Plasan Stormer

History

The Plasan Stormer is a light tactical vehicle developed by the Israeli armored-vehicle manufacturer Plasan in collaboration with off-road equipment specialist ASFIR 4X4. The vehicle was unveiled on 7 October 2026 for display at the Association of the U.S. Army (AUSA) annual meeting in Washington, D.C. Plasan described the Stormer as a rapidly deployable platform intended for special operations forces, capable of carrying larger teams and mission equipment without compromising mobility. No customers, production plans, or pricing were announced at the unveiling.

The name Stormer should not be confused with the older SandCat Stormer, a protected variant of Plasan's SandCat vehicle family, or with the separate Israeli Stormer air-defense system. The Jeep Gladiator-based Stormer is a distinct, unarmored light tactical platform.

Design

The Stormer is built on a commercial Jeep Gladiator pickup chassis. Plasan reinforced the chassis and driveline with upgraded Dana axles to accommodate the heavier tactical loads. A modular roll-over protection (ROPS) frame surrounds the crew compartment while leaving the sides open for all-around visibility. The vehicle is unarmored, in contrast to Plasan's SandCat protected-vehicle family.

The powerplant is a 3.6-litre, 280-horsepower gasoline engine mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The rear platform is modular and can be configured for troop transport, cargo, casualty evacuation, weapons mounting, or mission equipment such as radar, counter-drone systems, communications gear, or an electric winch. A three-position folding rear door allows rapid troop entry and exit and can accept a stretcher for casualty evacuation.

Additional features include a 24-volt electrical system, blackout driving lights, a communications console, and multiple antenna mounts for customer-installed equipment. Plasan stated that basing the vehicle on a commercial platform with widely available parts simplifies long-term maintenance and support. The companies also stated the vehicle is designed to be transported by aircraft for rapid deployment.

Program status

As of the October 2026 unveiling, the Stormer remains at the presentation stage. Plasan and ASFIR 4X4 have not announced production start dates, planned quantities, or any confirmed customers.

Specifications (Jeep Gladiator-based configuration)

General characteristics

• Capacity: up to 12 personnel
• Payload: more than 1,000 kg (2,200 lb)
• Platform: Jeep Gladiator pickup with reinforced chassis and upgraded Dana axles
• Protection: unarmored; modular roll-over protection frame, open crew compartment

Powerplant

• Engine: 3.6-litre gasoline, 280 hp
• Transmission: eight-speed automatic

Equipment

• Electrical system: 24 V
• Rear access: three-position folding door with stretcher capability
• Communications: console and multiple antenna mounts
• Lighting: blackout driving lights
• Deployment: designed for air transport

Related equipment

• Plasan SandCat: Plasan's protected light-vehicle family; the SandCat Stormer is an earlier, armored variant with a different name applied to a different platform.
• Plasan Barak: a nine-seat, Gladiator-based vehicle previously associated with Plasan and an off-road engineering partner; Plasan has not clarified the relationship between the Barak and the Stormer.
• GM Defense Infantry Squad Vehicle: a U.S. Army nine-soldier squad carrier built on a Chevrolet Colorado pickup, a directly comparable commercial-pickup-based troop carrier.