Indonesia’s PT Republik Armamen recently debuted its new IFAR22 shoulder-fired assault rifle at Indo Defence.
The IFAR, Indonesian Future Assault Rifle, is Bullpup configuration in 5.56×45 NATO calibre. The Bullpup features the receiver and magazine to the rear of the trigger. This approach allows for a longer barrel without an increase in the overall length of the weapon. The IFAR is available with both a 508 mm (20 inch) and 406mm (16 inch) barrels. This still provides for a compact size of only 780 mm and 698 mm respectively and weights of 3.7 and 3.6 kg.
IFAR incorporates a number of innovations that address some concerns on early Bullpup weapons. It provides for ambidextrous operation by both right-handed and left-handed shooters. Weapon controls including safety and selector are located on both sides of the weapon and the spent cartridge ejection can be changed to right or left depending on the user preference.
A three-position also allows the shooter to easily adjust the gas level in the recoil system as needed. The weapon is equipped with a full-length Picatinny accessory rail above the receiver. This will accommodate various sights like red-dots, magnified optics or night-vision. Forward on both sides have KeyMod slots. These provide for attachment of lights, laser pointers, or grips or even short Picatinnys. The IFAR uses a standard 30-round STANAG 4179 compatible magazine.
Although the weapon is still pre-production it has been evaluated by the Indonesian Army with its research and development branch having conducted extensive live field firing tests. Presently the Army utilizes the SS1 Senapan Serbu manufactured by PT Pindad which is an under-license adaption of the FN FNC rifle and was first introduced in 1991. It began to be replaced by the SS2, an improved SS1, in 2205. The later has a length of 985mm although it does have a folding stock. Still an adoption of the IFAR would offer an interesting option for elements of the Indonesian Forces.
by Stephen W. Miller
