The Delta Defense Group (D.D.G) Conspiracy

Where do these guns originate from?

Fig 1-1: D.D.G-4 assault rifle (source: confidential)

Introduction to D.D.G

At the time this article is being written (July of 2023), there is no known company in existence that goes by the name of “Delta Defense Group” that also manufactures small arms with any sort of resemblance to the ones seen in the Middle East that bear “Delta Defense Group” logos.

According to the website, turkishexporter.net, there is a Turkish defense company that is named DELTA DEFENSE. There is little information about this manufacturer that shares a somewhat similar name with Delta Defense Group. DELTA DEFENSE is likely not associated with Delta Defense Group, but just has a coincidently generic english language “defense company” name.

D.D.G firearms primarily exist in Iraq, but have also appeared in other regions of the middle east such as Israel, Palestine, & northern Syria. These weapons are primarily sold on illicit black markets, particularly the online arms markets present on the Telegram messaging application & the Facebook social media platform. Arms dealers who sell these weapons have claimed D.D.G firearms come from several countries, such as Azerbaijan, America, & even Israel.

The true origin of D.D.G weapons is rather complex and shrouded in mystery.

The D.D.G model C5

The first D.D.G weapon that will be discussed in detail is the compact polymer framed double-single action “C5” 9x19mm self-loading pistol. The C5 pistol is marked with the Delta Defense Group logo placed in a rounded stipple free circle on the left & right side of the grip. The model of the pistol is marked on the front left side of the pistols frame in a recessed area. On the right side of the pistol, the C5 is marked “made by D.D.G”towards the front of the frame, and “WARNING READ MANUAL BEFORE OPERATING” is marked towards the rear of the frame above the pistol grip.

Fig 2-1: New in box D.D.G C5 9x19mm pistol pictured in Iraq in December of 2021. The seller of this pistol wanted $1550 USD for this pistol & referred to the weapon as a “C5 Israeli” (source: confidential)

Fig 2-2: The same previously pictured C5 pistol. “Made by D.D.G” can be seen printed on the right front side of the pistols frame (source: confidential)

The D.D.G C5 pistol vaguely resembles several different CZ-75 style polymer framed hammer fired pistols that are made in Jordan, Israel, & Turkey. There is only one known pistol in the world that the C5 heavily resembles, & that is the “third generation” Cherokee Compact 9x19mm pistol that is made by Bul Armory in Israel.

Fig 2-3: Turkish made SAR CM9 9x19mm pistol that looks vaguely similar to the D.D.G C5, but is different in many details (source: Palmetto State Armory)

Fig 2-4: Right side view of Bul Armory Cherokee Compact 9x19mm self-loading pistol (source: author)

Fig 2-5: Left side view of Bul Armory Cherokee Compact 9x19mm self-loading pistol (source: author)

The Bul Armory Cherokee Compact is a CZ-75 inspired auto loading pistol that uses a polymer frame and has a 3.66” barrel. The Cherokee Compact pistol is hammer fired, & is double-single action with a frame mounted manual safety. There are several generations of Bul Armory Cherokee pistols, but the D.D.G C5 heavily resembles the most recent “third generation” Bul Armory Cherokee Pistol. The “third generation” Cherokee pistols feature laser stippling on the grips, railed dust covers (forward end of the frame located under the muzzle), and slides with forward slide serrations.

The Bul Armory Cherokee compact feeds from double-stack single-feed seventeen round metal magazines that are likely produced by the Fratelli Tanfoglio company. The magazines that come with the Bul Armory Cherokee Compact & Cherokee FS full size pistols have black finished metal bodies that are marked with a “T” character inside a triangle that has rounded edges. The magazine body is also marked with “9mm”, which designates what cartridge this magazine is designed for (9x19mm).

Fig 2-6: What is likely a Tanfoglio produced seventeen round magazine that is supplied with Bul Armory Cherokee Compact pistol (source: author)

The followers of these magazines are a bright orange color, and the baseplate is made of a black polymer that is marked with the characters “PSTD” on the top front of the baseplate (the part that points towards the muzzle when the magazine is inserted).

Fig 2-7: What is likely a Tanfoglio produced seventeen round magazine that is supplied with a Bul Armory Cherokee Compact pistol that was imported into the United States. Note the dimple present on the rear end of the feed lip (source: author)

Fig 2-8: Close up photo on the orange (reddish orange) polymer follower present in likely Tanfoglio produced seventeen round magazine that is supplied with a Bul Armory Cherokee Compact pistol (source: author)

Fig 2-9: “PSTD” marking on the front of the baseplate of a likely Tanfoglio produced seventeen round magazine that is supplied with the Bul Arms Cherokee compact pistol (source: author)

The Bul Arms Cherokee Compact has basic non-adjustable combat oriented mechanical sights. These sights have two white dots on the rear, and one white dot on the front. The mechanical sights seen on most (if not all) Bul Armory Cherokee Compact pistols imported into the United States appear to be different from versions seen on Cherokee Compact pistols sold in other markets. At least one D.D.G C5 pistol has been documented with the “serrated” style sights that are similar to those seen on Bul Armory Cherokee Compact pistols that are imported into the United States.

Fig 2-10: Close up image of a Bul Armory Cherokee Compacts rear sight. Note this rear sight is different from the example pictured in the United States by the author (source: Bul Armory website)

In the United States, the Bul Armory Cherokee Compact ships with two seventy round magazines, hard plastic case lined with foam, a manual, two cleaning brushes, and a metal cleaning rod.

Fig 2-11: The hard case and accessories that are supplied with a Bul Armory Cherokee Compact pistol (source: Author)

Fig 2-12: The markings on the outside of a Bul Armory hard case that was supplied with a Bul Armory Cherokee that was imported into the United States. This style of hardcase is commonly used by various handgun manufacturers (source: The Jimmini Show on YouTube)

The D.D.G C5 pistol not only has similar markings to the Bul Armory Cherokee Compact, but the C5 also comes from the factory with similar cleaning tools, & similar magazines that also appear to be produced by Tanfoglio.

Fig 2-13: D.D.G C5 pistol, its factory hard case, & various accessories pictured in Iraq (source: confidential)

Fig 2-14: D.D.G C5 pistol case pictured in Iraq in June of 2022. Note how the whole area where the Bul Armory logo is present on the Bul Armory hard case is milled out on this example (source: confidential)

Fig 2-15: D.D.G C5 pistol pictured in Iraq in June of 2022. Note the two possibly Tanfoglio magazines & the metal cleaning rod. The type of foam in the hardcases of D.D.G marked pistols tends to vary (source confidential)

Besides the manufacturers markings, the D.D.G C5 & the most recent generation (as of writing this article) of Bul Armory Cherokee Compact are identical. The spade D.D.G logo and “made by D.D.G” appear to have been added via a simple laser etching machine, rather than a proper laser engraver. The serial number plate on the C5 located on the bottom of the pistols dust cover likely bares a serial number, similar to the serial number on the Bul Armory Cherokee Compact pistol. Both the C5 pistols and the Bul Armory Cherokee Compact pistols documented by the author have seven character serial numbers.

Fig 2-16: Serial number location on a Bul Armory Cherokee Compact pistol that was imported into the United States (source: author)

Fig 2-17: Caliber designation location on the chamber of Bul Armory Cherokee Compact pistols barrel. This example was imported into the United States (source: author).

Fig 2-18: “Lawyer” markings on the rear right side of the Bul Armory Cherokee Compact’s frame (source: author)

Fig 2-19: “Lawyer” markings on the rear right side of the D.D.G C5’s frame (source: confidential)

Fig 2-20: Top view of D.D.G C5 pistol pictured in Iraq. Note how this example has the same style of sights seen on the Bul Armory Cherokee Compact pistols that are imported into the United States. Also note the serial numbers on the slide and chamber (source: confidential)

Could the C5 pistol possibly be made in Jordan?

One theory the author has heard discussed is that the C5 pistols are possibly produced in Jordan by the Jordan Armament & Weapon Systems (JAWS) factory complex. JAWS does produce a pistol designated the Jordan Tactical Pistol 9mm Compact (JTP-9C) that is vaguely similar to the D.D.G C5, but it differs in several aspects such as the frame and marking locations. Like the D.D.G C5, D.D.G C6 & Bul Armory Cherokee pistols, the JTP-9C also appears to use double-stack single-feed magazines produced by the Italian company Tanfoglio.

The rear & front mechanical sight present on the JTP-9C pistol are very similar to the sights present on the Bul Armory Cherokee Compact pistols that are imported into the United States, and are similar to the sights on some D.D.G C5 pistols.

It is quite possibly that JAWS received production assistance from Israeli arms manufacturers, & or order components from Israeli arms manufacturers. Some of the JAWS JAR-556 AR15 pattern assault rifles do feature various polymer furniture components that are produced by Israeli companies.

Fig 3-1: JTP-9C 9x19mm self-loading pistol (source: JAWS website)

Oddly enough, there is another “mystery” branded pistol that has appeared on the Iraqi black market in 2023 that is identical to the JTP-9C pistol, besides the manufacturer markings. This “mystery” pistol is called the “Ghost Compact”.

Fig 3-2: Left side view of Ghost Compact 9x19mm pistol pictured in Iraq in April of 2023 (source: confidential)

Fig 3-3: Right side view of Ghost Compact 9x19mm pistol pictured in Iraq in April of 2023 (source: confidential)

Fig 3-4: Ghost Compact 9x19mm pistol pictured in Iraq in May of 2023 (source: confidential)

Fig 3-5: Ghost Compact 9x19mm pistol & spare magazine pictured in Iraq in May of 2023 (source: confidential)

Fig 3-6: Ghost Compact 9x19mm pistol pictured in Iraq in April of 2023. Note the magazines appear to be made by Tanfoglio (source: confidential)

If the Jordanian Government, entities within the Jordanian Government, JAWS, or rouge entities within JAWS wanted to distribute plausibly deniable & sanitized pistols to the middle eastern black market for some reason, the Ghost Compact is more likely what JAWS would distribute rather than the style of pistol that is known as the D.D.G C5. It would not make sense (to the author) for JAWS to manufacture a frame mold and small parts that exactly match the Bul Armory Cherokee & D.D.G series of pistols.

The D.D.G model C6

Like the D.D.G C5, the D.D.G model C6 is a CZ-75 inspired polymer framed hammer fired double-single action self-loading pistol. The D.D.G C6 differs from the C5 in that the C6 has a longer slide and barrel.

Fig 4-1: D.D.G model C6 pistol 9x19mm pistol pictured in Iraq. Note the cleaning tools (source: confidential)

The D.D.G C6 pistol heavily resembles the Cherokee FS (“FS” likely stands for full size) 9x19mm auto-loading pistol that is made by Bul Armory in Israel. Like the D.D.G C6, D.D.G C5, & Bul Armory Cherokee Compact, the Bul Armory Cherokee FS is a CZ-75 inspired polymer framed hammer fired double-single action self-loading pistol chambered for the 9x19mm cartridge. The Bul Armory Cherokee FS has a 4.45” barrel, and feeds from double-stack single-feed metallic seventeen round magazine.

Fig 4-2: Bul Armory Cherokee FS 9x19mm semi-auto pistol (source: Bul Armory)

Fig 4-3: D.D.G C6 pistol, a plastic pistol hard case, cleaning tools, & two magazines that are possibly made by Tanfoglio (source: confidential)

As seen by the images above, both the D.D.G C5 & C6 pistols heavily resemble the newest (at the time of writing this article) generation of Bul Armory Cherokee 9x19mm pistols. The C5 resembles the compact Cherokee, whilst the C6 resembles the full size Cherokee.

The D.D.G 19

Fig 5-1: D.D.G-19 pistol pictured in Iraq in February of 2023 (source: confidential)

Unlike the previously covered D.D.G marked pistols, the D.D.G 19 is striker fired. The D.D.G 19 is a “Glock pattern” pistol that borrows features from the “third generation” of Glock series pistols. Like the “third generation” compact double stack magazine Glock pistols, the D.D.G 19 frame uses three pins & a non reversible magazine release. Unlike most “third generation” Glocks that feature an accessory rail, the D.D.G 19 features a three slot picatinny rail instead of a single notch proprietary rail system.

Specifically, the D.D.G 19 is patterned after the “third generation” Glock 19 9x19mm pistol. From various images of D.D.G 19 pistols shown with accompanying magazines, the D.D.G 19 does appear to use Glock 19 pattern double-stack single-feed fifteen round polymer reinforced metal magazines. The D.D.G 19 does feature a loaded chamber indicator extractor, extended slide release, three dot (white) non-adjustable mechanical combat sights, & a serrated trigger shoe.

The slide on the D.D.G 19 is rather simple, featuring basic machined rear cocking serrations as well as mechanical sights.

The D.D.G 19’s polymer frame is marked with the D.D.G spade logo on both sides within a non-stippled circle. On the upper right side of the pistol grip, the pistol is marked “MADE BY D.D.G”. The barrels chamber is marked “9x19 P”, which likely indicates that the pistol is chambered for 9x19mm Parabellum. On the left side of the pistols slide, the model & chambering are engraved.

Fig 5-2: D.D.G 19 pistol pictured in Iraq in February of 2023 (source confidential)

Fig 5-3: D.D.G 19 pistol pictured in Iraq. Note the three dot mechanical sights (source: Weaponlovers on YouTube)

Even though the D.D.G 19 may look like a rather unique “Glock clone”, it is in fact not unique, and actually heavily resembles the Israeli made RAMON 9x19mm compact Glock pattern pistol.

Fig 5-4: EMTAN Ramon 9x19mm pistol (source: EMTAN website)

The EMTAN Ramon family of pistols are “third generation” Glock pattern self-loading pistols that are manufactured in Israel by EMTAN KARMIEL LTD. The Ramon pistol shares a majority of the same features as the D.D.G 19. The Ramon’s markings, tritium night sights, and intricate slide machining are the only visible external differences between the D.D.G 19 & the Ramon.

The plastic hard case & cleaning tools that are supplied with the Ramon are also very similar to the ones often documented with D.D.G 19 pistols in Iraq & Syria.

Fig 5-5: Left side of Austrian made Glock 22 (“third generation”) pistol. This example has differing features when compared to D.D.G-19 & Ramon. Differing features such as a smooth trigger shoe, flush slide stop, & plain extractor (source: author)

Fig 5-6: Right side of Austrian made Glock 22 (“third generation”) pistol. This example has differing features when compared to to a D.D.G-19 or Ramon. Differing features such as a smooth trigger shoe, flush slide stop, and plain extractor (source: author)

Fig 5-7: EMTAN marketing brochure (source: EMTAN website)

Fig 5-8: Two EMTAN Ramon 9x19mm pistols (source: emtansmallarmes on Instagram)

Fig 5-9: D.D.G 19 (left) & Glock 19 (right) 9x19mm pistols pictured in Syria (source: WARRIORS FOR FREEDOM on YouTube)

Fig 5-10: D.D.G 19 pictured in Iraq in september of 2022 (source: confidential)

Fig 5-11: D.D.G 19 pictured in Iraq in september of 2022 (source confidential)

Fig 5-12: EMTAN Ramon 9x19mm pistol pictured with its manual and accessories (source: emtandobrasil on Instagram)

Fig 5-13: Detail stripped EMTAN RAMON. Note its similarities to a “third generation” Glock 19 (source: rf.assessoriabelica on Instagram)

Like the D.D.G C5 & C6, the D.D.G 19 is often seen pictured with a hard plastic case that heavily resembles a case that is supplied with a similar looking pistol that is produced in Israel.

Fig 5-14: EMTAN RAMON and accompanying hard plastic case. Note the location of the case label (source: Camping 44 on YouTube)

Fig 5-15: D.D.G 19 & its accompanying hard plastic case. Note the location of the case label (source: confidential)

The EMTAN RAMON’s slide is made in house at EMTAN’s factory in Karmiel, Israel. The slides are machined using modern Computer numerical control (CNC) machines. Due to the use of modern CNC machines, EMTAN is able to produce various versions of the RAMON that feature different slide designs and cuts. One training version of the RAMON features a “simplistic” slide that resembles the slide used on the D.D.G 19 pistol.

Fig 5-16: EMTAN RAMON pistol slide being machined in EMTAN’s factory in Israel (source: EMTAN)

Fig 5-17: EMTAN Brochure showing several variations of the EMTAN 9x19mm RAMON pistol (source: emtandobrasil on Instagram)

Fig 5-18: EMTAN Ramon pistol pictured with factory threaded barrel and factory milled slide to accommodate optics (source: emtansamllarmes on Instagram)

Fig 5-19: Training version of EMTAN RAMON pistol pictured at a exposition. Note the “simplistic” slide seen on this example that is eerily similar to the slide seen on the D.D.G 19 (source: emtandobrasil on Instagram)

The D.D.G-4 Carbin

The D.D.G-4 Carbin (yes, “carbine” is incorrectly spelled “carbin” on the D.D.G-4’s receiver) is the only known long gun that is branded as being produced by “D.D.G”. The D.D.G-4 is an AR15 pattern select-fire (full & semi automatic) assault rifle that is chambered for 5.56x45mm NATO. There are several versions of the D.D.G-4 Carbin, but the most common variant seen on the Iraqi black market has 14.5” barrel and uses billet aluminum upper & lower receivers.

Fig 6-1: An example of an “in the white” (unfinished) billet AR15 lower receiver made by Phoenix Weaponry in the United States (source: Phoenix Weaponry website)

Fig 6-2: Blocks of 6061 Aluminum (source: Ali Express website)

Billet AR15 receivers are produced by machining an existing block of aluminum (usually 6061 or 7075 aluminum) into the proper shape & within the proper dimensions to be compatible with AR15 components. Billet AR15 receivers are usually machnied via modern CNC machines, and can be quite costly to produce due to the amount of machining required to produce a billet receiver. Billet receivers generally are also more decorative than forged AR15 receivers, and feature unique contours that vary depending on the manufacturer or SKU of specific lower receiver. Because billet receivers are machined from a solid block of aluminum, and are not forged using molds, subtle aesthetic non-function specific dimensions and contours can be changed quite easily by the manufacturer. Billet receivers are generally easier for a manufacturer to produce when compared to the more complex forged receivers, because the main tool that is required to produce a billet receiver is a CNC machine, whilst forging aluminum AR15 receivers is a much more complex endeavor to jump into.

There are actually two different patterns of billet receiver D.D.G-4 Carbin rifles.

Fig 6-3: “First pattern” billet D.D.G-4 Carbin pictured in Iraq in July of 2023 (source: confidential)

Fig 6-4: “First pattern” billet D.D.G-4 Carbin pictured in Iraq in July of 2023 (source confidential)

Fig 6-5: “First pattern” billet D.D.G-4 Carbin pictured in Iraq (source: confidential)

Fig 6-6: “First pattern” billet D.D.G-4 Carbin pictured in Iraq (source: confidential)

Fig 6-7: “First pattern” billet D.D.G-4 carbine pictured in Iraq (source: confidential)

This “first pattern” of D.D.G-4 uses receivers that heavily resemble the billet aluminum receivers used on some MZ-4 & MZ-15 AR15 pattern 5.56x45mm rifles made by EMTAN in Israel. The “second pattern” D.D.G-4 Carbin assault rifles use a billet lower receiver that is slightly aesthetically & dimensionally different.

Fig 6-8: EMTAN MZ-4 5.56x45mm assault rifle that has billet receivers (source: EMTAN wesbite)

Fig 6-9: EMTAN MZ-4 5.56x45mm assault rifle that has billet receivers (source: EMTAN website)

Fig 6-10: Receivers contours of “first pattern” billet D.D.G-4 Carbin receivers highlighted. Note the similarity between this receiver set and the receiver set used on the MZ-4 pictured in Fig 6-8 & Fig 6-9 (source: confidential)

Fig 6-10: EMTAN Brochure showing various AR15 pattern parts they produce and an MZ-15 receiver that is quite similar to the “first pattern” D.D.G-4 Carbin billet lower receiver (source: EMTAN website)

Fig 6-11: “First pattern” billet D.D.G-4 Carbin that was advertised for sale in Iraq in 2023. This example appears to have an approximately 11.5” barrel (source: confidential)

Fig 6-12: “First pattern” billet D.D.G-4 Carbin that was advertised for sale in Iraq in 2023. This example appears to have an approximately 11.5” barrel (source: confidential)

Fig 6-13: EMTAN MZ-4 with 11.5” barrel & billet receivers (source: EMTAN website)

The “second pattern” of D.D.G-4 billet lower receiver mainly differs dimensionally around the trigger guard and around the front takedown pin.

Fig 6-14: “Second pattern” of D.D.G-4 Carbin pictured in Iraq. The contour changes are highlighted on this example (source: confidential)

Fig 6-15: “Second pattern” of D.D.G-4 Carbin pictured in Iraq (source: confidential)

Fig 6-16: “Second pattern” of D.D.G-4 Carbin pictured in Iraq (source: confidential)

Fig 6-17: “Second pattern” D.D.G-4 Carbin pictured in Iraq. Note the small steel components (forward assist, trigger, selector, etc.) appear to be possibly parkerized (source: confidential)

Fig 6-18: Alternative pattern of billet AR-15 lower receiver that is allegedly manufactured by EMTAN in Israel (source: Israel Defense website)

Fig 6-19: Identifying features of EMTAN AR15 pattern receivers highlighted. Note the two holes located on the shelf that contains the front takedown pin spring as well as the mysterious hole that is present at the rear of the receiver. The arrow shows that EMTAN is capable of making drastic dimensional changes to their base billet lower design (source: Israel Defense website)

Fig 6-20: “First pattern” billet D.D.G-4 Carbin pictured in Iraq that has features of an EMTAN produced billet lower receiver (source: confidential)

Besides the two billet type of lower receivers used by D.D.G-4 Carbin assault rifles, there are also D.D.G-4 Carbin assault rifles that appear to use forged upper & lower receivers.

As previously mentioned, forged receivers are more complex to produce than billet receivers if a manufacturer wishes to start producing AR15 pattern rifles. Not only do forged receivers have to be molded using complex machines and expensive molds, but newly forged receivers also have to be completed with various machining steps before they are usable.

Fig 6-21: Unfinished forged AR15 pattern receiver (source: 80percentarms website)

Fig 6-22: EMTAN MZ-4 forged receiver that is partially finished pictured in EMTAN’s factory in Israel. Note the unique receiver holes seen on the right side of the receiver (source: emtansmallarmes on Instagram)

6-23: EMTAN MZ-4 that is made using forged receivers and has a 14.5” barrel (source: EMTAN website)

Fig 6-24: EMTAN MZ-4 that is made using forged receivers and has a 14.5” barrel (source: EMTAN website)

Fig 6-25: EMTAN MZ-4 “Carabine” (Carbine is misspelled on several areas of EMTAN’s website, note Carbine is also misspelled on D.D.G-4 receivers) product page on EMTAN’s website. The highlighted example appears to have a forged receiver set. Note the three holes present on the right side of the receiver (soure: EMTAN website)

Fig 6-26: Receiver markings of a MZ-4 rifle that uses a forged lower receiver. Note the serial number length (source: emtandobrasil on Instagram)

Fig 6-27: Receiver markings of D.D.G-4 Carbin that was advertised for sale in Iraq. This example appears to use a forged receiver. Note that the serial number length is ten digits, which is the same length as the serial numbers on documented EMTAN MZ-4 assault rifles when the “EM” is removed (source: confidential)

Fig 6-28: D.D.G-4 Carbin pictured in Iraq. This example appears to use a set of forged receivers. Note the furniture & rear sight used on this rifle (source: confidential)

Fig 6-29: D.D.G-4 Carbin pictured in Iraq. Note the furniture & rear sight used (source: confidential)

Fig 6-30: D.D.G-4 Carbin pictured in Iraq. Note the furniture & rear sight used, as well as the presence of three holes on the right side of the receiver (source confidential)

The D.D.G-4 Carbin assault rifles that use forged receivers not only resemble EMTAN MZ-4 assault rifles that use forged receivers, but they also resemble 14.5” JAR-556 assault rifles made in Jordan by JAWS. These JAWS rifles also feature furniture & rear sights that are seen on EMTAN MZ-4 rifles. It is likely JAWS purchases components from EMTAN, as EMTAN offers services as an OEM for various firearms components.

Fig 6-31: A screenshot of EMTAN’s website (source: EMTAN website)

Fig 6-32: A screenshot of EMTAN’s website (source: EMTAN website)

Fig 6-33: A screenshot from EMTAN’s website that shows they offer various AR15 receivers as OEM parts for small arms manufacturers (source: EMTAN website)

Fig 6-34: Jordanian JAWS JAR-556 with 10.5” barrel. Note the furniture & rear mechanical sight used (source: jaws_firearms on Instagram)

Fig 6-35: A close up of the lower receiver used on the JAR-556 shown in Fig 6-34. Note the mysterious hole seen on the lower receiver that is also seen on D.D.G-4 Carbin receivers & EMTAN MZ-4/MZ-15 receivers (source: jaws_firearms on Instagram)

Fig 6-36: JAR-556 14.5” (top), JAR-556 11.5” (middle), JAR-556 10.5” (bottom). The magazines seen in this photo are produced by ELANDER in Israel. EMTAN supplies ELANDER magazines with some of their MZ-4 assault rifles & MZ-15 semi-auto civilian oriented rifles (source: jaws_firearms on Instagram)

The furniture & accessories seen used on D.D.G-4 Carbin assault rifles heavily resembles accessories that are used on some MZ-4 & MZ-15 AR15 pattern rifles produced by EMTAN. EMTAN also does offer some of these accesories for sale as spare parts, or upgrades. Obviously, the generic “LE” polymer M4 adjustable stocks seen on documented D.D.G-4 Carbin assault rifles lack the EMTAN logo.

Some of the forged front sight gas blocks on D.D.G-4 Carbine assault rifles also have the same “E” forging code that is also present on some documented EMTAN MZ-4 & MZ-15 AR15 pattern rifles. One D.D.G-4 Carbin has been pictured with barrel markings that are strikingly similar to markings present on EMTAN MZ-4 & MZ-15 AR15 pattern rifles.

Fig 6-37: EMTAN MZ-4 assault rifle pictured with the same style of quad rail, rear mechanical sight, vertical grip, & FAB Defense thirty round polymer magazine that are seen used on some D.D.G-4 carbines (source: EMTAN website)

Fig 6-38: EMTAN MZ-4 or MZ-15 rifle seen equipped with the same quad rail handguard, mechanical rear sight, and vertical grip, and FAB Defense thirty round polymer magazine that are seen used on some D.D.G-4 Carbine assault rifles (source: EMTAN website)

Fig 6-39: An EMTAN brochure showing various products offered by the company. The magazine on the bottom left is a thirty round STANAG pattern magazine produced by ELANDER in Israel. The magazine seen loaded in the rifle is a FAB defense thirty round polymer magazine (source: EMTAN website)

Fig 6-40: Adjustable mechanical flip up sight that is allegedly produced by EMTAN in Israel. The sight is “ambidextrous” due to the fact the release mechanism is located in the front middle of the sights body (source: EMTAN website)

Fig 6-41: Polymer quick detach vertical grip that is offered by EMTAN (source: EMTAN website)

Fig 6-42: Computer generated drawings of the EMTAN folding rear mechanical sight (source: EMTAN website)

Fig 6-43: D.D.G-4 Carbin pictured in Iraq. Note this rifle has a quad rail handguard, rear mechanical sight, rail cover, & vertical grip that are very similar to the ones seen on EMTAN MZ-4 & MZ-15 rifles (source: confidential)

Fig 6-44: EMTAN MZ-15 rifles likely pictured at the EMTAN factory in Israel. Note the pistol grip, vertical grip, and rail covers (source: emtandobrasil on Instagram)

Fig 6-45: “first pattern” billet receiver D.D.G-4 Carbin assault rifle pictured in Iraq. Note the vertical grip & style of quad rail (source: confidential)

Fig 6-46: “second pattern” billet receiver D.D.G-4 Carbin assault rifle pictured in Iraq. Note the “E” mold marking on the forged front sight gas block, as well as the rail slot markings on this quad rail (source: confidential)

Fig 6-47: EMTAN MZ-4 or MZ-15 rifle with an “E” marked forged front sight gas block. Note the rail slot markings are the same as on the quad rail pictured on the D.D.G-4 rifle pictured in Fig 4-46 (source: emtansmallarmes on Instagram)

Fig 6-47: Barrel markings on a D.D.G-4 Carbin that was photographed in Iraq. This example has a “first pattern” billet lower receiver. Note the date markings and the suspicious “E” (source: confidential)

Fig 6-48: “first pattern” billet receiver D.D.G-4 Carbin assault rifle pictured in Iraq. Note the rear mechanical sight. The grenade launcher is likely made by Arsenal in Bulgaria (if real) (source: confidential)

Imitation D.D.G-4 Carbin assault rifles

As with most things that are expensive, there are groups or companies that will attempt to make imitations, & proceed to pass them off as the real thing. The odd thing about Delta Defense Group, is that Delta Defense Group does not actually exist as a company, it is a “ghost company” that is used as a generic name applied to weapons in order to make their origin confusing and plausibly deniable. So the real question is, can you make a fake or imitation branded item of a brand that doesn’t actually exist? Well, in modern Iraq, anything in possible.

The Iraqi black markets are flooded with AR15 pattern rifles that are made with parts that come from unknown origins (probably from China, Taiwan, Turkey, South Korea, & even possibly the United States). These mystery AR15s often have markings applied to them to make them appear to be made by a recognizable manufacture such as Smith & Wesson, Colt, FN Herstal, Noveske, Spikes Tactical, & even Delta Defense Group. These rifles made of mystery components with imitation markings are often referred to as “fakes” due to their markings, but it is important to note that these are fully functionally firearms (although poor quality), they are not replica weapons.

Fig 7-1: Fake D.D.G-4 Carbin assault rifle pictured in Iraq. These markings appear to be applied with a laser etching machine rather than properly engraved (source: confidential)

Fig 7-2: right side view of same (Fig 7-1) fake D.D.G-4 Carbin assault rifle pictured in Iraq. These markings appeared to be applied with a laser etching machine, rather than being engraved (source: confidential)

These fake D.D.G-4 Carbin assault rifles usually have forged receivers, & sometimes have markings that are applied with a laser etching machine rather than actually engraved. Laser etching machines are more affordable than a proper laser engraving machine that is required to engrave complex markings like the spade D.D.G logo present on the left side of the magwell on D.D.G-4 Carbin assault rifles.

Fig 7-3: Fake Colt markings on a anodized AR15 lower receiver in the United States. These markings were applied with a laser etching machine. Note how the markings are “white”. (source: author)

Fig 7-4: Fake D.D.G-4 Carbin assault rifle pictured in Iraq. Note the takedown pin style, serial number length (only 9 digits instead of 10), wrong handguard, and backwards delta ring (source: confidential)

The origins of these fake D.D.G-4 Carbin assault rifles is unknown. It is quite possible that these rifles, and other “fake AR15s” were manufactured in a factory that was shut down in Erbil, Iraqi Kurdistan, by Kurdish security forces in 2023. Previous illegal small arms manufacturing locations have also been shut down by Kurdish security forces in Erbil. The Rolling Stone website has an article that was published in february of 2023 that discusses a illicit arms factory that was allegedly partially ran by an American in Iraqi Kurdistan. This factory that was allegedly partially run by an American supposedly produced Glock pattern pistols & AR15 pattern rifles.

Fig 7-5: A photo of the inside of “an illegal gun manufacturing site” located in Erbil, Iraqi Kurdistan (source: Kurdistan 24 website)

Eagle Firearms & “Sig Sauer”

A “brand” that is often associated with Delta Defense Group firearms is Eagle Firearms. Eagle Firearms are AR15 pattern select-fire 5.56x45mm assault rifles that are usually seen sporting simplistic & cheap free float quad rail handguards. Most Eagle Firearms AR15 pattern rifles do not have a model engraved, but only the chambering, serial number, and “manufacture” are marked. Eagle Firearms AR15 pattern rifle are usually seen using billet receivers. The billet lower receiver seen used by most Eagle Firearms AR15 pattern matches that of the “second pattern” billet lower receiver used by some D.D.G-4 Carbin assault rifles. There are Eagle Firearms AR15 pattern rifles with what appear to be 14.5” barrels, & shorter examples with what appear to be 11.5” barrels.

Like D.D.G, Eagle Firearms is a “ghost company”.

Fig 8-1: Eagle Firearms AR15 pattern assault rifle (top), & a D.D.G-4 Carbin assault rifle (bottom). Note the similar receivers (both upper & lower receivers). The Eagle Firearms AR15s appear to use cheaper and more generic components. Pictured in Iraq (source: confidential)

Fig 8-2: Eagle Firearms AR15 pattern assault rifle (top), & D.D.G-4 Carbin assault rifle (bottom). The furniture & cheap plastic mechanical sights that are seen on this Eagle Firearms AR15 are often seen on other examples of Eagle Firearms AR15s. Pictured in Iraq (source: confidential)

Fig 8-3: Eagle Firearms AR15 pattern assault rifle (bottom), & D.D.G-4 Carbin assault rifle (top). Note both these rifles have the same three holes that are present on most (if not all) EMTAN produced MZ-4 & MZ-15 receivers. Pictured in Iraq (source: confidential)

Fig 8-4: Eagle Firearms AR15 pattern assault rifle pictured in Iraq. Note the odd extended charging handle. This style of charging handle is seen on all the Eagle Firearms AR15 pattern rifles I have documented (source: confidential)

Fig 8-5: Eagle Firearms AR15 pattern assault rifle pictured in Iraq. This example is sporting what appears to be a GL-CORE buttstock that is made by FAB Defense in Israel. This stock could have been added later, or is a replica (source: confidential)

What makes Eagle Firearms even more confusing, is that there are “Eagle Firearms” pattern AR15 rifles that actually feature Sig Sauer markings. These rifles are obviously not actual Sig Sauer M400 pattern assault rifles made in the United States, but they are the same style of Eagle Firearms AR15s but with Sig Sauer markings.

Fig 8-6: “Sig Sauer” AR15 pattern assault rifle pictured in Iraq in 2023. This example is basically an Eagle Firearms pattern short barreled AR15 assault rifle that has fraudulent markings (source: confidential)

Fig 8-7: Right side view of same rifle pictured in Fig 8-6 (source: confidential)

Fig 8-8: Close up view of the fraudulent markings on the rifle that is pictured in Fig 8-6 & Fig 8-7 (source: confidential)

Like the fake D.D.G rifles, there also appear to be fake Eagle Firearms rifles. These rifles do have the same style of generic rubberized AR15 grip. These rifles possibly could be “real” Eagle Firearms rifles, but they are honestly different enough to the point they could be imitations. These possible imitation rifles use forged receiver sets that lack the EMTAN identifying features.

These possibly imitation Eagle Firearms rifles could also be a further economized variation designed to maximize profits.

Fig 8-9: Possible imitation Eagle Firearms AR15 pattern select-fire assault rifle pictured in Iraq. Note this rifle has the same pistol grip as “real” Eagle Firearms rifles (source: confidential)

Fig 8-10: Left side overall view of the same rifle that was pictured in Fig 8-9. Note the stock and charging handle are different from other Eagle Firearms rifle (source: confidential)

Fig 8-11: Right side view of the same rifle previously pictured in Fig 8-9 & Fig 8-10. Note this rifle has a enlarged trigger guard (not milspec) & lacks a polymer dustcover. This larger trigger guard could have been added to make this rifle appear more similar to Eagle Firearms rifles that feature billet lower receivers (source: confidential)

Even though Eagle Firearms are branded differently, “real” Eagle Firearms rifles (& other rebraded similar pattern AR15s) can be lumped into the D.D.G family.

Fake D.D.G pistols

Fig 9-1: Soft pistol cases with D.D.G branding pictured in Iraq (source: confidential)

Just like how there are fake D.D.G rifles, there are also fake D.D.G pistols. The fake D.D.G pistols mainly consist of blank pistols (that were likely made in Turkey) that have been converted to fire live cartridges.

D.D.G pistols are relatively expensive (usually over $1500 USD for a C5, C6, or D.D.G 19 on the Iraqi black market), so these imitations are a “cope” attempt that allows people to own a vague replica of a “high end” pistol.

Fig 9-2: What is likely a converted blank firing pistol that has had imitation Glock & D.D.G markings added to the slide and frame. Picture taken in Iraq in 2023 (source: confidential)

Fig 9-3: Right side view of same pistol pictured in Fig 9-2: Note the crude D.D.G spade logo on the pistols frame (source: confidential)

Fig 9-4: “third generation” Glock 19 pattern pistol pictured in Syria with a slide that has had “Delta Defense Group” engraved in a milled out recessed section on the right side of the slide. This was likely done in an attempt to associate the pistol with D.D.G. This photo was uploaded in 2020 (source: WARRIORS FOR FREEDOM on YouTube)

Where are D.D.G firearms produced?

Unfortunately, at the time of writing this article, a definitive answer on where “real” D.D.G firearms (& Eagle Firearms) are produced can not be given.

There is quite the substantial amount of evidence that points towards the Israeli government being responsible for producing these weapons. It is quite likely that the C5 & C6 pistols are made by the Israeli company Bul Armory, or at least assembled with parts that were produced by Bul Armory. The D.D.G 19 is likely produced by the Israeli company EMTAN, or at least assembled with parts made by EMTAN in Israel. The D.D.G-4 Carbine assault rifles are also likely produced by EMTAN, or at least assembled with parts produced by EMTAN. Due to at least two different Israeli defense companies likely involved in the production of D.D.G firearms, the Israeli government would also likely be part of this wild conspiracy.

The Jordanian government in the form of the JAWS factory in Jordan cannot completely be ruled out as a contributor to the D.D.G-4 Carbin assault rifles, as it appears JAWS uses OEM parts from EMTAN. JAWS has likely already distributed plausibly deniable firearms to the Iraqi black market in the form of JTP-9C 9x19mm pistols that lack any JAWS factory markings and are instead marked as the “Ghost Compact”. It is even possible that the Jordanian government and the Israeli Government collaborated in this conspiracy.

The Israeli government being the “puppet master” behind Delta Defense Group honestly makes the most sense. Plausibly deniable weapons allows the Israeli government to supply small arms to already chaotic factions in Iraq whilst also making insane profit. Chaos & disorganization in Iraq & Syria benefits Israel more than another semi-organized and mildly powerful possibly anti-Israeli Arab government in the middle east. The fact that all known D.D.G weapons are pistols and simple AR15 pattern assault rifles also really makes D.D.G weapons really a non-threat to Israel. Armed groups that dislike the current Israeli government already have access to black market small arms, and more assault rifles and pistols being circulated into the already flooded Iraqi arms black market really doesn’t effect the national security of Israel. Expensive pistols (D.D.G C5, C6, & D.D.G 19 pistols can sell for over $1500 USD in Iraq) such as the D.D.G marked 9x19mm handguns are more of status symbols & personal defense weapons compared to weapons such as rocket launchers and MANPADS which can actually pose a greater threat to Israel’s national security. The expensive D.D.G-4 Carbin assault rifles (these can sell for over $2000 USD in Iraq) pose no more a threat to the Israeli government than the already abundant & cheap Kalashnikov, M4/M16, G3, SKS, & other military rifles that flood the Iraqi & Syrian black arms markets.

It is also important to note that amongst individuals who have/had access to or are part of the Iraqi black arms market, that it is highly likely a taboo to link D.D.G weapons with Israel. Arms dealers in Iraq that openly link D.D.G with Israel are allegedly likely to “disappear” according to one anonymous source who is familiar with the D.D.G conspiracy and has lived in the middle east.

What about the D.D.G pistols seized by Israeli Security Forces?

Fig 10-1: D.D.G 19 9x19mm pistol that was allegedly captured from Palestinian combatants by Israeli security forces in June of 2023 (source: New_secuirty8200 on telegram)

The D.D.G pistols that have been seized by the IDF, or other Israeli security forces, are rather interesting. Individuals who are pro-Israel often use these documented examples of D.D.G marked pistols being captured by Israeli security forces as substantial proof that ‘D.D.G pistols are not made in Israel’.

There are several possible theories behind how D.D.G pistols found their way into Palestine or Israel. The most likely source of these pistols is that they made their way “naturally” into Palestine from Iraq via Jordan & or Syria. Another possibility is that some of these plausibly deniable D.D.G weapons were distributed to Palestinians that are secretly collaborating with Israeli agents, & that these D.D.G weapons then naturally worked their way into the Palestinian black market. The third, and most conspiratorial theory, is that these documented D.D.G pistols that were allegedly captured by Israeli security forces are “planted” on purpose in an attempt to disassociate D.D.G weapons from possibly being of Israeli origin.

Fig 10-2: D.D.G C5 9x19mm pistol that was captured by Israeli security forces in May of 2023 (source: New_secuity8200 on telegram)

Conclusion

In the end, the origins of D.D.G is still a mystery that cannot be solved without a substantial & professional investigation involving on the ground investigations.

Sources

Websites

• turkishexporter.net

• palmettostatearmory.com

• bularmory.com

• jaws-jordan.com

• emtan.co.il

• phoenixweaponary.com

• aliexpress.com

• israeldefense.com

• 80percentarms.com

• rollingstone.com

• kurdistan24.net

YouTube

• The Jimmini Show

• Weaponlovers

• WARRIORS FOR FREEDOM

• Camping 44

Telegram

• New_secuity8200

Instagram

• emtansmallarmes

• emtandobrasil

• rf.assessoriabelica

• jaws_firearms