IWI Tavor X95

The IWI X95, previously designated the Micro-Tavor, MTAR, or MTAR-21, is an Israeli bullpup assault rifle from Israel Weapon Industries (IWI). It belongs to the Tavor family, which also includes the Tavor TAR and Tavor 7.

In November 2009, the Israeli infantry chose the X95 as its future standard-issue rifle. After Indian forces used it against insurgents in Kashmir, CRPF commanders reported that the X95 outperformed the AKM due to its compact size, power, longer reach, and lighter weight. By 2014, the IDF announced that some infantry units would receive an improved X95 starting as early as late that year, featuring a longer 380 mm barrel (up from 330 mm) and a lighter trigger pull. In September 2021, reports indicated that Israeli front-line infantry units were replacing their Tavor and Micro Tavor rifles with M4s, with the Micro Tavors moving to reserve brigades. However, on September 7, 2021, the IDF’s Hebrew website stated that the military planned to continue acquiring the Micro Tavor and equipping combat units with it.

The X95 is visually distinct from the TAR-21 (and its variants) by its charging handle placement: closer to the pistol grip on the X95, versus nearer the muzzle on the TAR-21. It also has a redesigned buttstock and a magazine release near the pistol grip. Compared to the M4 carbine (890 mm long with stock extended and a 368 mm barrel), the X95 measures 580 mm, 640 mm, or 670 mm in length, depending on whether it uses a 330 mm, 380 mm, or 419 mm barrel.

As of spring 2020, all new 5.56×45mm NATO X95s were upgraded with the .300 AAC Blackout recoil mechanism.

A simple conversion kit allows the X95 to switch from a 5.56mm assault rifle to a 9mm submachine gun. A suppressor can be added as part of the 9mm kit or via a replacement handguard that integrates the muzzle brake, suppressor, and handguard. In 9mm configuration, the X95 uses a blowback system while retaining the same body as the gas-operated rifle. It accepts Colt 9mm SMG magazines. The barrel length matches the rifle version but has a 1:10 rifling twist to stabilize the heavy 9mm round.

The X95 has its own underslung grenade launcher, the X95 GL 40. A discontinued model, the X95-GL, could mount an M203 grenade launcher on an extended notched barrel.