Mercedes-Benz Zetros

Mercedes-Benz Zetros
Zetros 2733 at the International Defence Industry Exhibition 2012
TypeTactical transport truck
Place of originGermany
Service history
Used bySee Operators
Production history
DesignerMercedes-Benz
ManufacturerMercedes-Benz
Produced2008 - present
No. built> 15,000 as of October 2025[1]
VariantsSee Variants

The Mercedes-Benz Zetros is an off-road truck for extreme operations. It was first presented at the 2008 Eurosatory defence industry trade show in Paris. The Zetros was initially only produced at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Wörth, Germany.[2] The Canadian Army ordered the Zetros, the chassis is made in Wörth, but armoured cabins and the custom modules will be added to the chassis by Marshall Canada, Manac, Soframe, and General Dynamics Land Systems-Canada in Canada.[3] Daimler is proposing a collaboration to produce it in France with Arquus for the French Army.[4]

The truck is designed to be compatible with the C-130 Hercules transport and also fits into a standard German railway carriage.[5] In 2019, Mercedes-Benz presented a facelift of the Zetros; it features a more powerful engine and a bigger number of variants.[6]

Variants

The Zetros is available with an engine power of 360 hp (265 kW) up to 510 hp (375 kW)[7] in all-wheel drive and non all-wheel drive versions:

Although normally used as a truck, the Zetros has also been put to work as an off-road tractor unit in the middle east.[8] German company Harald Bruhn also introduced a Zetros-based agricultural trailer truck as the Secutor.[9]

8X8 Version: Frappe Longue Portée Terrestre FLP-T 150 Multiple rocket launcher version for the French Army.[10]

Technical characteristics

The facelifted Zetros has now one type of engine in all variants.[7]

  • Engine: 12.816 cc inline 6 cylinder diesel
Emission Power [kW] Power [hp] Torque [Nm]
EU III 265 360 1.800
EU III 310 421 2.100
EU III 350 476 2.300
EU V 330 449 2.200
EU V 375 510 2.400
  • Transmission: 16 speed manual transmission with shift lever, controlled via control cable, pneumatic power-assisted
  • mechanical differential locks on front and rear axles and in the transfer case
  • Top speed: 55 mph
  • fording depths up to 0.8m

Operators

Military operators

Current operators

Algeria
Around 2,000 trucks are planned to be produced by the Algeria's National Company of Industrial Vehicles (SNVI) destined for the Algerian defence ministry.[11] Locally further developed into self-propelled artillery systems using the D-30 and T-12 gun systems.[12]
Bulgaria
The Bulgarian army ordered the Zetros in 2009 to transport personnel and supplies.[13] As of 2012, it operates 335 trucks with 30 more on order.[14]
Chile
In August 2016 Mercedes Benz has been awarded a contract to provide 330 trucks for the Chilean Army. The contract includes a batch of Zetros 2733 6×6 and Unimog U4000 4×4 vehicles.[15]
In May 2025, 33 Zetros 2036A were ordered by the Chilean Army, am artillery tow-truck.[16]
Finland
The Finnish Defence Forces have acquired Zetros trucks to replace outdated Sisu Auto vehicles for transportation of both personnel and explosives.[17]
France
The French Air Force ordered several MICA VL fire units. The launchers of the fire units are using the Zetros as platform.[18][19]
A large order was made in January 2026 for up to 7,000 trucks. John Cockerill will supply and militarise the trucks.[20]
Germany
The German army has ordered a total of 110 armoured Zetros vehicles, 72 of which are supposed to serve in logistics units.[21]
Jordan
Germany donated 20 Zetros 2733 A 6×6 trucks and 50 Zetros 1833 A 4×4 trucks to Jordan in order to be used for the logistics of the Jordanian security agencies when caring for refugees.[22][23]
Lithuania
Eight Zetros 3643 6×6 tow trucks acquired in 2019 with Mercedes-Benz EMPL platform for PzH 2000 or Bergepanzer 2 transportation.[24]
141 Zetros 2733 6×6 transport trucks equipped with cranes acquired in 2023; they will delivered by 2030.[25][26][27]
Mexico
The Mexican Army and Mexican Air Force have planned the purchase of 137 6×6 trucks, in three stages, beginning the first purchase of 46 in 2017. The Mexican Navy also operates an undisclosed number of Zetros trucks.
Poland
31 Mercedes Benz Zetros 3348 AS 6×6 with Dobrowolski DOB70W low bed semi-trailer with an option for 78 more sets ordered in October 2021 for tank transport duty. First 8 sets delivered by the end of 2023.[28]
Saudi Arabia
Operated by the Saudi Arabian National Guard.
Turkey
The Turkish Armed Forces use Zetros as HISAR carrier.[29]
Ukraine
As of January 2025, the Armed Forces of Ukraine have received:[30]
  • 262 logistics trucks
  • 78 tankers based on the Zetros
On order:[30]
  • 20 refrigerator Zetros.
  • > 1,000 ordered by Germany for Ukraine (October 2025)[31][32]
  • 200 Bohdana howitzers based on the Zetros truck financed in December 2025 (€750 million)[33]

Future operators

Canada (1,500)
The Canadian army selected General Dynamics Land Systems Canada in a joint venture with Marshall Canada as bid winner for the LVM (Logistics Vehicle Modernisation) programme.[34][35][36][37] The contract signed in June 2024 provides for:
  • 1,000 light trucks (Zetros 4×4)
  • 500 heavy trucks (Zetros 8×8)

Evaluation only

Argentina
In 2016, Mercedes-Benz presents and exhibit the Zetros in the Directorate of Arsenals, the plant of the former TAMSE in Boulogne. As reported by the Defensa site, the Argentine Army is a former customer of Mercedes-Benz. The idea is that the Zetros can replace, in a gradual way, the current fleet of Unimog and MB 1114.[38]

Civilian clients

Current operators

Australia
Agriculture vehicles:
Costa Rica
Emergency vehicles:
  • The first non military application of the Zetros 2733 was announced in June 2018 by the Costa Rican Firefighters as the organization acquired one. It will serve as transport for rescue crew and equipment in emergency situations as floods, hurricanes, storms, wild fires, volcanic eruptions and earthquakes.[40]
Finland
Mining industry:
  • Zetros 6×6 tank truck used on on open-cast mine at Kevista.[41]
France
Vehicle body maker:
  • KLUBB Group uses it as a base vehicle for specialised vehicles.[42]
Germany
Mining industry:
  • Zetros 4×4 tow truck used in an anhydrite mine by Knauf Gips KG in Hüttenheim.[43]

References

  1. ^ "Zetros By Arquus Celebtates Its Premiere in Paris". militaeraktuell.at. 8 October 2025.
  2. ^ "Daimler Trucks at a Glance" (PDF). Daimler. 2012. p. 25. Retrieved 25 April 2012.
  3. ^ Valpolini, Paolo (16 July 2024). "Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks: Zetros 8x8 and not only". EDR Magazine. Retrieved 9 October 2025.
  4. ^ "Daimler Truck and Arquus present Franco-German Zetros truck for tactical military mobility in Paris". 8 October 2025. Retrieved 9 October 2025.
  5. ^ "Transportable". The New Zetros. Mercedes Benz. Retrieved 25 April 2012.
  6. ^ "Zetros eBooklet". Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks World. Archived from the original on 6 February 2022. Retrieved 6 February 2022.
  7. ^ a b "Zetros eBooklet". Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks World. Archived from the original on 6 February 2022. Retrieved 6 February 2022.
  8. ^ "Mercedes' Middle Eastern Monster Mover—the Zetros 6x6 gets down to work on Biglorryblog!". Biglorryblog. Archived from the original on 8 December 2022. Retrieved 15 December 2012.
  9. ^ Don't say Zetros say Secutor! The latest Mercedes agricultural monster mover on Biglorryblog! - Truckanddriver.co.uk
  10. ^ https://www.armyrecognition.com/news/army-news/2026/france-unveils-new-flp-t-150-long-range-rocket-launcher-to-free-europe-from-us-export-control#google_vignette
  11. ^ "Algerian factory unveils new locally assembled truck for Algerian military". Defence Web. 16 March 2015. Retrieved 22 June 2017.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
  12. ^ Binnie, Jeremy (4 July 2017). "Algeria displays locally developed self-propelled artillery". IHS Jane's 360. Retrieved 6 July 2017.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
  13. ^ "Армията се сдоби с Zetros". Bulgarian Transport Press (in Bulgarian) (4). 29 January 2009. Retrieved 25 April 2012.
  14. ^ Dikov, Ivan (6 January 2012). "The Bulgaria 2011 Review: Defense". Novinite Sofia News Agency. Sofia. Retrieved 22 June 2017.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
  15. ^ Porfilio, Gabriel (30 August 2017). "Chile to purchase more than 300 Mercedes Benz trucks". IHS Jane's 360. Orlando. Retrieved 22 June 2017.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
  16. ^ Defensa.com (15 May 2025). "Ejército de Chile adquiere 33 camiones Mercedes Benz Zetros 2036A 4x4 - Noticias Defensa defensa.com Chile". Defensa.com (in Spanish). Retrieved 15 May 2025.
  17. ^ "Tuliterät maastokuorma-autot kuljettavat räjähteitä mutta myös ihmisiä - Ruotuväki". ruotuvaki.fi (in Finnish). 18 June 2021. Retrieved 19 August 2022.
  18. ^ "France to invest over €600 million in air defence". gagadget.fr. 29 January 2025. Retrieved 26 April 2025.
  19. ^ "Les deux premiers VL MICA déployés pour les JO". Magazine Raids (in French). Retrieved 9 October 2025.
  20. ^ "John Cockerill and Daimler Truck will supply 7,000 military trucks to the French Army". John Cockerill. Retrieved 17 January 2026.
  21. ^ Wilke, Ralf (25 November 2013). "Geschützter Transportraum" [Protected transportation space] (in German). Streitkräftebasis. Archived from the original on 26 January 2013. Retrieved 18 December 2013.
  22. ^ "Germany gives 126 Mercedes-Benz vehicles as aid to Jordan | ConstructionWeekOnline.com". Archived from the original on 25 January 2018.
  23. ^ "Germany delivers Jordan €18 million in military equipment | DW | 14.01.2018". Deutsche Welle.
  24. ^ "Heavy duty trucks to enter service with the Lithuanian Armed Forces". 3 December 2019.
  25. ^ "Lietuvos kariuomenėje bus naudojami didelės galios vilkikai". kariuomene.kam.lt (in Lithuanian). 26 November 2019. Archived from the original on 29 November 2019. Retrieved 21 January 2024.
  26. ^ Vilnius, Made in (8 May 2023). "Kariuomenė perka daugiau nei 370 sunkvežimių". MadeinVilnius.lt - Vilniaus naujienų dienoraštis (in Lithuanian). Retrieved 17 October 2023.
  27. ^ "Lithuanian military to buy 371 trucks for €216m". lrt.lt. 8 May 2023. Retrieved 3 January 2024.
  28. ^ "Nowe zestawy transportowe dostarczone. Przewiozą polskie czołgi [ANALIZA]". Defence24 (in Polish). 12 January 2024. Retrieved 12 January 2024.
  29. ^ "Turkey could deploy local-made air defense missile systems HISAR-A and HISAR-O in Syria | March 2020 News Defense Global Security army industry | Defense Security global news industry army 2020 | Archive News year". 8 March 2020.
  30. ^ a b "Military support for Ukraine | Federal Government". Website of the Federal Government | Bundesregierung. 14 January 2025. Retrieved 15 January 2025.
  31. ^ S.A, Telewizja Polska. "Berlin orders over 1,000 Mercedes military trucks for Ukraine". tvpworld.com. Retrieved 17 December 2025.
  32. ^ Manuel, Rojoef (8 October 2025). "Germany Orders Over 1,000 Military Trucks for Ukraine in Secret Deal". The Defense Post. Archived from the original on 13 October 2025. Retrieved 17 December 2025.
  33. ^ Schmalz, Alexander (17 December 2025). "Ukraine und Deutschland vereinbaren Rüstungsdeal über mehr als 1,2 Milliarden Euro". Berliner Zeitung (in German). Retrieved 17 December 2025.
  34. ^ "Logistics Vehicle Modernization Project (LVM)". Government of Canada Department of National Defence. 17 June 2024. Retrieved 14 July 2024.
  35. ^ Malyasov, Dylan (31 May 2024). "Canada invests $2.58 billion in new logistics vehicles". Defence Blog. Defence Blog media group. Retrieved 1 January 2025.
  36. ^ "Minister Blair announces major investments in equipment and training for the Canadian Armed Forces in partnership with Canada's defence industry". Government of Canada. 29 May 2024. Retrieved 24 July 2024.
  37. ^ Bisht, Inder Singh (24 June 2024). "Canadian Military to Receive Over 1,500 Mercedes-Benz Zetros Trucks". The Defense Post. Retrieved 16 March 2025.
  38. ^ Cristófalo, Carlos (19 July 2016). "Mercedes-Benz presentó el Zetros en el Ejército Argentino" (in Spanish). Motorsport Network. Retrieved 1 January 2025.
  39. ^ "Zetros as a manure spreader at Crossling Contractors in Down Under". special.mercedes-benz-trucks.com. Archived from the original on 26 April 2025. Retrieved 9 October 2025.
  40. ^ "First Zetros in Costa Rica". special.mercedes-benz-trucks.com. Archived from the original on 13 July 2025. Retrieved 9 October 2025.
  41. ^ "The Zetros 6x6 as a mining tanker". special.mercedes-benz-trucks.com. Archived from the original on 26 April 2025. Retrieved 9 October 2025.
  42. ^ "FRENCH BODYBUILDER KLUBB GROUP PUTS THEIR TRUST IN THE ZETROS". Archived from the original on 10 August 2025.
  43. ^ "Zetros in mining industry: In operation underground Zetros shows what it can do". special.mercedes-benz-trucks.com. Archived from the original on 10 August 2025. Retrieved 9 October 2025.
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