Rwanda’s ambition to develop a self-reliant defense industry has taken a significant leap forward thanks to its partnership with Israel Weapon Industries (IWI). Through Rwanda’s own manufacturing arm, REMCO (Rwanda Electro-Mechanical Company), a wide range of modern firearms are now being assembled and produced locally to serve both domestic and regional defense needs.
In collaboration with IWI, REMCO has been instrumental in manufacturing a variety of combat-proven and modern firearms ranging from handguns to sniper rifles and general-purpose machine guns. Below is a detailed look at the top 17 firearms made in Rwanda, showcasing their technical specifications, intended roles, and standout features.
Top 12 guns made in Rwanda
1. Tavor X95
Caliber: 5.56X45mm
Rifling: 6 RH Grooves, 1:7″ twist
Barrel length (mm): 457 (18″)
Total length (mm): 725
Weight (approx. Kg, weapon only): 3.6
Rate of fire (approx. rd./min): 750~950
OVERVIEW
The Tavor® X95™ is the next generation bullpup from IWI US, Inc. Upgrades and enhancements from the original TAVOR® SAR include a new fire control pack with a 5-6 lb. trigger pull, repositioning of the ambidextrous mag release to an AR-15 location, a forearm with Picatinny rails at the 3, 6, and 9 o’clock positions with removable rail covers, relocation of the charging handle closer to your center mass, a modular Tavor style pistol grip that can be swapped out to a standard pistol grip with traditional trigger guard and a smaller, lower profile bolt release button.
As of Spring 2020, all 5.56mm X95 rifles ship with the .300BLK recoil mechanism equipped with a 5.56mm-specific piston.
2. Galil ACE 21
Caliber: 5.56X45mm
Rifling: 6 RH Grooves, 1:7″ twist
Barrel length (mm): 463 (18″)
Total length (mm): 976
Weight (Kg) (weapon only): 3.6
Rate of fire (approx. rd./min): 680~880
3.Arbel
The first computerized weapon system,and can shutdown drone in 500m.
Components:
Computer-based platform
Upgraded electronic trigger with sensors
New firing mode
Removable lithium battery (up to 60 hours of use)
Weapon Compatibility:
Can be mounted on various firearms
Demonstrated on:
Negev LMG (Light Machine Gun)
Arad Rifle (AR-15-style)
- Shot down a drone at ~500 meters
4. Jericho 941
Caliber: 9×19mm Parabellum
Effective Range: ~50 meters
Features: Double/single-action, steel frame, durable and reliable.
5. DAN .338
Caliber: .338 LAPUA Magnum
Rifling: 1:10″ twist
Barrel length (mm): 785 (31″) (including muzzle brake)
Total length exstended (mm): 1,280
Weight (Kg) (weapon only): 6.9
- Quick interchangeable barrel without special tools
- Incomparably accurate high-precision Sniper Rifle
- Sub MOA accuracy
- 10 round, drop-free magazine
- Ambidextrous safety and magazine release
- Two stage adjustable trigger
- Aluminum alloy modular chassis
- MIL-STD 1913 (Picatinny) Rails at 3, 6, 9 & 12 o’clock positions for mounting accessories and devices
6. ACE-N-22
Caliber: 5.56X45mm
Rifling: 6 RH Grooves, 1:7″ twist
Barrel length (mm): 335 (13″)
Total length (mm): 847
Weight (Kg) (weapon only): 3.4
Rate of fire (approx. rd./min): 680~880
7. Negev NG5
Caliber: 5.56X45mm
Rifling: 6 RH Grooves, 1:7″ twist
Barrel length (mm): 460 (18″)
Total length exstended (mm): 1,020
Total length folded (mm): 810
Weight (Kg.) (weapon only): 7.6
Rate of fire (approx. rd./min): 850~1,050 (magazine / belt)
Rate of fire (approx. rd./min): 950~1,150 (belt – extreme conditions)
8. Masada Pistol
Caliber: 9X19mm
Barrel length (mm): 104 (4.1″)
Total length (mm): 189
Weight (approx. Kg) (w/o magazine): .650
FEATURES
- Striker-fired pistol
- Easy racked slide with improved front and rear cocking serrations
- External extractor integrated with a tactile and visual loaded chamber indicator
- Integral MIL-STD 1913 Picatinny rail
- 17+1 rds. black magazines with visible round count
- Fixed 3-dot Tritium illuminated night sights (optional)
- 100% interchangeability, with an interchangeable trigger mechanism housing that reduces maintenance and life cycle costs
9. Uzi Pro SMG
Caliber: 9X19mm
Rifling: 4 RH Grooves, 1:10″ twist
Barrel length (mm): 170 (6.7″)
Total length extended (mm): 539
Total length folded (mm): 317
Weight (Kg) (weapon only): 2.4
Rate of fire (approx. rd./min): 1,000~1,150
Evolution of the iconic UZI SMG
- More ease-of-use, reliability and accuracy
- Light-weight, compact and concealable
- Looks like an UZI, shoots like a rifle!
The new UZI PRO Sub-Machine Gun (SMG) is based on the legendary UZI design of 65 years ago but has since been transformed with modern materials and advanced technological features. Â Today, a new short and compact version comes in an ultra-modern ergonomic design offering better control, more safety and maximum accuracy.
The UZI PRO is the latest evolution featuring the most advanced firearms technologies. It transforms the UZI weapon through new modern polymers, MIL-STD 1913 (Picatinny) rails, an ergonomic shoulder stock, and a foldable hand grip, to deliver the SMG of tomorrow.
10. Carmel
- Factory 2-Stage Trigger
- Folding, Length-of-Pull, and Cheek Comb Adjustable Stock with Hook Sling attachment points
- AR Compatible B5 Systems P23 Grip
- Short Throw, Ambidextrous, Reversible Safety Selector Levers
- Reversible Non-Reciprocating Charging Handle
- 1/2×28 Standard Muzzle Threading
- Receiver QD and M-LOK QD Sling Sockets
ADVANTAGES AND BENEFITS
- Designed for minimum operator and armorer level maintenance
- All the metal parts of the weapon are corrosion resistant
- Body is manufactured with high strength impact resistant polymer
- Uses any NATO MIL STD 5.56 Steel, aluminum, or polymer magazines
OPTIMIZED ERGONOMIC DESIGN
- Side folding stock with variable length of pull and comb height – the weapon can be fired with a folded stock
- Fully ambidextrous: safety lever, magazine release, bolt catch, non-reciprocating charging handle
- Enlarged trigger guard for easier access for glove use
- 3 points of sling attachments QD or Cord
TECHNICAL DATA
- Action: Semi-auto
- Operating System: 2 position gas regulator, Rotating locking bolt
- Magazine Type : MAGPUL PMAG GEN M3 with Window
- Barrel Material: Free-floating, Chrome lined, Cold hammer forged
- Barrel Length: 16″
- Overall Length: 26 3/4″ Stock folded, 33 3/4″ Stock collapsed, 37 1/4″ Stock extended
- Weight: 8 Lbs 2 Oz without Magazine
- Rifling: 1:7″ Twist, 6 RH Grooves (5.56 NATO)
11. Jericho F-9
Caliber: 9×19mm Parabellum
Effective Range: ~50 meters
Features: Polymer frame option, personal defense weapon, ergonomic.
- Barrel length (mm): 112 (4/4″)
- Total length (mm): 207
- Weight (approx. Kg) (weapon only): 1.08
12. ARAD Rifle
- Caliber: 5.56X45mm | 300 BLK
- Rifling: 6 RH Grooves, 1:7″ twist
- Barrel length (mm) : 292 (11.5″)
- Total length, butt retracted (mm): 720
- Total length, butt extended (mm): 800
- Weight (approx. Kg) (w/o magazine): 2.85
- Rate of fire (approx. Rd./min): 700~1100
FEATURES
- Short-stroke gas piston
- 2 position gas regulator – Regular/Suppressor use
- Optional: MIL-STD 1913/M-LOK accessory rails at the 3, 6 and 9 o’clock positions
- Hard-anodized monolithic aluminum MIL-STD 1913 Rail in the upper receiver
A Strategic Milestone for Rwanda
The production of these weapons locally marks a significant milestone in Rwanda’s military and industrial development. Not only does this effort reduce reliance on foreign arms imports, but it also creates skilled jobs and positions Rwanda as a growing hub for high-tech defense manufacturing in Africa.
With security playing an increasingly central role in regional stability, Rwanda’s partnership with IWI is not just about firepower—it’s about strategy, independence, and innovation.
Top 12 guns made in Rwanda
| # | Name | Caliber | Rifling | Barrel/Range | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tavor X95 | 5.56X45mm | 6 RH Grooves, 1:7″ twist | 457 mm (18″) | Modular bullpup, AR-15 grip, Picatinny rails, 750–950 rpm |
| 2 | Galil ACE 21 | 5.56X45mm | 6 RH Grooves, 1:7″ twist | 463 mm (18″) | Modernized Galil platform, reliable, 680–880 rpm |
| 3 | Arbel | Multi-system | 6 RH grooves, 1:7″ twist | Works on ARAD & Negev | Computerized fire control, battery-powered, 60 hr usage |
| 4 | Jericho 941 | 9×19mm | Polygonal rifling | ~50 meters | Double/single-action, steel frame |
| 5 | DAN .338 | .338 LAPUA Magnum | 1:10″ twist | 785 mm (31″) | High-precision sniper rifle, adjustable trigger, modular chassis |
| 6 | ACE-N-22 | 5.56X45mm | 6 RH Grooves, 1:7″ twist | 335 mm (13″) | Compact, 680–880 rpm |
| 7 | Negev NG5 | 5.56X45mm | 6 RH Grooves, 1:7″ twist | 460 mm (18″) | Belt/magazine-fed, high fire rate up to 1,150 rpm |
| 8 | Masada Pistol | 9X19mm | Polygonal rifling | 104 mm (4.1″) | Striker-fired, MIL-STD rail, 17+1 capacity |
| 9 | Uzi Pro SMG | 9X19mm | 4 RH Grooves, 1:10″ twist | 170 mm (6.7″) | Modernized UZI, folding grip, compact |
| 10 | Carmel | 5.56 NATO | 6 RH Grooves, 1:7″ twist | 406 mm (16″) | Ambidextrous, folding stock, ergonomic |
| 11 | Jericho F-9 | 9×19mm | Polygonal rifling | 112 mm (4.4″) | Polymer frame, ergonomic, personal defense weapon |
| 12 | ARAD Rifle | 5.56X45mm / 300 BLK | 6 RH Grooves, 1:7″ twist | 292 mm (11.5″) | Short-stroke piston, modular, suppressor-ready |
