The manufacturer is accelerating in the military sector with Daimler Truck Defense, a dedicated global brand which brings together all of its defense activities. The Eurosatory show, which is being held in Paris until June 19, serves as a showcase for this ambition.
United under the new Daimler Truck Defense banner, the group’s military vehicles (Unimog, Zetros and Arocs) are on display at Eurosatory 2026, in Paris, until June 19. ©Daimler Truck
With the creation of Daimler Truck Defencethe German manufacturer unifies under a single brand activities hitherto dispersed between its different divisions and brands. The group thus intends to respond to a clearly increasing global military demand, driven by geopolitical tensions and the rearmament efforts of many states.
“The demand for reliable military mobility solutions continues to grow globally“, recognizes Dennis Kinzelmann, CEO of the new entity.
The portfolio will no longer be limited to Mercedes-Benz Trucks vehicles alone: it will gradually expand to all of the group’s ranges. Objective: to offer a broad offering, ranging from light utility vehicles to heavy logistics platforms.
Wörth-am-Rhein and Molsheim on the front line
The expansion is based on an already solid industrial base. The factories in Wörth-am-Rhein, in Germany, and Molsheim, in Alsace, constitute the basis of defense production in Europe, with the possibility of integrating military variants directly into existing manufacturing lines.
Around a thousand employees currently work on these activities. The increase in power should generate additional recruitment of highly qualified profiles.
“We are able to integrate military versions into our large-scale production at any time and deliver them quickly and in large quantities”underlines Dennis Kinzelmann.
Beyond the two European sites, Daimler Truck also offers local assembly of militarized Mercedes-Benz trucks directly in customer countries.
Major contracts to establish credibility
This strategy is based on several recent commercial successes which, according to the manufacturer, attest to its solidity. The German army has placed an order for more than a hundred military logistics vehicles. The Canadian Armed Forces, in partnership with General Dynamics Land Systems, have detained at least 1,500 trucks.
Even more significant for the French industry: a framework agreement covering 7,000 trucks based on the Zetros platform was concluded with the French armiesin cooperation with Arquus. This same Zetros 6×6 is also presented at Eurosatoryone of the main global exhibitions dedicated to defense and security, which is held from June 15 to 19, 2026 in Paris-Nord Villepinte.
“These programs demonstrate our ability to provide comprehensive mobility and logistics solutions on a global scale“, reviewed by Karin RÃ¥dström, PDG de Daimler Truck.
On the Eurosatory outdoor stand (ExtPe6b – D127), eight vehicles are on display, including Unimogs, Arocs and Zetros available in various operational configurations, developed with specialist partners such as KNDS, Helsing, Quantum Systems or again Valhalla, whose Skythunder 300 anti-drone system is mounted on Zetros.
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