Elta sells Zmag to IDF
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.
As part of our promise to deliver comprehensive coverage to our Defence Insight and Premium News subscribers, our curated defence news content provides the latest industry updates, contract awards and programme milestones.
More from Land Warfare
-
![The Philippines looks to Israel for military equipment amid South China Sea tensions]()
The Philippines looks to Israel for military equipment amid South China Sea tensions
The southeast Asian country has been enhancing its military readiness by procuring advanced Israeli defence platforms and systems.
-
![US Missile Defense Agency’s budget could be cut by $2.6 billion over the next three years]()
US Missile Defense Agency’s budget could be cut by $2.6 billion over the next three years
The reduction would impact several acquisition and development programmes, creating capabilities gaps in US missile defence architecture.
-
![Israel ramps up Arrow-4 development following Iranian attack]()
Israel ramps up Arrow-4 development following Iranian attack
Israel’s Ministry of Defense has fast-tracked the development of the Arrow-4 ballistic missile interceptor in response to recent Iranian ballistic missile attacks.
-
![Saab to manufacture Carl-Gustaf M4 near New Delhi as Swedish firm eyes Indian expansion]()
Saab to manufacture Carl-Gustaf M4 near New Delhi as Swedish firm eyes Indian expansion
Saab has planned to build “a streamlined ownership structure” in India to accelerate its investment plans and developing capabilities in the country.
-
![Japan orders THeMIS UGVs]()
Japan orders THeMIS UGVs
Milrem’s Tracked Hybrid Modular Infantry System (THeMIS) is a modular, multimission, hybrid UGV. The current fifth-generation model incorporates knowledge gained during tests in the US, Europe and the Middle East, as well as during field-deployment in Mali in the French-led Operation Barkhane.
