US Flyer Defense & Tekne to Manufacture Flyer 72-HD Tactical Vehicles for Italian Army and NATO Allies.

American Company Flyer Defense, a leading provider of tactical ground mobility solutions, announced on October 14, 2024, a strategic partnership with Tekne, a prominent Italian defense solutions company, to jointly produce the Flyer 72-Heavy Duty (Flyer 72-HD) vehicle. This agreement marks a significant collaboration aimed at enhancing defense capabilities for the Italian Armed Forces and other NATO allies.
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Flyer Defense  72-HD tactical vehicle at AUSA 2024 defense exhibition and conference in Washington D.C., United Staes. (Picture source: Army Recognition Group)

Under this new partnership, Flyer Defense and Tekne will leverage their combined expertise to manufacture and supply the Flyer 72-HD, a high-mobility vehicle designed for demanding operational environments.

The Flyer 72 is a highly versatile, lightweight tactical ground mobility vehicle designed for rapid deployment in various military operations. Known for its agility, the vehicle is engineered to excel in off-road conditions, providing exceptional performance across rugged terrains. It can be transported via air, both internally in aircraft cargo bays and externally via sling load, making it suitable for quick deployment in remote or hostile environments. The Flyer 72 is used by special operations forces and conventional military units, offering high mobility, flexibility, and adaptability for different missions, including reconnaissance, combat support, and logistics.

Designed with compact yet robust dimensions, the Flyer 72 has a length of 4.62 meters (4.90 meters with pushbar and winch) and a width of 1.83 meters (2.16 meters with side cargo boxes). Its adjustable height is 1.83 meters, making it easy to transport and store. Weighing 3,311 kg, the vehicle can carry a payload of up to 2,585 kg, offering ample personnel and mission-specific gear capacity.

The Flyer 72 can reach a top speed of 153 km/h and has a cruising range of 800 km on flat ground at 64 km/h, or 483 km under a typical mission profile. It is built to handle extreme terrain, with a maximum grade capability of 60% and a dynamic side slope of 40%, and can ford water up to 76 cm deep without preparation. Seating up to seven occupants, the vehicle can be configured for different roles, accommodating various weapon systems, communication gear, and specialized equipment, making it an adaptable and reliable choice for modern military operations.

The collaboration will also see the establishment of local manufacturing and support facilities within Italy. This move is intended to streamline production, ensure efficient delivery, and provide long-term sustainment of the Flyer 72-HD within the Italian defense sector. Additionally, local production will facilitate the seamless integration of the vehicle into Italy's defense infrastructure while supporting broader NATO requirements.

"We are excited to collaborate with Tekne and bring the Flyer 72-HD to Italy as well as other NATO-allied countries," said Oded Nechushtan, Founder and CEO of Flyer Defense. "This partnership represents a significant step forward in expanding our international presence while reinforcing our commitment to growing our U.S. manufacturing capabilities. We will continue to manufacture in the United States, as well as establish a local production base in Italy."

By combining Flyer Defense's expertise in tactical vehicle design and Tekne's deep understanding of the local defense market, the partnership aims to deliver a product that meets the unique operational needs of Italy’s military. The Flyer 72-HD is engineered to offer exceptional agility, durability, and mission-tailored flexibility, ensuring it can handle various demanding scenarios.

The announcement of this strategic partnership underscores a broader trend of collaboration within the defense sector, particularly among NATO allies seeking to strengthen interoperability and operational readiness. For Flyer Defense, this deal marks a key milestone in its strategy to expand its footprint in the international defense market.

Both companies are optimistic about the benefits this partnership will bring, not only to the Italian Armed Forces but also to other NATO allies seeking advanced, adaptable, and efficient tactical mobility solutions. With local production facilities set to be established in Italy, the companies expect to see increased efficiency in vehicle delivery and support, boosting Italy's defense capabilities and ensuring robust supply chain continuity.