on ak-47.net we were talking about different bullpup designs. someone mentioned that imi is going ot sell its tavor rifle to civilians. i'm looking for any information someone might have on the status of this. is it really going to happen?
all i found was the following story, it seems to indicate that an american firm is going to be making a model of the tavor. anyone know who this company is? any input would be great. thanks, sloth
IMI To Transfer Tavor Assault Rifle Production to US for Sale to IDF in Dollars
Dror Marom
28.09.2000 17:56
Israel Military Industries (IMI) is negotiating with a US company in order to transfer manufacture of its planned Tavor assault rifle to the US.
IMI management decided that its partnership with the US company would not be confined to manufacturing and marketing the weapon, but would also involve purchasing a stake in the US company.
IMI chairman Yaacov Lifshitz told “Globes”: “The US company with which we are negotiating is eager to manufacture the advanced assault rifle, which is suitable for armies and special forces. I will manufacture the rifle in a plant in which I am also a partner.
”Transferring the manufacturing to the US is due, among other things, to the defense establishment’s shekel budget crisis. This way, we can sell the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) rifles with US aid funds. US manufacturing is also likely to open the local market to us; we will be able to supply the rifle to various branches of the US Armed Forces”
The Tavor assault rifle opens the IMI light weapons division as its flagship assault product.
Transferring manufacturing to the US will cause a reduction in activity and number of employees in IMI’s light weapons plant.
Published by Israel's Business Arena on September 28, 2000