Beretta ARX160

Lore & Background

The Beretta ARX160 was developed for the Italian Armed Forces as part of the layered Soldato Futuro program, aiming to replace the older Beretta AR70/90 as the standard assault rifle. The project began as an evolution of the AR70/90 and SC 70/90, initially presented as a simple update of materials and small changes. A later prototype introduced a non-foldable but length-adjustable stock and a cocking lever in the upper front position, a feature found uncomfortable during use. Subsequent developments led to the definitive version, which supplanted all three versions of its predecessor. The Italian Army ordered a first batch of 800 weapons in 2008 for field trials in Afghanistan, followed by orders for 11,500 units in 2010 and 10,000 in 2012. Between 2008 and 2014, around 30,000 ARX160 SFs chambered in 5.56×45mm NATO were supplied to the Italian Army, Navy, Air Force, and Special Forces. In 2012, Beretta introduced a 7.62×39mm configuration and the ARX160 A2, currently in use with the Italian Army and Special Forces. The ARX160 A3, introduced in 2013, features a redesigned handguard with improved heat ventilation, an extended Picatinny rail on its bottom, and an improved pistol grip design. The ARX160 was one of five Phase II contenders in the United States Army Individual Carbine competition to replace the M4 carbine, which was cancelled before a winner was chosen. The Argentine Army received an ARX160 and GLX160 grenade launcher for evaluation in February 2013. The Indian Army tested the ARX160 as a replacement for the INSAS rifle, but the tender was retracted in June 2015. The ARX160 A3 was one of five finalists in the French Army tender to replace the FAMAS, eventually won by the HK416. In January 2019, the Romanian Armed Forces chose the ARX160 A3 to replace older rifles, with production expected to start in autumn 2019 at Uzina Plopeni; after failing to materialize there, it was moved to the Cugir Arms Factory in 2023, with operations possibly starting at the end of August 2024.

Reader's Guide

The Beretta ARX160 represents a significant departure from the earlier AR70/90, incorporating a polymer upper and lower receiver, a short-stroke piston system, and full ambidextrous controls including safety, magazine release, bolt release, and charging handle. Its ability to change ejection side and swap barrels without tools made it adaptable for various roles. The rifle was developed as part of the Soldato Futuro program, which also produced the companion GLX160 grenade launcher. The ARX160 saw extensive adoption by Italian forces, with over 30,000 units supplied by 2014, and was evaluated by several foreign militaries including the United States, Argentina, India, France, and Romania. The Romanian selection in 2019 marked a notable export success, though production delays shifted manufacturing to the Cugir Arms Factory. The ARX160's operating system is unique in that the piston moves almost 2 inches, following the bolt carrier nearly all the way rearward, resulting in low gas pressure and a constant push. The design also influenced the later ARX200 battle rifle, chambered in 7.62×51mm NATO, introduced in late 2015. The ARX160's modularity and ambidextrous features positioned it as a modern contender in the assault rifle market, though it did not win the major US or French competitions.

Did You Know?

• The ARX160 can eject spent casings from either the right or left side, selected by pressing a case through a small hole with the tip of a 5.56mm cartridge.
• The rifle's barrel can be removed and replaced in seconds without any tools by pulling slide levers.
• The ARX160 A3 replaced the proprietary bayonet lug for the Extrema Ratio Fulcrum E.I. bayonet with a lug compatible with the M9 bayonet.
• The companion GLX160 grenade launcher can be mounted under the rifle or used as a stand-alone weapon with an ad hoc stock system.