Plasan
Plasan is an Israeli defense manufacturer specializing in armored vehicles, survivability systems, composite armor and maneuvering robotics.
Last updated August 25, 2026
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Overview
Plasan is an Israeli defense company based at Kibbutz Sasa in northern Israel. Established in 1985 when the kibbutz began shifting from agriculture toward industrial activity, the business initially acquired technology for manufacturing plastic containers. That technology helped create capabilities in composite materials, and Plasan soon redirected its attention toward personal ballistic protection, particularly armor panels used in protective vests. During the 1990s, Plasan expanded from body armor into vehicle survivability. It began supplying larger protection panels for Israeli military vehicles in 1993 and started armoring the Israel Defense Forces' American-built HMMWV fleet in 1997. Its first export sale, to Germany's Krauss-Maffei Wegmann, involved protection systems for German Army trucks deployed in the former Yugoslavia. Experience in that conflict also contributed to the development of mine-blast protection concepts. By the end of the decade, Plasan had entered the American defense market through protection systems for AM General HMMWV ambulances and had begun supplying armor for aircraft, including Singaporean C-130 transports and Super Puma helicopters. The company became a major supplier to international military-vehicle programs during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Its turnover reportedly rose from $45 million in 2004 to $150 million in 2005, although this historical figure is not included as a current financial indicator because no supporting financial source URL is available here. Plasan developed armored cabs and bodies for Oshkosh Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacement vehicles and supplied thousands of protection kits and troop-transport bodies to the United States Marine Corps. It subsequently partnered with Navistar Defense on the MaxxPro Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicle. The MaxxPro used Plasan's Kitted Hull approach, which combines steel, composite and other panels attached to a supplied chassis rather than relying solely on a welded steel monocoque. Approximately 9,000 MaxxPro vehicles were produced between 2007 and 2011. Plasan's vehicle-protection expertise also contributed to Oshkosh's M-ATV program. Although the company's original Joint Light Tactical Vehicle bid with Oshkosh and Northrop Grumman was unsuccessful, the related Kitted Hull design was adapted for the M-ATV, for which Oshkosh received a contract in 2009. Plasan also became involved in the Australian Hawkei, General Dynamics' Piranha, LAV and Stryker vehicle families, and later South Korean Hanwha programs including the Redback infantry fighting vehicle and Huntsman self-propelled gun. The company operates through subsidiaries and affiliated businesses, including Plasan North America in the United States and AMEFO in France. It has also pursued composites and advanced materials through TorTech Nano Fibers, a joint venture established in 2010 with Britain's Q-Flo. Beyond land systems, Plasan has provided armor for aircraft since 1998 and entered naval protection work in the 2010s. It supplies composite armor associated with the Type 26-derived City-class, Hunter-class and Canadian surface-combatant programs. Plasan's current scope extends beyond armor. In 2021 it introduced the battery-powered All-Terrain electric Mission Module, a maneuvering-robotics platform designed to carry loads, connect to vehicles and operate in coupled or potentially autonomous configurations. Its protected-vehicle portfolio includes the SandCat family, the SandCat Tigris, M-LPV, Storm Rider, EX11, Hyrax, Stinger, Wilder and Guarder. The company states that it has designed more than 420 armored vehicles and delivered more than 40,000 armor solutions worldwide, including armor fitted to more than 25,000 vehicles delivered to United States armed forces. These figures are company claims reported in reference material rather than independently verified financial or market statistics.
History
Plasan Sasa was founded in 1985 by Kibbutz Sasa as part of a decision to reduce dependence on agriculture and build an industrial economy. The first technology acquired by the new company came from the United States and was intended for plastic-container production. Its importance lay in the associated composite-material capabilities. By early 1987, Plasan had shifted its principal attention to personal protection, especially ballistic panels for protective vests. The company moved into vehicle protection in 1993, when it supplied panels for Israeli military platforms including the Abir, M-151, Jeep CJ-8 and later Sufa. In 1996 it made its first reported export sale by supplying Krauss-Maffei Wegmann with protection solutions for German Army trucks operating in the former Yugoslavia. The company's exposure to that conflict encouraged work on mine-blast protection. In 1997 Plasan began armoring Israeli HMMWVs, while in 1998 it entered the aircraft-protection field with armor for Singaporean C-130 aircraft and Super Puma helicopters. In the late 1990s Plasan created a prototype department and brought armor-solution assembly in-house. It also entered the United States market by supplying protection for HMMWV ambulance variants to AM General. During the early 2000s, it designed protection systems for HMMWVs assembled by ELVO in Greece. This included a full vehicle-body design and protection kits intended for weld-free installation on the production line. The conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan accelerated the company's growth. In 2005, reported turnover increased from $45 million to $150 million. Plasan developed an armored cab for an Oshkosh MTVR wheeled tanker program and, between 2005 and 2010, supplied the United States Marine Corps with approximately 7,000 cab-armoring kits and 2,300 armored troop-transport bodies. It then partnered with Navistar Defense for the United States MRAP program. The resulting MaxxPro used the Kitted Hull concept, in which armor panels made from steel, composite and other materials are attached to a chassis through bolting and bonding. This approach was intended to accelerate production compared with a welded monocoque structure. Nearly 9,000 MaxxPro vehicles were produced from 2007 through 2011. Plasan's North American presence grew during this period. A United States facility was established in 2006, and production from 2008 supported MTVR, MaxxPro and M-ATV orders. The company also participated with Oshkosh and Northrop Grumman in the initial JLTV competition. Although that bid did not win, its Kitted Hull architecture was adapted for Oshkosh's M-ATV, with 8,722 vehicles ultimately delivered to United States forces according to the supplied reference material. Plasan also supported the Australian Hawkei, whose protection solution was designed and manufactured by the company. The company diversified through acquisitions and partnerships. It acquired French AMEFO in 2007 and established TorTech Nano Fibers with Q-Flo in 2010. Plasan North America later acquired KaZaK Composites. A separate Plasan Carbon Composites operation produced non-armored automotive composite components, including carbon-fiber parts for the Chevrolet Corvette, before ceasing trading in 2022. Its former facilities were subsequently occupied by Plasan North America. From 2010 onward, Plasan worked with General Dynamics on protection for Piranha vehicles and related LAV and Stryker derivatives. It expanded into naval applications through a 2012 BAE Systems tender and was selected to provide composite armor for Type 26-derived naval programs. The work extended to Australia's Hunter-class ships and Canada's surface-combatant program. In 2018 Plasan began cooperation with Hanwha on protection solutions for the Redback infantry fighting vehicle and Huntsman self-propelled gun. Protected vehicles remained central to the brand. The SandCat, introduced in its first form in 2008, combines a Plasan Kitted Hull with a modified Ford F-550 chassis and has evolved through multiple generations. Related offerings include the M-LPV, Storm Rider, EX11, Hyrax, Stinger, Wilder and Guarder. In 2021 the company unveiled the ATeMM electric Mission Module, beginning a move into maneuvering robotics. In 2022 long-serving chief executive Dani Ziv retired. The current SandCat Tigris iteration began deliveries in 2023. Plasan also became a supplier of cab components for the follow-on JLTV program awarded to AM General. As of the supplied reference material, pre-production ATeMM modules were being tested in Israel and the United States.
- 2023
SandCat Tigris deliveries begin
[1]The latest SandCat iteration enters delivery in an Israel Defense Forces configuration.
- 2022
Dani Ziv retires
[1]The company's long-serving chief executive retires after leading Plasan for decades.
- 2021
ATeMM is unveiled
[1]Plasan introduces a battery-powered modular platform for maneuvering robotics.
- 2010
TorTech Nano Fibers is formed
[1]Plasan and Q-Flo create a joint venture for carbon-nanotube fiber.
- 2007
MaxxPro production begins
[1]Plasan's Kitted Hull technology supports the Navistar MaxxPro MRAP program.
- 2006
North American facility opens
[1]Plasan establishes Plasan USA, later reorganized as Plasan North America.
- 1998
Expansion into aircraft protection
[1]Plasan begins supplying protection solutions for aircraft and helicopters.
- 1996
First reported export sale
[1]Plasan supplies armor solutions to Krauss-Maffei Wegmann for German Army trucks.
- 1993
Entry into Israeli vehicle armor
[1]The company delivers protection panels for several Israel Defense Forces vehicle types.
- 1987
Focus shifts to personal ballistic protection
[1]Plasan begins concentrating on composite ballistic panels and personal protective equipment.
Products and positioning
A vertically integrated defense-survivability specialist combining composite materials, ballistic testing, vehicle engineering and protected-platform production. Plasan positions its Kitted Hull architecture and lightweight composite technologies as alternatives to heavier welded-steel construction, while increasingly presenting itself as a supplier of complete protected vehicles and autonomous or semi-autonomous mobility systems.
Protected light vehicle · 2008
SandCat
The SandCat is a family of light protected vehicles built around a Plasan-designed Kitted Hull mounted on a modified Ford F-550 chassis and automotive package. First deliveries were made in 2008, and the platform has developed through successive generations for military, security and law-enforcement users. More than 1,000 SandCat and related vehicles have reportedly been delivered to over 15 countries.
Protected light vehicle · 2023
SandCat Tigris
Tigris is the current SandCat iteration described in the reference material. It retains the family concept of combining a protected Plasan body with Ford-derived automotive components and is configured specifically for the Israel Defense Forces. Initial examples were delivered in 2023.
Protected light vehicle
M-LPV
The M-LPV is a SandCat-related protected vehicle with similar overall dimensions but a different chassis and hull approach. It emphasizes mine-blast protection and is part of the later-generation light protected-vehicle portfolio.
Protected vehicle · 2021
Storm Rider
Introduced in 2021, the Storm Rider uses several Ford F-550-derived components and Plasan body technologies but is larger and heavier than the SandCat. It has a reported gross vehicle weight of 11,500 kilograms, full-time four-wheel drive and fully independent suspension.
Protected vehicle · 2022
EX11
The EX11, briefly marketed as the MKT, is based on a Ford F-550 chassis and automotive system. Plasan presents it as a distinct protected-vehicle design rather than as a member of the SandCat family.
Vehicle survivability equipment
Terra blast-attenuating seats
Terra seats are designed to reduce occupant loads from mine and blast events. They are generally used with T-Bar blast-absorbing footpads. The company reports that more than 20,000 examples have been delivered worldwide.
RPG protection
Hybrid Slat Fence
Hybrid Slat Fence is a bar-type rocket-propelled-grenade protection system combining composite and metal materials. Plasan describes it as substantially lighter than conventional steel slat armor while retaining a vehicle-mounted stand-off protection function.
Maneuvering robotics · 2021
All-Terrain electric Mission Module
ATeMM is a battery-powered, modular mobility platform unveiled in 2021. It uses a steerable air-sprung portal axle, can carry a substantial payload and can couple to conventional vehicles. Multiple modules may be linked, with development aimed at increasingly autonomous operation.
Protected troop transport · 2016
Guarder
Guarder is a protected troop-transport vehicle based on a MAN 4x4 truck chassis. It can carry up to 24 equipped personnel and provides reported STANAG Level 3 protection. Six vehicles were supplied to the São Paulo police for security during the 2016 Rio Olympics.
Brand decisions
2022
Leadership transition after Dani Ziv's retirementOtherBackground
Dani Ziv had led Plasan from its early industrial-development phase and served as full-time chief executive from 1987.
Action taken
Ziv retired from the chief executive role.
Aftermath
The successor is not identified in the supplied reference material.
2021
Expansion into maneuvering roboticsProduct launchBackground
After decades centered on armor and protected platforms, Plasan pursued a broader role in military mobility and modular systems.
Action taken
The company unveiled the electric All-Terrain Mission Module, a load-carrying platform capable of coupling to vehicles and operating in multi-module configurations.
Aftermath
Pre-production modules were reported under testing in Israel and the United States as of 2024.
2010
Diversification into nanofiber materialsStrategyBackground
Plasan sought advanced materials that could improve body armor and composite vehicle systems.
Action taken
Plasan formed TorTech Nano Fibers with British company Q-Flo.
Aftermath
The joint venture focused on carbon-nanotube fiber for armor-related applications.
2006
Establishment of a North American manufacturing baseStrategyBackground
Growing United States demand for vehicle survivability systems made local production and program support strategically important.
Action taken
Plasan established Plasan USA, later reorganized as Plasan North America, to support American defense programs.
Aftermath
The operation produced or supported components for MTVR, MaxxPro and M-ATV programs and became Plasan's larger overseas subsidiary.
Recent events
- 2023
Plasan delivers the latest SandCat Tigris vehicles[1]
Product generation
The first examples of the current SandCat iteration, known as Tigris and configured for the Israel Defense Forces, were delivered.
- 2023
Plasan North America to supply components for AM General's JLTV[1]
Product launch · Other
Under a reported $300 million agreement, Plasan North America was selected to supply cab components for up to 20,683 vehicles under the follow-on Joint Light Tactical Vehicle contract. The amount is retained as a reported program figure, not as Plasan company revenue.
- 2022
Dani Ziv retires as chief executive[1]
Leadership change
Dani Ziv, who joined Plasan at its creation and became full-time chief executive in 1987, retired from the leadership role.
- 2021
Plasan unveils the All-Terrain electric Mission Module[1]
Product launch
The ATeMM marked Plasan's expansion from protection systems into battery-powered maneuvering robotics and modular load-carrying mobility.
- 2010
Plasan and Q-Flo establish TorTech Nano Fibers[1]
M&A · Other
The companies formed a joint venture focused on carbon-nanotube fiber for body armor and vehicle composite systems.
- 2009
Plasan supports the MaxxPro and M-ATV vehicle programs[1]
Product launch · Other
Plasan's Kitted Hull technology became associated with major United States protected-vehicle programs, including Navistar's MaxxPro and Oshkosh's M-ATV.
- 2007
Plasan acquires French manufacturer AMEFO[1]
M&A
The acquisition expanded Plasan's access to high-hardness steel hulls and metal equipment for automotive and defense applications.
- 2006
Plasan establishes Plasan USA in North America[1]
Other
Plasan opened its principal North American operation, later known as Plasan North America, to support protection programs and manufacturing for the United States market.
Sources2 sources
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