IWI BOOST – integrated power source for assault rifles

Integrated directly into the rifle’s buttstock, BOOST preserves natural handling, sight picture and firing ergonomics while adding less than 340 grams to the weapon. It houses a field-replaceable rechargeable Li-Ion battery supported by an internal backup power bank, ensuring uninterrupted power delivery, even if the primary battery is depleted. The result is a 3-5x increase in operational runtime, reducing the number of batteries soldiers must carry and lightening their overall load.

Photos: IWI

BOOST supports thermal sights, night-vision devices, laser designators, and other electronic systems commonly relied upon in the theater. A plug-and-play power designated harness enables seamless integration with a wide range of optics and accessories. Devices switch automatically and intelligently between internal and external power sources, ensuring uninterrupted function without disrupting the sight picture of requiring operator intervention.

Engineered for frontline infantry and special operations forces, BOOST is a complete system kit that includes the buffer-tube energy assembly, harness cabling, charger, and spare battery. Installation is conducted at the unit armory level, requiring no additional operator trainer or changes in field behavior.

The system is designed to withstand harsh field conditions with military-grade connectors, ruggedized construction, and integrated thermal management for operation in extreme temperatures. A built-in failsafe mode ensures the rifle retains full conventional functionality even if the energy system is damaged or fully depleted.

“For today’s soldiers, every gram matters, every second counts and every watt of power can make the difference between mission success and failure,” said SK Group’s Vice Chairman Ronen Hamudot. “BOOST is a tactical leap forward, delivering energy autonomy, reducing logistics and keeping soldiers focused on the mission rather than power management. We’re proud to deliver a system that enhances operational endurance without compromising weapon performance.”

For commanders, armories and logistics units, BOOST offers immediate operational impact – longer on-station endurance, fewer battery resupply requirements and increased payload capacity for ammunition, medical gear, or mission-specific equipment.

IWI (Israel Weapon Industries), part of the SK Group, is the main supplier to the Israeli Army and Israeli Police, with combat-proven products used by military, law enforcement and special forces in over 60 countries across diverse operational environments. Renowned for developing the iconic UZI, IWI continues to set benchmarks in firearm innovation and reliability, developing advanced systems like the ARAD rifles, the NEGEV light machine gun, and the TAVOR.

Explore the IWI offer at www.iwi.net

The BOOST system offers a solution to the growing challenge of powering multiple accessories mounted on individual firearms. Night vision and thermal imaging sights/attachments, specialized fire control systems for engaging UAVs, and devices combining laser pointers with flashlights – all of these accessories rely on their own power sources, which, due to the compact size of the devices, are limited in capacity and require frequent replacement. A single high-capacity power source can simplify the user’s workflow and significantly reduce the need to monitor multiple power supplies.

In its current form, IWI’s solution could be adapted to various rifle platforms. AR-15/M4-standard buttstocks are widely used around the world, not only in Stoner-based designs but also across many other platforms. Compatible adapter tubes are available for numerous rifles in the AK family as well as in Western designs such as the CZ Bren 2 and even the MSBS Grot.

Particular attention is drawn to the cabling, which can be considered a critical and vulnerable component of the system. In combat conditions, any protruding elements are at risk of snagging on environmental obstacles or the soldier’s personal gear. In the case of the IWI BOOST power cable, there could be a risk of it being torn off. However, photos indicate that IWI has addressed this issue by designing dedicated cable organizers and guides. These ensure the cable runs along the weapon and does not hang loosely. Similar solutions are used to manage cables from laser-pointer flashlights to their multifunctional switches. This approach keeps cables from protruding beyond the weapon’s profile, thereby reducing the risk of damage.

It can be assumed that, if needed, IWI would be capable of developing similar systems for other platforms that do not originally use AR-15/M4-standard buttstocks.