The German army is today one of the largest customers of Israeli defense industries, with all the historical sensitivities. From the Arrow-3 system and the Heron TP drones of Israel Aerospace Industries, Spike missiles, the Windbreaker system, and Rafael’s electronic warfare pods, to Elbit’s rocket launchers and aircraft defense systems.
And yet there are still defense deals between the two countries that make us do a double-take: The German army, the country that produces the Mercedes G-Class and whose automotive industry is considered one of the world’s leaders, has specifically chosen an Israeli off-road vehicle for its special forces.
The German security website tHartpunk revealed that the Bundestag’s procurement committee in Berlin approved a deal to purchase 200 vehicles from Israel Aerospace Industries and its German partner FFG, from the Zibar family. The total value of the deal, which will be spread over seven years, is expected to exceed €100 million, with the first phase including an order for 40 reconnaissance vehicles and 14 support vehicles.
The Zibar was designed by Ido Cohen, one of Israel’s leading off-road figures, who, based on his experience in off-road racing in Israel and abroad, including the Dakar Rally, has already designed several generations of Zibar vehicles. About five years ago, Israel Aerospace Industries, through its Elta division, purchased the production rights for the vehicle for the defense sector. The project is managed by Elta’s land systems factory in the capital of the Negev.
The Zibar won the competition against military off-road vehicles from Germany and France, and the German reconnaissance units will primarily receive Elta’s ZD vehicles. The German specifications will include seating for three soldiers, with the ability to equip the vehicle with machine guns or grenade launchers. The Germans can choose between a 2,400 cc gasoline engine or a 2,800 cc diesel engine.
The vehicles designed by Cohen are characterized by high off-road capability and very high-speed driving in rough terrain, alongside a relatively high payload capacity for their weight. The ZD weighs 1.6 tons and can carry a crew, ammunition, and cargo weighing 1.5 tons.