TAR21

TAR21, short for Tavor Assault Rifle 21st Century, is a family of bullpup assault rifles developed by Israel Weapon Industries (IWI). Chambered for 5.56×45mm NATO, the TAR-21 was introduced in the early 2000s to provide a compact, capable weapon for modern combat. It has been adopted by the Israeli Defense Forces and has been exported to several other countries for military and security use.

Design and operation: The TAR-21 uses a gas-operated, short-stroke piston system and a rotating bolt. Its bullpup layout places the action behind the trigger, yielding a longer barrel and improved balance in a compact package. The rifle typically includes a Picatinny rail on the receiver for optics and a modular handguard with accessory rails. It feeds from STANAG magazines and is built with polymer furniture and metal components to reduce weight while maintaining durability.

Variants: The TAR-21 family includes several variants, most notably the CTAR-21 carbine, which uses a shorter barrel for close-quarters combat. A later-generation model, the X95, introduced improved ergonomics, modularity, and updated controls, while maintaining compatibility with 5.56×45mm ammunition and standard accessories.

Users and use: Beyond the Israeli military, TAR-21 rifles are used by police and military forces in various countries and by security forces for operations ranging from urban warfare to counter-terrorism. The design emphasizes reliability, reduced length for maneuverability, and ease of maintenance in diverse environments.

Manufacture: IWI manufactures the TAR-21 in Israel, distributing versions through defense export channels and through commercial sales to authorized buyers.