TAHR: New Vehicle for Germany's Special Forces KSK

The German Special Forces KSK and Flensburg Technology Systems (FTS) today officially unveiled the new TAHR Light Airborne Tactical Vehicle. Designed specifically for special operations forces, the highly mobile platform is based on an Israeli vehicle that has already proven itself in operational service with the Israeli special forces.

The first prototype was presented during the opening of the 10th KSK Defence Symposium in Altensteig-Wart by Brigadier General Andreas Kühne, Commander of the German Special Forces Command.

TAHR originates from an operationally proven vehicle that has been further developed to meet the specific requirements of Germany’s KSK. More precisely, the vehicle is based on the Israeli ZD platform developed by IAI ELTA, which has already demonstrated its capabilities with Israeli special forces. The German version is manufactured by Flensburg Technology Systems (FTS), a German-Israeli joint venture.

One of the platform’s most remarkable features is its exceptional weight-to-payload ratio, which, according to company representatives, is close to one-to-one. This allows the vehicle to carry a wide range of mission equipment and weapon systems despite its comparatively low weight, while maintaining outstanding mobility. This combination makes TAHR particularly attractive for special operations units that regularly operate across a broad spectrum of missions.

The Bundeswehr has ordered TAHR in two configurations. The Light Airborne Tactical Vehicle (le LL EGF) serves as the primary combat platform and can be equipped with different weapon systems and mission-specific equipment depending on operational requirements. It is complemented by the Light Airborne Support Vehicle (le LL UstgFzg), which is primarily intended for transporting equipment and supplies.

Together, the two variants establish an entirely new vehicle class within the Bundeswehr in the approximately 3.2-ton category, specifically tailored to the demanding operational profile of special operations forces.

Compared to the Israeli baseline vehicle, the German version incorporates several national modifications. TAHR for the Bundeswehr is powered by a diesel engine instead of the gasoline engine used on the Israeli version. In addition, the German vehicle features a different roll cage than the Israeli platform. Nevertheless, the underlying concept remains unchanged, allowing German operators to directly benefit from the operational experience already accumulated by Israeli special forces.

The open vehicle architecture provides excellent all-round visibility while allowing the integration of various weapon systems. However, the primary design objective was strategic and tactical airborne mobility.

Two TAHR vehicles can be transported simultaneously inside a CH-47 Chinook helicopter, while the platform is also compatible with the Bundeswehr’s existing CH-53 heavy transport helicopters. Once deployed, the vehicles can be brought into action within minutes after landing—an essential capability for special operations forces conducting rapid insertion missions.

“The KSK is tasked with conducting successful special operations worldwide and under all conditions,” Brigadier General Andreas Kühne said during the presentation. “To accomplish this, the KSK requires not only high mobility but also a variety of deployment options depending on the mission, terrain and operational environment. With TAHR, we are receiving a combat vehicle that is air transportable and ready for operations in any terrain.”
FTS and KSK present the new TAHR Light Airborne Tactical Vehicle. (Photo: FTS)

In October 2025, Germany’s Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) signed a framework agreement with FTS covering the procurement of up to 200 vehicles. According to the company, the first prototype has now been presented ahead of the original project schedule.

“We are proud to contribute directly to the future operational readiness of both the Bundeswehr and the KSK by presenting the first prototype ahead of schedule,” said FTS Managing Director Jörg Kamper. He emphasized that this milestone was made possible through the close cooperation between industry, the procurement authority and the end user.

Light, air-transportable vehicles have long been an integral element of Western special operations forces. They combine outstanding off-road mobility with strategic deployability, enabling troops to move directly from helicopter or aircraft into combat.

With the introduction of the CH-47 Chinook into Bundeswehr service, platforms such as TAHR will become even more important, allowing German special forces to deploy rapidly over long distances while achieving immediate operational readiness upon landing.

With TAHR, the German Special Forces Command is receiving a vehicle specifically designed around these requirements, combining mobility, air transportability and modular weapon integration in a single platform — while directly benefiting from years of operational experience accumulated by Israeli special forces.

Author: Dorothee Frank, Editor-in-Chief — Digital

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