WDS 2026 – Heavy metal in the desert, Mercedes-Benz Defence Trucks Zetros 4051 AS 6×6 steps into the spotlight
The Mercedes‑Benz Defence Trucks Zetros 4051 AS 6×6 is appearing at the World Defense Show in Riyadh in a configuration extensively optimised for the logistical demands of armed forces operating in desert, high heat, and dusty environments
This evolution builds on the proven Zetros architecture while integrating a reinforced driveline, a higher‑performance heavy‑load handling system and improved crew accommodation tailored to long‑duration missions, in order to meet today’s requirements for strategic deployment of heavy equipment.
At the heart of this 4051 AS 6×6 variant is the Mercedes‑Benz OM 460 Euro V engine, delivering 375 kW, or 510 hp, providing the high torque essential for towing armoured convoys and tracked equipment over long distances. This latest‑generation power unit consolidates the Zetros’ position in the heavy military tractor segment by combining power, thermal endurance and compliance with emissions standards required by many institutional customers.
Pairing this engine with an Allison automatic transmission equipped with a retarder marks a major step forward compared with traditional manual configurations. The use of a torque converter, off‑road‑optimised shift logic and an integrated retarder improves traction on soft ground, reduces traction interruptions during gear changes and limits brake wear on long descents with heavy convoys. For military logisticians, this combination translates into more intuitive driving for crews, better fatigue management and reduced mechanical risk during critical phases such as obstacle crossing or recovery.
One of the most visible evolutions on the Zetros 4051 AS 6×6 on show in Riyadh is the integration of the TLS 2.25 loading system with dual winches, rated for loads of up to 70 tonnes. Where previous generations of military carriers and tractors often required external lifting assets or dedicated recovery vehicles, this system enables the truck to load, unload and recover wheeled or tracked vehicles onto and from the semi‑trailer independently.
The dual‑winch layout increases safety and control during loading manoeuvres, particularly on unstable ground, inclined ramps or in poor visibility conditions. In practice, it allows a single logistic platform to act simultaneously as a strategic tractor, a vehicle recovery asset and an emergency transport solution, reducing the number of specialised vehicles that must be deployed to a theatre of operations. This enhanced versatility is a central theme of the vehicle’s presence at the World Defense Show, where fleet rationalisation and lower life‑cycle costs now rank among key selection criteria for armed forces.
The 6×6 configuration of the Zetros 4051 AS combines a heavy‑duty chassis, multiple driven axles and differential locks to guarantee mobility in extreme conditions. On this version, Mercedes-Benz Defence Trucks highlights generous approach and departure angles, high ground clearance and obstacle‑crossing capabilities tailored to rough terrain, dunes and deteriorated tracks typical of Middle Eastern theatres.
Lockable differentials, tire pressure management and a specifically tuned transfer case ratio all help to maintain traction on soft surfaces while protecting mechanical components under heavy load. These features are presented as targeted enhancements for operations in sand, dust and heat, where the risks of bogging and overheating are constant. The stated objective is to offer a tractor capable of sustaining a high logistical tempo even when terrain conditions rule out more conventional, purely civilian‑derived solutions.
To address current doctrines of dispersed logistical support, the Zetros 4051 AS 6×6 displayed in Riyadh benefits from increased operational range thanks to a 780‑litre fuel tank sized for extended off‑grid operations. This capacity, combined with the OM 460’s relatively restrained consumption at steady speeds, reduces refuelling frequency and therefore convoy vulnerability, which is a central parameter when planning missions in insecure areas.
Endurance is not limited to fuel aspects alone: the design also focuses on air filtration and protection against dust in order to preserve engine performance and driveline reliability over time. In the World Defense Show context, Mercedes-Benz Defence Trucksemphasises the vehicle’s ability to operate continuously in high temperatures and on abrasive tracks, capitalising on experience gained with other platforms in the Mercedes‑Benz special‑purpose range.
Beyond the raw figures, the 4051 AS 6×6 version presented in Riyadh showcases a marked improvement in ergonomics and crew comfort for long missions. The bonneted cab can accommodate three people and includes a bunk and stowage space, allowing the crew to remain rested and operational during extended journeys or while waiting in assembly areas.
This bonneted layout, characteristic of the Zetros, also brings a maintenance advantage: frontal access to the powerpack makes inspection and repair tasks easier, reducing downtime compared with certain cab over axle concepts. Daimler Truck links this approach to an industrial and logistical set up centred on its Wörth am Rhein and Molsheim sites, complemented by completely knocked down assembly lines in customer countries, in order to offer locally adapted solutions while securing spare parts supply.
By showcasing in Riyadh a 4051 AS 6×6 configuration that combines a 510 hp OM 460 engine, automatic transmission with retarder, TLS 2.25 dual winch loading system and a 780 litre fuel capacity, Mercedes-Benz Defence Trucks underlines its repositioning in the heavy military logistics segment for the most demanding environments. The full suite of technical enhancements – from the driveline to loading capability, via cab ergonomics and industrial support – is designed to deliver a strategic tractor able to handle both heavy vehicle transport and recovery missions, while keeping long term operating costs under control. For forces visiting the World Defense Show, the Zetros 4051 AS 6×6 thus emerges as a mature response to contemporary challenges in deploying and sustaining heavy equipment on theatres where logistics has become a decisive factor in operational superiority.
Photos by J. Roukoz
