The IDF is about to receive a significant boost to its vehicle fleet, with the US government’s approval of the largest truck deal in the history of the Israeli army, worth $583 million. The deal is expected to include about 1,000 new FMTV off-road trucks, which will replace the outdated Rio truck fleet.
The Rio trucks, which were absorbed by the IDF back in the 1970s, served faithfully for decades, but reached the limit of their capabilities. In the Iron Swords War, you could see ancient Rio trucks having difficulty navigating the sand paths in Gaza, when only the supreme efforts of the drivers and maintenance teams made it possible for them to complete their essential tasks.
In 2017, the process of replacing the Rio began with the order of 200 FMTV trucks, but the numbers were too low to replace the entire fleet. Now, with the new deal, the IDF is expected to receive a significant reinforcement of modern trucks starting in 2026.
The new trucks are equipped with a Cummins engine with a capacity of approximately 300 hp, a 7-speed automatic transmission, a system for inflating damaged tires, and more. They will provide the IDF with advanced capabilities for transporting supplies, fuel and armaments in challenging field conditions, and will ensure the continued efficient functioning of the logistics system the military in the following years.
