Israel’s Ministry of Defense confirmed that the 1,000th “David” armored 4×4 vehicle has been rolled out in the United States, marking a milestone in a long-running procurement program supporting Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) operations.
The vehicle was produced by MDT Armor at its U.S. manufacturing facility and delivered under the Ministry of Defense’s Mission to the United States. The rollout ceremony was held in the presence of Israel’s Ambassador to the United States, Dr. Yechiel Leiter, and U.S. Congressman Mike Rogers, underscoring the industrial and defense cooperation between the two countries.
According to the Israel Ministry of Defense, the delivery reflects sustained production of armored platforms designed to meet the IDF’s operational requirements during ongoing security operations. The David vehicle is part of a family of compact armored platforms manufactured by MDT Armor, which also includes the “Tiger” armored vehicle.
The David is built on a commercial chassis that has been modified and reinforced to meet military requirements. The platform is engineered to withstand small-arms fire, shrapnel, and improvised explosive threats while maintaining the maneuverability required for operations in dense urban areas and rough terrain. The modular design allows armor protection levels to be adjusted based on mission needs.
MDT Armor produces the vehicles in the United States as part of a broader effort to ensure stable supply chains and sustained delivery capacity during periods of high demand. The Israel Ministry of Defense has increasingly relied on overseas production lines to support rapid replenishment and fleet expansion while maintaining operational continuity for the IDF.
The David platform has become a standard vehicle across multiple IDF formations, particularly for units operating in contested areas where protected mobility is required but heavier armored vehicles are impractical. Its relatively compact size allows it to operate on narrow roads and in confined urban environments, while still providing ballistic and blast protection for personnel.
The Tiger, produced alongside the David, shares a similar design philosophy but is optimized for slightly different mission profiles, including extended patrols and rapid troop movement. Both vehicles are designed to be transported easily and deployed quickly, allowing commanders to adjust force posture with minimal logistical burden.
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