The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has disclosed plans to procure a new Panter multi-purpose armoured vehicles, according to Ynet.

According to a media report, IDF is planning to buy almost 100 new armored vehicles to replace ageing fleet of Zeev and Safaron.

The new vehicle combines a commercial truck’s speed and maneuverability and armoured personnel carrier like armour, qualities necessary for low-intensity confrontation.  The Panter’s chassis is based on an FMTV tactical trucks from Oshkosh Defense.

Panther will have a single configuration with the possibility of quick conversion to one or another option: the main for the transportation of military personnel, command, medical evacuation (2-6 stretcher wounded). The vehicle can be configured to perform a variety of military missions.

The hull is fitted with module armour plates to provide provides 360 protection when firing from an automatic weapon of 7.62 mm caliber and up to a large-caliber machine gun (12.7 mm). The ballistic protection can be further increased with additional armour.

The Panther weighs approximately 12 tons, and can carry a crew of up to 14 personnel, with an additional 2 stretch beds, if necessary.

According to the current information Israeli Ministry of Defense early announced on its official website the acquisition of 200 FMTV (Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles) trucks from the American Company Oshkosh Defense for a value contract of $200 million.