Israeli Firm to Provide Armored Vehicles to US Army

The US Department of Defense has awarded MDT Armor a $15.4-million contract to deliver tactical vehicles and parts for the army.

The deal potentially includes the company’s flagship “David” and “Tiger” armored vehicles operational under the Israel Defense Forces as well in Mexico, the Philippines, Chad, and Ecuador.

Work for this project will be facilitated in Auburn, Alabama, and is expected to be finalized by June 2026.

MDT is the American segment of Shladot, an Israeli military contractor based in Kiryat Ata, Haifa.

MDT’s 6-meter (20-foot) Tiger is a light-protected vehicle based on the commercial Dodge RAM and Ford F550 heavy-duty trucks.

The Tiger is designed with five doors and a roof hatch for rapid troop and weapons deployment, seating for up to 12 passengers, a modifiable cabin for various mission requirements, and Standard III NATO armor.

It is fitted with a 330-horsepower diesel engine for a top speed of 100 kilometers (62 miles) per hour.

Meanwhile, the David is modeled after the Toyota Land Cruiser and Hilux platforms. It can measure up to 5 meters (17 feet), depending on the user’s configuration.

The vehicle can be installed with three to five doors for equipment and soldier transport, with its chassis accommodating up to eight passengers, a roof turret for a manual or remote weapon station, and Standard II NATO armor.

It is powered by a turbocharged intercooled diesel engine with 148 horsepower for a speed of over 90 kilometers (56 miles) per hour.