Israeli police acquires Ford F550 and Toyota Land Cruiser armored vehicles.

Following the attacks on October 7, where police officers faced perilous conditions during an attack initiated by Hamas in Southern Israel, the Israeli police have finalized the acquisition of a substantial number of armored vehicles. This initiative aims to enhance the operational capabilities and safety of the police force across various districts of the country.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

An undated photo of a previously acquired IDF armored vehicle based on the Ford F-550 ( Picture source: Plasan)

On October 7, 2023, many officers found themselves in a precarious situation, having to respond to the crisis in either standard, non-protected police vehicles or their own personal cars. This situation highlighted the urgent need for better-equipped and armored transportation, especially considering the challenging circumstances they faced.

Commander Yuval Zalicha, who heads the Traffic Department of the Israeli Police, emphasized the transformative shift of the police force into a more combat-ready unit since October 7. This transition necessitated a rapid procurement of armored vehicles. The police identified and acquired suitable models from global sources, focusing on those meeting specific operational requirements. The fleet now includes two main types of vehicles: civilian armored vehicles and specialized mobile units for secure personnel transport.

The Ford F550, one of the chosen models, can be configured in various versions such as B-Body, cutaway, or modular design, allowing for the rear part to be detached and reused on another chassis. There are several engine options, including a 6.7L V8 diesel producing 330 horsepower, a 6.2L V8 petrol with 385 horsepower, a 6.8L V10 petrol with 288 horsepower, and a 7.3L V8 petrol offering 350 horsepower. In terms of transmission, the vehicle has a 10-speed automatic gearbox and can accommodate up to 5 people depending on the configuration.

In addition to these features, the armored F550 is designed to offer high-level protection. It meets CEN EN 1063, 1522/1523 ballistic standards, ensuring resistance against various types of ammunition, including calibers such as 5.56x45mm, 7.62x51mm, and up to 7.62x51mm AP anti-armor projectiles. It is also designed to withstand explosive threats, such as anti-personnel and anti-tank mines, as well as hand grenades. The vehicles are equipped with robust suspension systems, high-performance brakes, and other advanced technologies to ensure exceptional performance in challenging terrains and conditions. Additionally, the customization of the vehicles allows for the specifications to be adapted to the specific needs of each mission, making the Ford F550 a versatile and reliable choice for Israeli police operations.

The key models selected for the fleet are the Ford 550 and the Toyota Land Cruiser. The cost of each armored patrol vehicle is approximately 1.5 million shekels ($402,000), while the lighter models are priced around half a million shekels ($135,000).