Ukraine received new ACAR rifles

17 August, 2023 ACAR assault rifle. Photo credits: Thales Australia Thales Australia has handed over its newest assault rifle, the ACAR, to Ukraine.

The Australian company reported that the military received ACAR in two versions - 5.56mm and 7.62mm caliber. Their transfer is part of a new tranche of military aid from Canberra, along with other unnamed weapons and ammunition. This supply will allow Ukrainian forces to assess the ACAR's utility in meeting their needs.

According to the company, informal feedback on ACAR has to date been positive. "It's not a contract or a sale. That is why we have not made any reports so far," a Thales spokesperson shared.

The standard version of the ACAR has a caliber of 5.56mm and is also available in 7.62mm and .300 Blackout modifications. The 6.8mm variant is in the final stage of testing. The company is actively expanding its production capacity and hopes that combat tests of the new rifle will allow entering the European market.

The official presentation of ACAR is planned at the DSEI defense exhibition in Britain, being held in September this year. The Australian state and federal law enforcement agencies are also testing the ACAR.

"The ACAR meets all existing and foreseeable technical requirements for an AR-style assault rifle, offering inherent durability and reliability with a good price-to-performance ratio," the company said.

The French company Thales is supplying GM 200 radars for Ukraine.