Recently Developed Australian Assault Rifle Given to Ukraine Army

The Australian Combat Assault Rifle (ACAR) developed about a year ago, has been included in a recent package of Canberra's military aid to Ukraine.

With support provided by the Australian Department of Defence, a small quantity of ACAR weapons were shipped to Ukraine in early July as part of a weapons and munitions package from Thales Australia’s Lithgow Arms, Thales said on its website.

The ACAR was shown for the first time last October at the 2022 Land Forces exhibition. The standard ACAR is chambered in 5.56mm NATO and also available in 7.62mm and .300 Blackout. There is also a 6.8mm version. The 5.56mm ACAR with 12-inch (305mm) barrel is 730mm long with the adjustable buttstock collapsed and weighs 2.7kg empty. Magazine capacity is 20 and 30 rounds. The gun features a cold hammer forged chrome-lined barrel, forged 7075-T6 aluminum alloy upper and lower receivers with an anodized finish and a full-length Picatinny rail on the upper receiver. All weapons are suppressor compatible.

Lithgow Arms and Wedgetail are currently involved in the development of the ACAR platform to include tailored variants specific to end-user requirements, as well as integrating the weapon with Thales digital sub-systems such as clip-on night vision equipment.