Germany has discreetly placed an order for over 1,000 Mercedes-Benz Zetros military trucks to bolster Ukraine’s logistics and transportation capabilities, according to a report from Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (FAZ). This substantial order, which has not been publicly acknowledged, follows the delivery of around 340 Zetros vehicles since the onset of Russia’s invasion.
The procurement deal, made with Daimler Truck, is speculated to have been funded by Berlin as part of its ongoing military assistance to Kyiv. Sources indicate that the financial commitment behind this transaction amounts to hundreds of millions of euros, making it one of the largest vehicle procurements under Germany’s confidential assistance program.
As the production ramp-up begins, deliveries of the Zetros trucks are anticipated to occur gradually. This procurement signifies a pivotal shift in Germany’s strategy regarding military support for Ukraine.
Earlier this year, Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced a commitment to support Kyiv’s production of long-range weaponry and the lifting of restrictions concerning their range. This change in policy is viewed as a significant evolution in Germany’s defense posture. “Ukraine will thus be able to defend itself, even against military targets outside its own territory,” Merz stated, describing this as the onset of a new phase in military-industrial collaboration between Germany and Ukraine.
The Zetros, manufactured by Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks, is a heavy-duty off-road vehicle engineered for demanding conditions. It is capable of transporting fuel, supplies, and troops or evacuating injured personnel from frontline areas. With a proven track record in over ten countries, known for its reliability and a maximum payload capacity of up to 25 tons, the Zetros is undergoing enhancements to adapt to modern warfare scenarios, including drone operations.
The vehicle is available in various configurations from 4×2 to 8×8, equipped with an Allison 4500SP diesel engine that delivers up to 510 horsepower. It complies with both Euro III and Euro V environmental standards and comes with multiple transmission options, including automatic, manual, or hybrid.
As the need for versatile and robust logistics solutions in conflict zones becomes increasingly critical, this investment underscores Germany’s commitment to supporting Ukraine amid ongoing hostilities.
