Beretta ARX-160

About the Beretta ARX-160

The Beretta ARX-160 is a modular assault rifle designed and manufactured by Beretta for the Italian Armed Forces. Introduced in 2008 to replace the aging Beretta AR70/90, the ARX-160 features a modern short-stroke gas piston operating system and extensive use of polymer components to reduce weight. The rifle's modular design allows rapid conversion between left and right-hand ejection by swapping the bolt and ejection port cover, making it truly ambidextrous. The quick-change barrel system allows operators to swap between 12-inch and 16-inch barrels without tools in under a minute. The ARX-160 uses standard STANAG 4179 magazines and features four Picatinny rails for mounting optics, lights, lasers, and other accessories. The telescoping and folding stock can be adjusted to six positions and folds to the right side for compact storage. A grenade launcher attachment point is integrated into the design. The rifle achieved sub-MOA accuracy during Italian military testing and has proven reliable in desert and arctic conditions.

The ARX-160 represents Beretta's attempt to modernize Italy's standard infantry rifle after decades of using the AR70/90. The rifle competed against the FN SCAR and HK416 in various trials but has seen limited adoption outside Italy. The weapon's modular design philosophy influenced subsequent European assault rifle development, though its complexity has limited appeal in markets preferring simpler, proven designs.

Beretta ARX-160 specifications

The ARX-160 was developed as part of the Italian Army's 'Soldato Futuro' (Future Soldier) program. The modular barrel system was designed to allow units to adapt the rifle for urban combat (12-inch barrel) or open terrain (16-inch barrel) based on mission requirements. The rifle's ejection port can be swapped in approximately 1 minute without tools - the operator simply removes the bolt, flips it around, swaps the ejection port cover, and reinstalls. The ARX-160 uses a two-position gas regulator for suppressed/unsuppressed operation. Despite initial adoption by Italy, the rifle has not achieved widespread international success, with competition from proven platforms like the HK416 and SCAR limiting export sales. The ARX-160A3 variant, introduced in 2019, features improved ergonomics and a lighter weight profile.