U.S. Army Awards $15.4M Contract to MDT Armor for IDF Armored Vehicle Supply

The U.S. Army has awarded a $15.4 million contract to MDT Armor Corp. to continue delivering armored vehicles and related parts to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). MDT Armor, an American subsidiary of Israel’s Shladot, operates a vehicle production facility in Alabama and is recognized as a key supplier of ultra-light armored vehicles to the Israeli military.

The company manufactures the “David” and the “Tiger,” two compact armored platforms designed for personnel transport and rapid-response operations. Both vehicles are widely used by the IDF for reconnaissance, convoy protection, and patrol missions. While built on commercial chassis, they are engineered to withstand small arms fire, shrapnel, and improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

In July 2021, MDT Armor was awarded a $10 million contract to manufacture and supply 65–70 David light armored vehicles. In April 2023, a similar contract worth approximately $22 million was reported for the production and delivery of additional “David” urban armored personnel vehicles to the IDF. Based on these previous agreements, it is estimated that the current contract involves the supply of approximately 100 vehicles.

According to the U.S. Department of Defense, the newly announced contract is part of a broader Pentagon initiative to bolster allied defense readiness and expand the production of light tactical vehicles capable of operating in contested environments.