IDF to deploy Flyer 72 Be'eri Armored Light Strike Vehicle in Gaza for first time.

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have recently commissioned a new armored light tactical vehicle named 'Be’eri', designed to meet the specific requirements of operations in Gaza. The vehicle is an adaptation of the Flyer 72 Ground Mobility Vehicle, developed by Flyer Defense in the United States, and used by the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM..
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IDF is now equipped with Flyer 72 Be’eri ALSV (Picture source: Flyer Defense)

The first shipment of armored jeeps, including the Flyer 72 Be’eri ALSV, arrived in Israel on October 19, 2023. This delivery was part of a large-scale procurement operation led by the Israel Ministry of Defense’s Directorate of Production and Procurement (DOPP) and the US Procurement Mission. The exact number of vehicles received in this shipment was not specified in the sources, but the procurement effort encompasses a diverse array of specialized vehicles, and hundreds of these vehicles have already been delivered to the IDF, with several hundred more en route to Israel​​.

The 'Be’eri' was named in honor of Kibbutz Be’eri, an Israeli community that suffered attacks during conflicts with Hamas. The vehicle is designed to operate in complex combat conditions and on varied terrains, characteristic of the Gaza region.

The design of the Be’eri includes a central position for the driver, aiming to improve maneuverability and orientation. The vehicle allows the installation of machine guns on both sides of the driver, increasing offensive capability. It reaches a maximum speed of 150 km/h (approximately 93 mph) and maintains a cruising speed of 100 km/h (about 62 mph) off-road.

The technical characteristics of the Be’eri include high ground clearance and independent suspension, allowing the vehicle to overcome various obstacles such as ruins and sandy areas. The shock absorbers on each wheel are refillable, offering adaptability to different terrains and situations.

The Be’eri has a payload capacity of over 2,500 kg (about 5,500 lbs) and can transport up to nine soldiers. It is equipped for rapid action following an aerial deployment and can be armed with machine guns up to 12.7mm and an automatic cannon up to 30mm. It can also be equipped with a Kongsberg Common Remotely Operated Weapon Station (CROWS II) system armed with one .50 caliber machine gun, a Javelin anti-tank missile launcher station, and four M72 LAWs anti-tank rockets.

The IDF began receiving the Be’eri jeeps at the end of 2023, integrating them into its operations. The vehicle is designed to adapt to various operational needs thanks to its modular construction, thus offering a new tactical capability for military operations in complex environments.