The TAR-21 is a modern Israeli assault rifle chambered for 5.56mm NATO ammunition. The name "TAR-21" stands for "Tavor Assault Rifle - 21st Century". The TAR-21 advance model Tavor 2 was selected as the future assault rifle of the Israel Defense Forces and within the next few years it will become the standard infantry weapon.

Design

The TAR-21 utilizes a bullpup design, as seen with the French FAMAS, British SA80 and the Austrian Steyr AUG. Bullpup rifles are configured in a layout in which the bolt carrier group is placed behind the pistolgrip; a layout that shortens the overall length but does not sacrifice barrel length. In theory, the TAR-21 provides carbine length, but rifle accuracy.

The TAR-21 design is based strongly on advance human engineering (ergonomics) and composite materials in order to produce a more comfortable and reliable rifle. The TAR-21 is waterproof and lighter than an M4 Carbine. It also includes an advanced red-dot reflection sight and can be mounted with different scopes, night vision systems and other electronic devices. The TAR-21 accepts standard 5.56mm NATO magazines. It can also be mounted with the M203 40mm grenade launcher.

Variants

As with many other families of assault rifles, the TAR-21 assault rifle comes in different variations: standard, micro (extremely short), commando, and designated marksman.

The TAR-21 also bears many superficial similarities to the Singaporean SAR-21, which could be explained by the close relations between the defence industries of the two countries.

Service

The TAR-21 was distributed to Givati Brigade troops during Operation Defensive Shield and received highly favorable reviews. Seen by some as "futuristic", the bullpup has actually been around since the 1940s when the United Kingdom developed the EM1 and the EM2 assault rifles. Initial results have been favorable, but the battle proven and widely issued Colt M16 and its variants will remain in service for some time to come; their unit purchase price is about one third that of the TAVOR because they are bought from US aid money. Israel has yet to field the weapon in large quantities, although it has been seen in use by their special forces.

External links

• IMI: Tavor, Bullpup assault rifle Information page
• Tavor Israeli Weapons: The TAR-21 Tavor assault rifle
• Tavor-2 : Tavor-2 Advanced Assault rifle
• Modern Firearms
• Arms World