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The Israeli Ministry of Defense’s Directorate of Production and Procurement (DOPP) has agreed to purchase “hundreds” of the Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI)-produced vehicles, with the combat vehicle intended for use within Israeli SOF teams.
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Deputy director general and head of the DOPP Avi Dadon recently signed a contract for the purchase of hundreds of new “Negeva” combat vehicles during a ceremony at the IAI Land Division production line.
The agreement is valued at over NIS 100 million and will see the company make Z-MAG and ZD vehicles for the IDF’s special forces in collaboration with Ido Cohen and The Armoured Group (TAG).
The all-terrain vehicles weigh 1.5 to 2.5 tonnes and can be used for a variety of mission tasks including delivery of supplies and casualty evacuations.
According to IAI, the vehicles have been developed from “commercial elements” ensuring cheaper operating costs.
The vehicles are scheduled to be built at IAI’s Be’er Sheva site which specialises in the construction of land technologies and have received financial support from the Israeli Ministry of Defense.
The vehicles will be manufactured as part of IAI’s Elta Division that builds radars, as well as ISR, EW and communications systems.
“The commando combat vehicle project being launched today is the best possible reflection of the Ministry of Defense’s work,” Avi Dadon said.
“This is a significant procurement deal for strengthening the IDF Special Units’ force build-up that we were able to place in the IAI’s Be’er Sheva Land Division production line. This agreement will enhance the export potential for these unique tools and technologies.”
Boaz Levy, president and chief executive officer of IAI explained that the new “Negeva” Project will provide Israeli soldiers with world leading defence equipment.
“The “Negeva” Project will equip the IDF with the most advanced tactical ground vehicles in the world, which are highly reliable and have exceptional capabilities,” Levy said.
“IAI’s Land Division, part of IAI’s ELTA Group, is a key and significant player in the development and production of advanced land solutions. IAI’s wide range of capabilities in the fields of intelligence, AI, remote sensing, and communications are integrated in these land vehicles and will provide significant added value to the operational capabilities in the field of combat mobility.”
[Related: IAI milestone: Company finalises 100th B767-300 conversion]
