Germany has quietly ordered more than 1,000 Mercedes-Benz Zetros military trucks for Ukraine to strengthen the country’s logistics and transport network, according to Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (FAZ).
The deal, reportedly made with Daimler Truck, builds on about 340 Zetros vehicles already delivered since Russia’s invasion began.
Although the procurement has not been publicly announced, FAZ reported that Berlin likely funded the order as part of its ongoing military aid to Kyiv.
Daimler Truck declined to comment, and the German government has kept details of future support classified. Estimated to be worth hundreds of millions of euros, the contract is believed to be one of the largest vehicle deals under Germany’s confidential assistance program.
Deliveries are expected to roll out gradually as production ramps up.
Bigger Military Partnership
Sources said the move signals a broader shift in Germany’s approach toward Ukraine’s defense.
Earlier this year, Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Berlin would help fund Kyiv’s production of long-range weapons and lift previous restrictions on their effective reach — marking a major shift in Germany’s defense policy.
“Ukraine will thus be able to defend itself, even against military targets outside its own territory,” Merz stated. “This is the beginning of a new form of military-industrial cooperation between our countries.”
Built for Tough Frontline Use
The Zetros, built by Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks, is a heavy off-road vehicle designed for tough terrain. It can transport fuel, supplies, and troops, or evacuate wounded soldiers from frontlines.
The truck, used by militaries in more than 10ten countries for its reliability in harsh conditions and a maximum payload capacity of up to 25 tons (55,116 pounds), is now being upgraded to handle “drone war” scenarios, FAZ reported.
Mercedes-Benz offers the Zetros in 4×2 to 8×8 variants, delivering up to 510 horsepower through an Allison 4500SP diesel engine. It supports Euro III or Euro V standards and comes with automatic, manual, or hybrid transmission options.
