Why does the Indian Special Forces prefer Israeli weapons like the Tavor Tar-21 over the American M4?

Tavor has become the staple firearm of Indian Special Forces units with Full Length Barrel variants in service with Primary Special Operations Units while shorter barrel variants are in service with various SWAT and Commando units in India. Tavor has been increasingly favored over other weapon systems and specially the M4 Carbines which has been the staple weapon for various Special Operations Forces and Counter-Terrorism Organisations. The reason why Indian Special Forces prefer Israeli Tavor Family of Rifles over the American M4 Carbines are many , some of which I will discuss below :

> Bull-Pup Configuration : Tavor Family of Rifles took the Bullpup configuration to a newer level eliminating those problems which earlier plagued the Bullpup firearms. Bullpup Configuration means that the receiver , magazine and Bolt Carrier is placed behind the Pistol Grip thus helping the weapon to reduce its overall length while retaining the actual barrel length. This configuration is advantageous in situations like Close Quarter Battles and more faster target engagement. The Bullpup configuration allows an operator to maneuver much faster. M4 Carbines on the other hand follow a Conventional Layout which is not so efficient as the Bullpup configuration.

> Operating Mechanism :Tavor features a well reliable long stroke Gas Piston System which has been the niche of multiple reliable weapons like M1 and AK-47. M4 Carbines on the other hand follow the Direct Impringement System which helps in better control though it adds more complexity to the weapon system and hence less reliability.

> Balance : TAR-21 following a well reputed Bullpup configuration allows for more balance when shouldering it. The well balanced configuration also allows the operator to even use the weapon single handed. The balance also allows the operator to aim the weapon more accurately since the centre of weight lies behind the trigger group. This gives Tavor a well defined advantage over M4 Carbines.

> Ergonomics :Tavor though touted being heavier than M4 is actually more ergonomic than M4 giving the operator a stable weapon system. A Bolt Release System in Tavor allows the user to be alerted if in case the firearm is empty and also allows quick magazine change with the mag release button. Tavor also features ambidextrousity allowing both left-handed and right-handed shooters to use the firearm with ease. M4 also features good ergonomics as per operator preference and can also be customized with various market accessories available.

> Reliability :Reliability is an important factor when two weapon systems are compared. Tavor has got wide positive reviews from operators around the world even the Indian Special Operations Units who have adopted the Tavor as the staple firearm. M4 features above average reliability in harsh battlefield conditions in India though it is lacking substantial reliability in amphibious conditions. M4 also failed Basic Mud Trials during Indian Army Carbine Tender where ARX-160 and GALIL ACE also failed. Tavor has been well adopted due to its undeniable reliability and even Russell C.

> Filling Multiple Needs :Tavor feels the niche of every other weapon system which eliminates the need of buying a lot of other weapon systems which would have less to nothing in common. Tavor features an Assault Rifle Variant ( TAR-21 ) , a Grenadier variant ( GTAR-21 ) , a Sharpshooter Variant ( STAR-21 ) and even a Carbine variant ( X-95 and CTAR-21 ). M4 and M16 Family of Rifles also feature a high degree of modularity though such customizations are less to be seen with Indian Special Operations Units.

> Ease of Relations :India and Israel have a fair ease of relations and a long enduring partnership when it comes to weapon systems and technologies . India bought M4 Carbines through Foreign Military Sales for select units in India like Para SF , Mizoram Police Commandos , Force One and other select units. On the other hand , India bought a lot of batches of Tavors for various Special Operations and Commando Units. India had a deep interest in Tavor since its inception , given the advantages Indian Armed Forces perceived of the Bull Pup Design when it first trialled Steyr AUG.

India could easily buy lot of Tavors to equip its units with add on accessories from Israel due to ease of relations between the two nations. The often turbulent relation between India and US ,which has eased now , was not dependable for India to buy substantial weapon system from US to equip its Special Operations Units.