouling of glasses and face with ejection debris. The issue is exacerbated when the weapon is suppressed. The characteristic black smudge from has been nicknamed "Tavor face" by some shooters. This has been addressed by various non-factory solutions which increase sealing of the unused port.
Its ambidextrous fire mode selector above the pistol grip has a semi-automatic mode and a fully automatic mode.
The Tavor features a self-contained, drop-in trigger group, so that the trigger group can be changed or replaced without the use of additional tools.
Barrel
The Tavor barrels are made from CrMoV steel and cold hammer-forged (CHF) on the premises of the IWI factory in Ramat HaSharon. The barrel is chrome-lined for durability and corrosion resistance. The barrel features 6 grooves in a 178 mm (1 in 7 inch) twist, or 32 calibers right hand twist rate.
The barrel is fitted with a 'birdcage' style flash suppressor, which can be fully disassembled without the need of additional tools.
Chambering, ammunition and magazines
The Tavor is primarily chambered for 5.56×45mm NATO, although 9×19mm Parabellum and 5.45×39mm Russian models are also available.
The IDF uses both 55-grain M193 and 62-grain M855 5.56×45mm rounds. M193 rounds are used by regular infantrymen for better terminal effects at shorter distances, while the heavier M855 is used by sharpshooters.
The TAR-21 accepts standard STANAG magazines. It can also be mounted with the M203 grenade launcher.
Bullpup configuration
The Tavor uses a bullpup configuration, in which the receiver, bolt carrier group and magazine are placed behind the pistol grip. This shortens the firearm's overall length without sacrificing barrel length. As a result, the TAR-21 provides carbine overall length, yet can achieve rifle muzzle velocities if equipped with a rifle-length barrel. The Tavor can also be configured as a compact close quarters combat (CQC) weapon with a shorter 38 cm (15.0 in) length barrel, and in that form is called the CTAR-21.
Last round bolt-open catch
The Tavor features a last round bolt catch, whereby the bolt holds open after the last round discharges.This is a request of modern armies, as it helps to allow soldiers to know when their magazine empties and to reduce reloading times during combat.
Reliability, ease-of-maintenance and waterproofing
The design objectives of the Tavor aimed for reliability and ease-of-maintenance, particularly under adverse or battlefield conditions.According to Russell C. Tilstra, the Tavor is "easily considered more reliable" than the M16 and M4 series rifles.
The Tavor is designed to be easily field-stripped, without the need for any additional tools.
The rifle is waterproofed and its internal mechanism is sealed from outside elements, so that it can pass over-the-beach requirements.
Trials in Israel
In use with Israel's Golani Brigade
The Tavor prevailed over the M4A1 Carbine in a series of trials of conducted during 2001 and 2002. Qualities tested included Mean Rounds Between Failures (MRBF), reliability, ergonomics during long marches, and ease-of-maintenance.
Following these trials, the IDF adopted the Tavor as its future standard arm for all branches of the infantry, with a gradual changeover beginning in 2006 and expected completion among front line troops by end of year 2018.
TAVOR Assault Rifle 5.56x45mm
About
Selected as “Rifle of the Year”
The TAVOR Assault Rifle has been selected by the National Rifle Association (NRA) and American Rifleman Magazine for their Golden Bullseye Award as 2014 Rifle of the Year. The Tavor was selected just nine months after entering the US market.
Weapon of choice by the IDF
The TAVOR Assault Rifle was developed in close cooperation with Israel Defense Forces (IDF). It was rigorously tested by the IDF on all terrains and performed flawlessly. Today all IDF Infantry Units and IDF Special Forces use the TAVOR as their primary assault rifle. The TAVOR line of Assault Rifles also been chosen by government bodies as well as military, law enforcement and police units worldwide. The test of time demonstrated that the TAVOR’s superior precision, reliability and enhanced human ergonomics set it apart as the ultimate weapon of the 21st century.
Advantages and Benefits
About
Designed to meet extreme demands in urban and open combat environments
The X95 is manufactured exclusively for the Military, Police, Special Forces and Law Enforcement agencies to deal with modern terror threats, as well as open area combat conditions. It is produced from high strength impact modified polymer, providing a sturdy and stable, yet remarkably light weapon.
Manufactured in collaboration with the Elite IDF units
The X95’s advanced design and technology was developed in collaboration with the Elite Units of Israel Defense Forces (IDF). During its development every technological and ergonomic aspect was taken into consideration. Today it is the standard Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Assault Rifle.
Exceptionally reliable even in the harshest conditions, the X95 is combat-proven by military and police entities around the world. It complies with stringent NATO standards for small arms, including environmental standards.
Advantages and Benefits
Israel: As part of initial testing by Israel Defense Forces' infantry units, the TAR-21 was distributed to members of the training company of the Tzabar Battalion from the Givati Brigade who were drafted in August 2001. They received their rifles in November 2001 during basic training. Initial testing results were favorable – the TAR-21 was found to be significantly more accurate and reliable (as well as more comfortable) than the M4 carbine during extensive field testing.As a trial, the first Tavors were introduced in limited numbers into the army in 2003.
Issues with fine sand entering the Tavor's chamber, which were identified over the two years of testing, were rectified by numerous small adjustments. A number of other improvements and changes to the design were also made between 2001–2009. Tavor CTAR-21 rifles saw combat service in Operation Cast Lead, used by Givati Brigade and Golani Brigade, and the soldiers reported the Tavor rifles functioned flawlessly.
The Tavor X95 during a Warrant Officer course in the Israel Defense Forces.
In November 2009, the IDF announced that the MTAR-21 (X95) would become the standard infantry weapon of the IDF, with the addition of an integrated grenade-launcher.
In December 2012, the IDF announced that they would begin equipping and training their new reserve forces with the TAR-21, starting in 2013, with the switch-over by the end of 2018.
The first Tavor (MTAR-21 variants) rifles were issued to new recruits of a main IDF infantry brigade in 2013, replacing the M-16 rifles.
In 2014 the IDF announced that in the future (from as early as the end of 2014) some infantry units could start to be issued some numbers of an improved X95 (MTAR-21), which will have a longer 38 cm (15 in) barrel (instead of the original 33 cm barrel of the X95) and a lighter trigger pull.
Foreign users
Angola: Angolan Army purchase for Special Forces.
Azerbaijan: Azerbaijan purchased a number of TAR-21 for the special operations forces of the Azerbaijani Army in August 2008.
Brazil: Taurus, the local firearms manufacturer, produces the Tavor under license for the military.Small numbers are issued to soldiers in the Frontier Brigade.
Cameroon: Issued to the Special Forces of Cameroon Army.
Chad: Issued to Chadian Ground Forces since 2006.
Chile: Investigations Police of Chile
Colombia: The Colombian Army operates the TAR-21 for their special forces, in the army, marines and in the Colombian national police.
Ethiopia: Bodyguards of the Ethiopian Prime Minister were seen with the TAR-21.
Georgia: Since 2001, the Georgian Army has entered into a USD 65 million supply agreement for approximately 20 000 TAR-21 rifles (including different variants and grenade launchers). Uses all TAR-21 variants.The rifle was first revealed to the public during a military parade in 2004 with a Special Forces Battalion named Gulua Group carrying it. Further arrangements like a TAR-21 production facility in Georgia were dropped due to pressure from Russia. The weapon is widely used by law enfocement agencies, mainly protection agencies.
Guatemala: Guatemala's police force or PNC (Policia Nacional Civil) operates the TAR-21.
Honduras: Honduran army special forces use the MTAR-21.
India: In late 2002, India signed an INR 880 million (about USD 17.7 million) deal with Israel Military Industries for 3,070 manufactured Tavor assault rifles to be issued to India's special forces personnel,where its ergonomics, reliability in heat and sand might give them an edge at close-quarters and employment from inside vehicles. By 2005, IMI had supplied 350–400 Tavors to India's northern Special Frontier Force (SFF). These were subsequently declared to be "operationally unsatisfactory". The required changes have since been made, and tests in Israel during 2006 went well, clearing the contracted consignment for delivery. The Tavor has now entered operational service – even as India gears up for a larger competition that could feature a 9 mm MTAR-21 version. Known as the Zittara, the rifle is manufactured in India by the Ordnance Factories Board for Indian service, the new Tavors have a modified single-piece stock and new sights, as well as Turkish-made MKEK T-40 40 mm under-barrel grenade launchers. 5,500 have been recently inducted and more rifles are being ordered. A consignment of over 500 TAR-21 Tavor assault rifles and another 30 Galil sniper rifles worth over INR 150 million (USD 3.3 million) and INR 20 million respectively was delivered to the MARCOS (Marine Commandos) in December 2010.
India's paramilitary and counter-insurgency Central Reserve Police Force CRPF ordered 12000 Micro Tavor (X95) rifles (designation X95), with the rifles entering service in early 2011. Following the use of the weapon by Indian forces fighting the insurgency in Kashmir, CRPF commanders have stated that the X95 is a more effective assault rifle than the AKM, due to its small size, power, longer range and lighter weight.
In 2016, IWI announced that it was establishing a 49:51 joint venture with Punj Lloyd in India, in order manufacture rifle components in India.
Macedonia: Police special forces [Unit for Fast Deployment]
Mexico: In service with the Ministry of Public Security since 2011.
Nepal: Used in small quantities by Nepali Gurkhas and Army Rangers.
Nigeria: The State Security Service employ it as the primary assault rifle for their close protection and tactical units replacing the Uzi.
Peru
Philippines: Small quantities in use by special units of the Philippine Marines and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency and one PNP SWAT team in Pasig City
Portugal: Small quantities of the TAR-21 are in use by field and intervention units of the Polícia Judiciária, like hostage negotiation teams and investigators who usually work alongside other dedicated law enforcement intervention units—the Special Operations Group (GOE) and the National Republican Guard's Special Operations Company (COE); these weapons were initially intended to equip a new unit under the command of the Polícia Judiciária resembling the GOE. The TAR-21 also participated in the competition for the new service rifle for the three branches of the Portuguese Armed Forces and the Police Special Operations Group (GOE)—a bid that also included the local production of the TAR-21 in Portugal. However, the TAR-21 was excluded from the shortlist. The competition has meanwhile been annulled, after the other contenders and both political and defense critics accused the competition of favoring the Heckler & Koch G36.
Rwanda
Thailand: To replace some of its current inventory of M16A1 rifles, The Royal Thai Army purchased three batches of TAR-21 rifles for USD27.77 million (THB 946.99 million[64]) and approved delivery of a fourth batch on 15 September 2009, bringing the total to more than 76,000 TAR-21 rifles. Total 106,203 tavor rifle
Turkey: Used by the Special Forces Command Bordo Bereliler.
Ukraine: Yuriy Lutsenko, then head of Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine, announced on October 1, 2008 that Israel Weapon Industries and the Ukrainian research and production company RPC Fort would jointly manufacture the Tavor TAR-21 assault rifle to enter service with special Ukrainian military and police units. RPC Fort had displayed working samples of Tavors chambered to take 5.45×39mm ammo with Milkor 40mm UBGL grenade launchers to showcase to Ukrainian security forces officers as a means of convincing them to buy Ukrainian-made Tavors for special forces units.
United States: In August 2013, IWI US announced that the Pennsylvania Capitol Police had adopted the Tavor SAR, a variant specifically designed for the U.S. market. In July 2014, it was announced that the Lakewood, New Jersey Police Department would begin to adopt the Tavor SAR, after the weapon "met the demands and requirements of the Lakewood PD for reliability, ease-of-maintenance, durability and accuracy."
Vietnam: From 2012, the Tavor entered service in special units of the Vietnamese army, equipping special forces, marines and naval units.
IWI has been awarded a $100 million contract to establish a factory in Vietnam to produce an unspecified number of Galil ACE assault rifles, as well as others such as the Tavor, for the People's Army of Vietnam.
http://iwi.net/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IWI_Tavor
@Penguin @500 @Natan @Archdemon @GBU-28 @F-15I @mike2000 is back @Blue Marlin @Mountain Jew
It is produced by Israel Weapon Industries (IWI). It is produced in three main variants: the TAR-21; the CTAR-21; and the MTAR-21 (export designation X-95).
Built around a long-stroke piston system (as found in the M1 Garand and AK-47), the Tavor is designed to maximize reliability, durability, and ease of maintenance, particularly under adverse or battlefield conditions.
In 2009, the MTAR-21 (export designation X-95)[citation needed] was selected by the IDF to gradually replace the M16 rifle variants as the standard issued weapon of the Israeli infantry by the end of 2018. The first Tavor (MTAR-21 variant) rifles were issued to new recruits of a main IDF infantry brigades in 2013, replacing the M-16 rifles.
History and design objectives
Israel Military Industries (now Israel Weapon Industries) initiated the Tavor development team in 1995, under the direction of gun designer Zalmen Shebs.
The objective of the project was to create an assault rifle that was more reliable, durable and easier to maintain than the M4A1 Carbine, while also being better suited to close-quarters combat and mechanized infantry roles. As a result, they hoped that the weapon would be officially adopted by the Israel Defense Forces.
Due to the military's close-quarters and mechanized infantry requirements, the project team selected a bullpup design, that would allow the weapon to be compact while keeping a long barrel able to achieve ballistically favorable high muzzle velocities.A long-stroke piston system, similar to that found in the AK-47 and M1 Garand, was selected to ensure the weapon's reliability under adverse conditions.
Design features and engineering
Long-stroke piston system
The Tavor uses a long-stroke piston system, as found in the M1 Garand and the AK 47.
The Tavor rifle uses a non-lubricated long-stroke piston system, as found in the M1 Garand, IMI Galil and the AK 47.Like in the AK-47, the long-stroke piston mechanism contributes to the extreme forcefulness of the Tavor's extraction and chambering.
A long-stroke piston system may increase a weapon's reliability in extreme conditions (in comparison to the less reliable short-stroke piston systems), as has been found to be the case in both the M1 Garand and the AK 47.
The Tavor's attachment of the piston to a heavy bolt carrier, and the extension of the mainspring into the hollow stem of the bolt carrier, bears a family resemblance to the internal mechanism of the AK 47.
Ambidexterity and modularity
The TAR-21 has ejection ports on both sides of the rifle so it can easily be reconfigured for right or left-handed shooters. However, this process requires partial disassembly, so it cannot be quickly reconfigured while the rifle is in use.An issue related to this is the original plastic cover on the unused ejection can allow gas to escape during the course of fire. Due to the bullpup design this vents right under the shooters face causing issues, such as inhaling ejection gases and the fouling of glasses and face with ejection debris. The issue is exacerbated when the weapon is suppressed. The characteristic black smudge from has been nicknamed "Tavor face" by some shooters. This has been addressed by various non-factory solutions which increase sealing of the unused port.
Its ambidextrous fire mode selector above the pistol grip has a semi-automatic mode and a fully automatic mode.
The Tavor features a self-contained, drop-in trigger group, so that the trigger group can be changed or replaced without the use of additional tools.
Barrel
The Tavor barrels are made from CrMoV steel and cold hammer-forged (CHF) on the premises of the IWI factory in Ramat HaSharon. The barrel is chrome-lined for durability and corrosion resistance. The barrel features 6 grooves in a 178 mm (1 in 7 inch) twist, or 32 calibers right hand twist rate.
The barrel is fitted with a 'birdcage' style flash suppressor, which can be fully disassembled without the need of additional tools.
Chambering, ammunition and magazines
The Tavor is primarily chambered for 5.56×45mm NATO, although 9×19mm Parabellum and 5.45×39mm Russian models are also available.
The IDF uses both 55-grain M193 and 62-grain M855 5.56×45mm rounds. M193 rounds are used by regular infantrymen for better terminal effects at shorter distances, while the heavier M855 is used by sharpshooters.
The TAR-21 accepts standard STANAG magazines. It can also be mounted with the M203 grenade launcher.
Bullpup configuration
The Tavor uses a bullpup configuration, in which the receiver, bolt carrier group and magazine are placed behind the pistol grip. This shortens the firearm's overall length without sacrificing barrel length. As a result, the TAR-21 provides carbine overall length, yet can achieve rifle muzzle velocities if equipped with a rifle-length barrel. The Tavor can also be configured as a compact close quarters combat (CQC) weapon with a shorter 38 cm (15.0 in) length barrel, and in that form is called the CTAR-21.
Last round bolt-open catch
The Tavor features a last round bolt catch, whereby the bolt holds open after the last round discharges.This is a request of modern armies, as it helps to allow soldiers to know when their magazine empties and to reduce reloading times during combat.
Reliability, ease-of-maintenance and waterproofing
The design objectives of the Tavor aimed for reliability and ease-of-maintenance, particularly under adverse or battlefield conditions.According to Russell C. Tilstra, the Tavor is "easily considered more reliable" than the M16 and M4 series rifles.
The Tavor is designed to be easily field-stripped, without the need for any additional tools.
The rifle is waterproofed and its internal mechanism is sealed from outside elements, so that it can pass over-the-beach requirements.
Trials in Israel
In use with Israel's Golani Brigade
The Tavor prevailed over the M4A1 Carbine in a series of trials of conducted during 2001 and 2002. Qualities tested included Mean Rounds Between Failures (MRBF), reliability, ergonomics during long marches, and ease-of-maintenance.
Following these trials, the IDF adopted the Tavor as its future standard arm for all branches of the infantry, with a gradual changeover beginning in 2006 and expected completion among front line troops by end of year 2018.
TAVOR Assault Rifle 5.56x45mm
About
- Winner of 2014 Golden Bullseye Award – “Rifle of the Year”
- Strong and light frame for optimum ergonomics
- One of the best Bullpup style airsoft experiences
Selected as “Rifle of the Year”
The TAVOR Assault Rifle has been selected by the National Rifle Association (NRA) and American Rifleman Magazine for their Golden Bullseye Award as 2014 Rifle of the Year. The Tavor was selected just nine months after entering the US market.
Weapon of choice by the IDF
The TAVOR Assault Rifle was developed in close cooperation with Israel Defense Forces (IDF). It was rigorously tested by the IDF on all terrains and performed flawlessly. Today all IDF Infantry Units and IDF Special Forces use the TAVOR as their primary assault rifle. The TAVOR line of Assault Rifles also been chosen by government bodies as well as military, law enforcement and police units worldwide. The test of time demonstrated that the TAVOR’s superior precision, reliability and enhanced human ergonomics set it apart as the ultimate weapon of the 21st century.
Advantages and Benefits
- Bullpup configuration
- Optimized ergonomic design
- Rear center of gravity
- 30 round NATO magazine capacity
- Day-to-night optics conversion without re-zeroing
- Fully ambidextrous
- Foldable back-up sights with tritium for night combat
- Long picatinny rail versions
- Manufactured with high-strength impact modified polymer for a sturdy but light frame
- 6 support points: Stable while shooting in prone position, sitting, kneeling, standing, firing under arm and from hip
- Minimum operator and armorer level maintenance – low Total Cost of Ownership
- Recoil absorbent butt pad for rifle grenade firing
- Simple field-stripping into 2 parts, no need for special tools
- Last round catch
- Corrosion-resistant metal parts
- 100% interchangeability
- Flip-up back-up sight
- Available also in Semi-Automatic version
- Integrated reflex sight (optional)
- Available in 9X19mm and 45X39mm caliber
- Integrated reflex sight attached directly on to the barrel
About
- One weapon – multiple combat scenarios
- Exceptionally reliable in the harshest conditions
- Reduces training time and Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)
Designed to meet extreme demands in urban and open combat environments
The X95 is manufactured exclusively for the Military, Police, Special Forces and Law Enforcement agencies to deal with modern terror threats, as well as open area combat conditions. It is produced from high strength impact modified polymer, providing a sturdy and stable, yet remarkably light weapon.
Manufactured in collaboration with the Elite IDF units
The X95’s advanced design and technology was developed in collaboration with the Elite Units of Israel Defense Forces (IDF). During its development every technological and ergonomic aspect was taken into consideration. Today it is the standard Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Assault Rifle.
Exceptionally reliable even in the harshest conditions, the X95 is combat-proven by military and police entities around the world. It complies with stringent NATO standards for small arms, including environmental standards.
Advantages and Benefits
- The only three-caliber weapon in the world 9X19mm / 5.56X45mm / 5.45X39mm
- Bullpup configuration
- Short weapon with a long barrel
- Rear center of gravity
- Low recoil with enhanced stability when firing
- 6 support points stabilize shooting; prone position, sitting, kneeling, standing, firing under arm and from hip
- Versatile and modular for diverse operations and scenarios
- Enhanced ergonomics
- 360° picatinny rail
- Fully ambidextrous
- Simple tool-free field stripping into only 2 parts
- Closed bolt gas on piston head with rotating bolt firing operation
- 100% interchangeable
- Easy and fast to mount 40mm grenade launcher with no special tools
- Flip-up back-up site
- Last round catch
Israel: As part of initial testing by Israel Defense Forces' infantry units, the TAR-21 was distributed to members of the training company of the Tzabar Battalion from the Givati Brigade who were drafted in August 2001. They received their rifles in November 2001 during basic training. Initial testing results were favorable – the TAR-21 was found to be significantly more accurate and reliable (as well as more comfortable) than the M4 carbine during extensive field testing.As a trial, the first Tavors were introduced in limited numbers into the army in 2003.
Issues with fine sand entering the Tavor's chamber, which were identified over the two years of testing, were rectified by numerous small adjustments. A number of other improvements and changes to the design were also made between 2001–2009. Tavor CTAR-21 rifles saw combat service in Operation Cast Lead, used by Givati Brigade and Golani Brigade, and the soldiers reported the Tavor rifles functioned flawlessly.
The Tavor X95 during a Warrant Officer course in the Israel Defense Forces.
In November 2009, the IDF announced that the MTAR-21 (X95) would become the standard infantry weapon of the IDF, with the addition of an integrated grenade-launcher.
In December 2012, the IDF announced that they would begin equipping and training their new reserve forces with the TAR-21, starting in 2013, with the switch-over by the end of 2018.
The first Tavor (MTAR-21 variants) rifles were issued to new recruits of a main IDF infantry brigade in 2013, replacing the M-16 rifles.
In 2014 the IDF announced that in the future (from as early as the end of 2014) some infantry units could start to be issued some numbers of an improved X95 (MTAR-21), which will have a longer 38 cm (15 in) barrel (instead of the original 33 cm barrel of the X95) and a lighter trigger pull.
Foreign users
Angola: Angolan Army purchase for Special Forces.
Azerbaijan: Azerbaijan purchased a number of TAR-21 for the special operations forces of the Azerbaijani Army in August 2008.
Brazil: Taurus, the local firearms manufacturer, produces the Tavor under license for the military.Small numbers are issued to soldiers in the Frontier Brigade.
Cameroon: Issued to the Special Forces of Cameroon Army.
Chad: Issued to Chadian Ground Forces since 2006.
Chile: Investigations Police of Chile
Colombia: The Colombian Army operates the TAR-21 for their special forces, in the army, marines and in the Colombian national police.
Ethiopia: Bodyguards of the Ethiopian Prime Minister were seen with the TAR-21.
Georgia: Since 2001, the Georgian Army has entered into a USD 65 million supply agreement for approximately 20 000 TAR-21 rifles (including different variants and grenade launchers). Uses all TAR-21 variants.The rifle was first revealed to the public during a military parade in 2004 with a Special Forces Battalion named Gulua Group carrying it. Further arrangements like a TAR-21 production facility in Georgia were dropped due to pressure from Russia. The weapon is widely used by law enfocement agencies, mainly protection agencies.
Guatemala: Guatemala's police force or PNC (Policia Nacional Civil) operates the TAR-21.
Honduras: Honduran army special forces use the MTAR-21.
India: In late 2002, India signed an INR 880 million (about USD 17.7 million) deal with Israel Military Industries for 3,070 manufactured Tavor assault rifles to be issued to India's special forces personnel,where its ergonomics, reliability in heat and sand might give them an edge at close-quarters and employment from inside vehicles. By 2005, IMI had supplied 350–400 Tavors to India's northern Special Frontier Force (SFF). These were subsequently declared to be "operationally unsatisfactory". The required changes have since been made, and tests in Israel during 2006 went well, clearing the contracted consignment for delivery. The Tavor has now entered operational service – even as India gears up for a larger competition that could feature a 9 mm MTAR-21 version. Known as the Zittara, the rifle is manufactured in India by the Ordnance Factories Board for Indian service, the new Tavors have a modified single-piece stock and new sights, as well as Turkish-made MKEK T-40 40 mm under-barrel grenade launchers. 5,500 have been recently inducted and more rifles are being ordered. A consignment of over 500 TAR-21 Tavor assault rifles and another 30 Galil sniper rifles worth over INR 150 million (USD 3.3 million) and INR 20 million respectively was delivered to the MARCOS (Marine Commandos) in December 2010.
India's paramilitary and counter-insurgency Central Reserve Police Force CRPF ordered 12000 Micro Tavor (X95) rifles (designation X95), with the rifles entering service in early 2011. Following the use of the weapon by Indian forces fighting the insurgency in Kashmir, CRPF commanders have stated that the X95 is a more effective assault rifle than the AKM, due to its small size, power, longer range and lighter weight.
In 2016, IWI announced that it was establishing a 49:51 joint venture with Punj Lloyd in India, in order manufacture rifle components in India.
Macedonia: Police special forces [Unit for Fast Deployment]
Mexico: In service with the Ministry of Public Security since 2011.
Nepal: Used in small quantities by Nepali Gurkhas and Army Rangers.
Nigeria: The State Security Service employ it as the primary assault rifle for their close protection and tactical units replacing the Uzi.
Peru
Philippines: Small quantities in use by special units of the Philippine Marines and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency and one PNP SWAT team in Pasig City
Portugal: Small quantities of the TAR-21 are in use by field and intervention units of the Polícia Judiciária, like hostage negotiation teams and investigators who usually work alongside other dedicated law enforcement intervention units—the Special Operations Group (GOE) and the National Republican Guard's Special Operations Company (COE); these weapons were initially intended to equip a new unit under the command of the Polícia Judiciária resembling the GOE. The TAR-21 also participated in the competition for the new service rifle for the three branches of the Portuguese Armed Forces and the Police Special Operations Group (GOE)—a bid that also included the local production of the TAR-21 in Portugal. However, the TAR-21 was excluded from the shortlist. The competition has meanwhile been annulled, after the other contenders and both political and defense critics accused the competition of favoring the Heckler & Koch G36.
Rwanda
Thailand: To replace some of its current inventory of M16A1 rifles, The Royal Thai Army purchased three batches of TAR-21 rifles for USD27.77 million (THB 946.99 million[64]) and approved delivery of a fourth batch on 15 September 2009, bringing the total to more than 76,000 TAR-21 rifles. Total 106,203 tavor rifle
Turkey: Used by the Special Forces Command Bordo Bereliler.
Ukraine: Yuriy Lutsenko, then head of Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine, announced on October 1, 2008 that Israel Weapon Industries and the Ukrainian research and production company RPC Fort would jointly manufacture the Tavor TAR-21 assault rifle to enter service with special Ukrainian military and police units. RPC Fort had displayed working samples of Tavors chambered to take 5.45×39mm ammo with Milkor 40mm UBGL grenade launchers to showcase to Ukrainian security forces officers as a means of convincing them to buy Ukrainian-made Tavors for special forces units.
United States: In August 2013, IWI US announced that the Pennsylvania Capitol Police had adopted the Tavor SAR, a variant specifically designed for the U.S. market. In July 2014, it was announced that the Lakewood, New Jersey Police Department would begin to adopt the Tavor SAR, after the weapon "met the demands and requirements of the Lakewood PD for reliability, ease-of-maintenance, durability and accuracy."
Vietnam: From 2012, the Tavor entered service in special units of the Vietnamese army, equipping special forces, marines and naval units.
IWI has been awarded a $100 million contract to establish a factory in Vietnam to produce an unspecified number of Galil ACE assault rifles, as well as others such as the Tavor, for the People's Army of Vietnam.
http://iwi.net/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IWI_Tavor
@Penguin @500 @Natan @Archdemon @GBU-28 @F-15I @mike2000 is back @Blue Marlin @Mountain Jew
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