Germany has discreetly ordered more than 1,000 Mercedes-Benz Zetros military trucks for Ukraine, building on an earlier delivery of roughly 340 units since the onset of Russia’s invasion, according to Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (FAZ). The contract, reportedly arranged through Daimler Truck, remains largely confidential, with Berlin likely funding the deal as part of its ongoing military assistance program. While Daimler Truck declined to comment and details of future deliveries are classified, the deal is estimated to be worth several hundred million euros, potentially ranking as one of the largest vehicle contracts under Germany’s secretive aid framework. Deliveries are expected to occur gradually as production capacity ramps up. Designed for harsh frontline environments, the Zetros is a heavy off-road vehicle capable of transporting troops, fuel, and supplies, or evacuating wounded personnel. Widely adopted by militaries in over ten countries, the truck offers a maximum payload of 25 tons (55,116 pounds) and is being upgraded to address emerging “drone warfare” threats. The Zetros comes in configurations ranging from 4×2 to 8×8 and is powered by a 510-horsepower Allison 4500SP diesel engine, meeting Euro III and Euro V standards. Multiple transmission options—automatic, manual, and hybrid—enhance operational flexibility, while its robust design ensures reliability under demanding battlefield conditions.
