About IWI
Our story
The story of IWI US begins in 1933 when Israel Military Industries (IMI) Ltd. began firearms production in Israel under the British Mandate. In the late 1950’s, IMI began collaboration with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) with the goal of developing the most technologically advanced small arms systems based upon the demands of troops fighting in urban areas and harsh environments. The unique combat conditions experienced by the IDF required a new paradigm in firearms development. The results included the most innovative and legendary firearm brands used by militaries, law enforcement agencies and security personnel around the world. First the UZI®, then the TAVOR®, X95®, NEGEV®, GALIL ACE® and JERICHO®. In 2005, the Israeli government decided to spin off and privatize the small arms division of IMI and Israel Weapon Industries (IWI) Ltd. was born.
The joint Research & Development (R&D) team of IWI and the IDF continue to develop small arms based upon the dynamic changes in real-world applications due to the ongoing threat of global terrorism.
The intensive and continuous use of IWI’s product by the IDF and worldwide militaries such as Chile, Colombia, Georgia, India, Mexico, Nigeria, Peru, Portugal, Thailand, Ukraine, Vietnam and many more, enable the company to continue to innovate new products and optimize existing models. All of our weapon systems are produced and assembled in compliance with the most stringent military (MIL-STD) and ISO 9001.2008 standards.
IWI US, Inc. began operations in 2013 and brought the first commercial versions of the Tavor SAR to the US market. The Tavor achieved immediate success, winning the prestigious 2014 “Rifle of the Year” Golden Bullseye award from NRA Publication’s American Rifleman Magazine. Three short years later, NRA’s newest Official Journal, Shooting Illustrated Magazine, with a focus on concealed carry, self-defense and tactical shooting, chose the next-generation Tavor X95 as its 2017 “Rifle of the Year” Golden Bullseye award recipient. IWI US was also honored two years in a row by the National Association of Sporting Goods Wholesalers (NASGW) as winner of the 2014 and 2015 Importer of the Year awards.
IWI US’s Law Enforcement Division was launched in 2014 and saw the adoption of the Tavor SAR and Tavor X95 in the first US LE agencies. 2016 brought the “next-generation” Tavor X95 bullpup to the US commercial market along with the legendary Galil ACE in 7.62x39mm and 7.62 NATO. IWI US is firmly committed to the United States commercial and LE firearms market within five short award-winning years.
IWI US, Inc. is a proud member of the SK Group, owned by Mr. Samy Katsav, a leading group of global Defense and Security companies that includes: IWI – Israel Weapons Industries Ltd.; IWI US, Inc., Meprolight Ltd. (electro-optical systems), Camero-Tech Ltd. (through-the-wall sensing systems), Israel Shipyards Ltd. (ship manufacturing and repair), Uni-scope Ltd. (optical periscopes, riflescopes and binoculars), Elvo-Hellenic Vehicle Industries and more.
