Sufa 3 Military Armoured Vehicles Joins IDF

 

Sufa 3 Armoured Vehicle

25/08/2011 by Armed Forces International's Global Correspondent

The IDF (Israeli Defence Force) is now equipped with the latest version of the Sufa range of military armoured vehicles.

In service with the IDF's Ground Forces Technical Brigade, the Sufa 3 accommodates up to five military personnel, has a top speed of 130 kilometres per hour and can carry payloads weighing up to 1,053 kilograms.

Developed from a partnership set up between Nazareth, US automotive firm Chrysler and the IDF itself, the Sufa 3's intended as a replacement for the earlier Sufa 1 and 2 models and up to 500 will eventually enter service. The first example was handed over at an event held at the Nazareth assembly plant on 23 August 2011 - a transfer representing the culmination of three years work.

Sufa 3 Armoured Vehicle

The three development parties launched the Sufa 3 armoured vehicle programme in 2008 and, between 2009 and 2011, the design was put through intensive tests. Compared to the Sufa 2, the upgraded -3 model incorporates advanced air conditioning, improved communications technology, more robust tyres and towing hooks, fixed to the front and rear of the vehicle.

The original Sufa armoured vehicle design was conceived as an urban warfare and patrol platform and consideration was given to its layout to optimise its practicality. For example, it features a relatively narrow frame, allowing it to be driven through densely-packed cityscapes.

Sufa 3 - IDF

"This is a completely different vehicle from the Sufa 2", Lieutenant Colonel Nissim Einat, head of tactical vehicles at the IDF, explained in a statement made at the Sufa 3 IDF launch event "The Sufa 3 is much more comfortable for the user. Inside, it is very similar to a private vehicle. There is an integrated and reliable radio system - much more reliable than the Sufa 2. There are much fewer glitches and problems. Also, it is an automatic vehicle that is driven by a diesel engine."

Overall, according to Lieutenant Colonel Einat, the new vehicle is "...an excellent tool that meets the IDF's needs, particularly the ground forces."