Fort-221
Research and Production Association Fort · Assault Rifle · Discontinued · 2014
Also known as: Fort 221, Ukrainian Tavor, Fort-221 TAR
Overview
The Fort-221 is a Ukrainian-marked bullpup assault rifle, a licensed copy of the Israeli IWI Tavor TAR-21 chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO. Produced under a 2008 license granted to RPC Fort by IMI/IWI, it retains the Tavor's gas-operated long-stroke piston action, polymer bullpup housing, and 460mm barrel. Adopted in 2014 for elements of the Ukrainian army, National Guard, and Interior Ministry, only small numbers were ever fielded.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3270 g (115.3 oz) |
| Overall Length | 720 mm (28.35") |
| Barrel Length | 460 mm (18.11") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated Long Stroke |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 30 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 910 m/s (2986 fps) |
| Effective Range | 550 m (601 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 750 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 178 mm (7.01") |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Polymer |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
| Finish | Matte Black |
Calibers
- 5.56x45mm NATO · primary · 5.56mm NATO — also known as 5.56 NATO, 5.56x45mm, .223 Remington (chamber compatible)
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic, Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Ambidextrous Safety, Firing Pin Block
- Features: Bullpup Configuration, Long Stroke Gas Piston, Cold Hammer Forged Barrel, Picatinny Rail, Ambidextrous Controls, Modular Ejection
Variants
- Fort-224 — Carbine
Service history
Operators
- Armed Forces of Ukraine · adopted 2014
- National Guard of Ukraine
- Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine
Conflicts
- Russo-Ukrainian War (2014-present)
Production
Production years: 2014-2021
Only a small initial batch (an order of roughly 500 rifles was reported in 2014); believed largely Israeli-made and remarked rather than locally produced
Origin
Country of origin: Ukraine
Designer: Israel Military Industries / IWI
Discontinued: 2021
Notes
Most examined Fort-221 rifles appear to be standard IMI Tavor TAR-21s remarked with Fort designations rather than fully Ukrainian-manufactured. A full domestic production line was reportedly never established; all IMI-licensed products were removed from Fort's catalogue in 2021. The Fort-224 is the matching X95-pattern carbine.
Background
Forensic comparison of Fort-221 rifles against Israeli TARs has found no mechanical differences whatsoever; only the rollmarks were changed, apparently converted from the original Israeli markings, suggesting Ukraine's 'domestic' Tavors were simply imported Israeli guns wearing a new name.