Daimler Truck Reinforces Military Logistics Capabilities with Global Production and Local Assembly Model

Daimler Truck showcases Mercedes-Benz Arocs and Zetros truck series at the World Defense Show, Mercedes-Benz Arocs Photo credit:
Daimler Truck AG

(IN BRIEF) Daimler Truck is advancing its defence growth strategy by showcasing Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks at the World Defense Show in Riyadh, presenting vehicles such as the Zetros 4051 AS 6×6 and Arocs 4663 AS 8×8 that are designed for extreme operational environments. The company emphasises its strong manufacturing base in Germany and France, its ability to conduct local CKD assembly in partner countries, and its extensive global sales and service network that supports vehicle readiness and customer requirements. With deep regional roots in the Middle East and Africa, including a long-standing partnership with JIPCO in Saudi Arabia and a regional hub in Dubai, Daimler Truck positions itself as a full-range military logistics supplier offering everything from Unimog and Zetros platforms to heavy-duty Actros and Arocs vehicles, while highlighting the Zetros’ high payload capacity, advanced off-road capabilities, and mission endurance.

(PRESS RELEASE) LEINFELDEN-ECHTERDINGEN, 7-Feb-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Daimler Truck is reinforcing its strategic expansion in the defence sector by presenting a selection of Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks at the World Defense Show in Riyadh from February 8 to 12, underlining its growing presence in the Middle East and wider Arabic-speaking markets. The company’s participation reflects its commitment to meeting the evolving requirements of military and security customers through a combination of advanced vehicle technology, local partnerships, and global service capabilities.

At the exhibition’s outdoor area (booth CY-J2.2), Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks is showcasing two vehicles specifically engineered for extreme environmental conditions, including high temperatures, dust, and sandy terrain: the Mercedes-Benz Zetros 4051 AS 6×6 and the Mercedes-Benz Arocs 4663 AS 8×8. Inside the venue at booth H1-HO.1, Daimler Truck specialists are available to provide detailed information on the company’s defence portfolio, support services, and sales solutions.

Daimler Truck emphasises that its ability to respond rapidly and flexibly to defence sector needs is supported by its substantial manufacturing capabilities and technical expertise at its core assembly plants in Wörth am Rhein, Germany, and Molsheim, France. In addition, the company maintains the capacity to conduct local vehicle assembly in multiple customer countries through Completely Knocked Down (CKD) kits, working in close cooperation with specialised partners in vehicle development, militarisation, distribution, and aftersales support. This approach ensures that customers receive tailored solutions aligned with their operational requirements.

The company also highlights the strength of its global sales and service network, which plays a central role in maintaining vehicle availability, operational readiness, and customer proximity. This integrated support structure is positioned as a key differentiator in the defence logistics market.

Regional footprint and partnerships

Daimler Truck has built long-standing relationships across Africa, the Middle East, and Asia through an extensive dealer and service network and close collaboration with local bodybuilders and industrial partners. In Saudi Arabia, Juffali Industrial Products Company (JIPCO) serves as Daimler Truck’s general sales partner for Mercedes-Benz Trucks. Together, JIPCO and Daimler Truck operate the National Automotive Industry Company (NAI), a joint venture that supports local truck assembly, creates industrial value, and contributes to job creation within the Kingdom.

The company’s Middle East and Africa Regional Center in Dubai further strengthens its regional presence by ensuring rapid access to vehicles, spare parts, and technical support. The center also coordinates Daimler Truck’s strategy across more than 60 markets, oversees compliance with local regulations, and enhances network performance through comprehensive training, sales, and service programmes.

Defence portfolio positioning

Daimler Truck positions itself as a full-range supplier of military logistics vehicles, offering platforms from highly off-road capable models such as the Unimog and Zetros to heavy-duty vehicles including the Atego, Actros, and Arocs. The portfolio spans configurations from 4×2 to 8×8, with options for protected or unprotected cabs, single or twin tires, and emission standards ranging from Euro III to Euro VI. The company also supplies chassis for protected superstructures (FGA) derived from the Unimog, as well as CKD kits for local assembly.

Vehicle highlight: Mercedes-Benz Zetros

The Mercedes-Benz Zetros 4051 AS 6×6 on display is configured as a semi-trailer tractor designed to transport wheeled and tracked military equipment. The bonneted vehicle accommodates a three-person crew and includes a sleeping compartment and additional storage. It is powered by a Mercedes-Benz OM 460 Euro V engine delivering 375 kW (510 hp), paired with an Allison automatic transmission featuring a retarder. The truck is equipped with a TLS 2.25 transport loading system with a double winch capable of handling loads of up to 70 tonnes.

Enhanced off-road performance is supported by differential locks, a tire pressure control system, large approach and departure angles, and deep-water fording capability, enabling reliable operation across sand, mud, steep gradients, and river crossings. With a 780-litre diesel tank, the Zetros is designed for extended missions in remote environments. In tractor configuration, it can achieve gross combination weights of up to 120 tonnes and is compatible with a wide range of specialised body solutions for diverse transport tasks.

Mercedes-Benz Arocs

The Mercedes-Benz Arocs 4663 AS shown at the World Defense Show is designed as a heavy-duty tractor unit for off-road transport and is used, for example, as a tank tractor. The four-axle semi-trailer tractor has a gross vehicle weight of 46 tons and a total towing capacity of up to 250 tons. The double winch can be used to recover damaged vehicles and load and unload them onto a low loader connected to the tractor via a heavy-duty coupling. The tire pressure control system with infinitely variable pressure adjustment and the switchable differential locks improve off-road capability, while the 1,190-liter diesel tank enables long-duration operations. In addition to the driver, the cab can accommodate five other people with their extensive equipment.

The vehicle is powered by a Mercedes-Benz OM 473 Euro V engine with a displacement of 15.6 liters, 460 kW (625 hp), and 3,000 Nm of torque. The fully automatic Mercedes-Benz Powershift 3 transmission supports fuel-efficient driving. If the driver wants to rely on their own experience when changing gears, they can optionally use manual mode.

The Arocs is equipped with a turbo retarder clutch (TRC) as an optional extra, which transfers the torque. It enables smooth power transmission from the engine to the transmission, even under high loads. Reduced transmission wear and extended service life of the drive components contribute to longer maintenance-free operating periods.

Media Contacts:

Lukas Hettmannsperger
Spokesperson Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks
lukas.hettmannsperger​@daimlertruck.com
+49 170 3871112

Ulrike Burkhart
Spokesperson Mercedes-Benz Trucks Product, Service & eTruck
ulrike.burkhart​@daimlertruck.com
+49 160 861 3757

SOURCE: Daimler Truck