Land Warfare

Elta sells Zmag to IDF

23rd April 2021 - 11:15 GMT | by The Shephard News Team

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The IDF is buying up to 30 Zmag all-terrain vehicles. (Photo: IAI)

The IDF is acquiring up to 30 all-terrain vehicles from Israeli manufacturer Elta, with SOF among the possible operators.

The IDF intends to procure up to 30 Zmag all-terrain vehicles from Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) subsidiary Elta.

IAI announced on 22 April that Elta signed an agreement with the Sub Department for Land Production and Procurement in the Israeli MoD to manufacture nine Zmag vehicles in various configurations, with an option to produce 21 more.

The contract value and delivery timeframe were undisclosed, but Shephard Defence Insight estimates the unit cost of Zmag at $138,000, or about $4.15 million for 30 vehicles.

The deal also includes Israeli government support to offer Zmag to potential export customers.

The first Z-MAG vehicles purchased by the Israeli MoD ‘will feature unique capabilities designed especially for the needs of the IDF’s Maneuvering Units’, IAI stated, adding: ‘Following an assessment period, the IDF will consider buying more vehicles in the coming years.’

Shephard reported last July that Elta identifies SOF as a target market for its Z all-terrain vehicle range (which also includes the ZD and Zibar). The IDF has already tested some prototypes equipped with advanced sensors such as ground radars, fire control systems and EO payloads (Elta’s core areas of expertise).

IAI is investing ILS100 million ($30.74 million) in building an assembly line for the Z range at Beersheba.

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