IWI Tavor X95

In November 2009, the X95 was selected as the future standard-issue weapon of the Israeli infantry.^[6]

Following the use of the weapon by Indian forces fighting the insurgency in Kashmir, CRPF commanders have stated that the X95 is a more effective assault rifle than the AKM, due to its small size, power, longer range and lighter weight.^{[citation needed]}

In 2014, the IDF announced that in the future (from as early as the end of 2014) some infantry units could start to be issued some numbers of an improved X95, which will have a longer 380 mm (15.0 in) barrel, instead of the original 330 mm (13.0 in) barrel of the X95, and a lighter trigger pull.^[7] In September 2021, it was reported that Israeli front-line infantry units have begun replacing their Tavor and Micro Tavor Rifles with M4s and that the Micro Tavor Rifles in existing inventory will be transitioned to reserve brigades.^[8]

On 7 September 2021, a report was published on the IDF's Hebrew website that the IDF plans to continue acquiring the Micro Tavor and equipping combat units with it.^[9]

The X95 can be easily distinguished from the TAR-21 (as well as from the CTAR-21, STAR-21, and GTAR-21) by the location of its charging handle.

The X95's charging handle is closer to the pistol grip, whilst the TAR-21's charging handle is closer to its muzzle.

The X95 also features a redesigned buttstock and a magazine release near the pistol grip.^[10]

Compared to the 890 mm (35 in) long M4 carbine (with its stock extended) with a 368 mm (14.5 in) barrel, the X95 is 580 mm (22.8 in), 640 mm (25.2 in), or 670 mm (26.4 in) long, with either a 330 mm (13 in), 380 mm (15 in), or a 419 mm (16.5 in) barrel, respectively.^[3][11]

Conversion

With the use of a relatively simple conversion kit, the X95 can be converted from a 5.56mm assault rifle to a 9mm submachine gun.

A suppressor can also be attached, as part of the 9mm conversion kit, or as part of a replacement handguard which integrates the muzzle brake, suppressor, and handguard.^[13]

When configured in 9mm, the X95 uses a blowback system to cycle through the ammunition, whilst using the same body as the gas-operated rifle system. It uses Colt 9mm SMG magazines. The barrel is of the same length as of the rifle configuration, but has a 1:10 in rifling twist to stabilise the heavy 9mm round.^[11]

Visual differences between the TAR-21 and X95

Notice the charging handle position, the handguard, and the buttstock form and size of the CTAR-21

Notice the charging handle position, the Picatinny rail, and the buttstock form and size of the X95 equipped with a tactical handle monopod

The X95 comes in a number of variants (including):^[3]

Licensed variants

More information Variant, Origin ...

Variant	Origin	Manufacturer	Description	Reference
Fort-223	Ukraine	RPC Fort	Ukrainian X95-330 variant, readily converted to the X95 SMG or X95-S SMG	[4][17][18]
Fort-224			Ukrainian X95R-330 variant, readily converted to the X95 SMG or X95-S SMG
Zittara	India	Ordnance Factory Board	Indian licensed-built Micro Tavor variant, never mass produced. Would be chambered in 5.56×30mm MINSAS, 5.56 NATO and 9x19mm.	[19][20][21]

Close

• Angola: The Angolan Armed Forces use the X95.^[26]
• Azerbaijan: State Border Service (Azerbaijan) and Marine Infantry of Azerbaijan uses the X95.^[27]
• Colombia: The National Police of Colombia uses the X95.^{[28][better source needed]}
• Cyprus: The Χ95 is used by the Cypriot Special Forces.^[29][30]
• Georgia: Used mostly by security services and protection details.^[31]
• Honduras: The Honduran Army uses the X95.^[32]
• India: India's Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) ordered 12,000 X95 rifles which entered service in early 2011.^[33] Following the use of the weapon by Indian forces fighting the insurgency in Kashmir, CRPF commanders have stated that the X95 is a more effective assault rifle than the AKM, due to its small size, power, longer range and lighter weight. In late 2002, India signed an ₹880 million (equivalent to ₹3.4 billion or US$40 million in 2023) deal with Israel Military Industries for 3,070 manufactured TAR-21s to be issued to India's special forces personnel,^[34] where its ergonomics, reliability in heat and sand might give them an edge at close-quarters and employment from inside vehicles. This works out to a price of ₹286,645 (equivalent to ₹1.1 million or US$13,000 in 2023) per rifle. The new Tavor X95s have a modified single-piece stock and new sights, as well as Turkish-made MKEK T-40 40mm under-barrel grenade launchers.^[35] 5,500 have been recently inducted and more rifles are being ordered.^[36]
• Indonesia: Used by Indonesian Air Force Infantry Special Forces Kopasgat.^[37]
• Israel: In November 2009, the IDF announced that the X95 would become the standard infantry weapon of the IDF, with the addition of an integrated grenade-launcher.^[6] In 2014, the IDF announced that in the future (from as early as the end of 2014) some infantry units could start to be issued some numbers of an improved X95, which will have a longer 380 mm (15.0 in) barrel, instead of the original 330 mm (13.0 in) barrel of the X95, and a lighter trigger pull.^[38]
• Morocco: The DGSN has used the X95 since 2018.^[39]
• North Macedonia: Used by the Special Anti-terrorist Unit - Tiger.^[40]
• Philippines: The Philippine Coast Guard^[41][42] and the Philippine National Police uses the X95.^[43][44]
• Senegal^[45]
• Thailand^[46]
• Ukraine: RPC Fort offers the X95 330 as the Fort-223, and the X95-R as the Fort-224.^[4] The Fort-224 is in service of the National Guard of Ukraine.^[47]
• United States: The Pennsylvania Capitol Police uses the X95.^[48]