IDF still uses Chinese-made vehicles at Kirya despite security concerns
Electric MG ZS vehicles continue to patrol the IDF's Kirya headquarters in Tel Aviv, despite restrictions on Chinese vehicles and renewed concerns over Chinese-made technology.
As of mid-August, the security unit at the IDF's Kirya headquarters in Tel Aviv is still using Chinese-made electric MG ZS vehicles for patrol duties. Despite the military's broader shift away from Chinese vehicles due to security concerns, these vehicles remain in use at a base housing key IDF institutions such as the General Staff, Air Force headquarters, Intelligence Directorate, and the Defense Ministry.
The IDF had initially prohibited officers from possessing Chinese-made mobile phones and communications equipment, but in a peculiar case, leased hundreds of Chery Tiggo 8 vehicles for officers. The IDF eventually disconnected the communications equipment in these vehicles and instructed officers to avoid discussing classified matters inside them.
The IDF and Defense Ministry ultimately decided to stop leasing Chinese vehicles, replacing the Chery fleet with Mitsubishi Outlanders. The IDF's Spokesperson's Unit declined to directly address the use of Chinese vehicles at Kirya, instead issuing a general response stating that the IDF operates in accordance with security regulations and standards.
However, the continued use of Chinese-made MG ZS vehicles at the sensitive Kirya base remains a notable issue, similar to concerns raised over Chinese components in British Royal Navy unmanned vessels.
Written by urgent.news from Jerusalem Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
