Some 3 three months after dozens of IDF armored vehicles were hit in a Hamas attack on October 7, the Ministry of Defense is poised to get 60 new tactical utility vehicles from Flyer Defense to replace them. The advanced mobility Flyer-72s will be symbolically named Be'eri, in memory of the Kibbutz where dozens were brutally murdered and kidnapped in the horrors of that day.
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The Flyer-72 wide version was defined as a replacement for the Humvee vehicles for US special forces as well as in other Western countries' elite units, including in Singapore, the UAE, and Italy. These vehicles have already been phased into service there. The new vehicles were purchased with increased American aid funds, which grew significantly after the attack on the Gaza communities. Sources familiar with the details explained to Israel Hayom that the new vehicle that was developed has many tactical advantages in carrying out operational missions. For example, it comes in several versions on the same chassis and mechanical and automatic systems that allow armies simplicity, functional and maintenance continuity, and also the ability to make modifications tailored to their operational needs using custom configurations. According to the Flyer Defense website, the model integrates "a range of advanced systems to enhance Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (CUAS), radar detection, fire support, and firepower capabilities." It is
The new vehicle can come in an armored version for the transport of six fighters and a weapon system. A lightweight version can transport up to 12 fighters, as well as in a variant for transporting casualties with nine fighters and three stretchers, and even in a pickup truck version for the purpose of bringing operational and logistical equipment. The vehicle comes with a two-liter diesel engine and can be fueled using all diesel fuel tanks and even jet fuel.
In addition, it is a very comfortable vehicle to drive in an operational environment with advanced suspension. Unlike all other vehicles, the driver in the Flyer-72 sits in the middle of the front section, which allows the placement of two gunners on each side to improve the lethality of the vehicle on the battlefield.
Meeting the requirements of the operational user comes, among other things, through a unique feature that allows the seats of the fighters to be adapted to travel with an armored vest by quickly pulling out part of the back cushion that allows sitting comfortably without neck and back pain for a long time.
The tactical vehicle has very high all-terrain capabilities, and unlike other military vehicles, it can easily and quickly enter IAF aircraft so they can easily land it anywhere they want. It is also a very reliable and economical vehicle in terms of fuel consumption and spare parts wear and tear. Looking at the modern battlefield and the development of the electric car market in the civilian automotive world, the Flyer-72 has a fully electric version.
