Department of National Defence Adds More Mercedes G Wagons to Canadian Armed Forces

For a bit more history, the G was first introduced in 1926, and served the German military from this point throughout World

Italian WWII Prime Minister Benito Mussolini, also known as "Il Duce", and Marshal Cavallero salute Italian troops from a G4, while traveling across Northeast Germany in August 1941. (Photo: 4X4ABC.com)

War II in various guises, starting with the first G1, and then followed by G series vehicles right up until the G5. A G4 model with chassis number 440875, equipped with leather seats, was assigned to the Fuehrer himself.

The current Gelaendewagen's development program began in 1972 with a cooperative agreement between then Daimler-Benz (now DaimlerChrysler) and Austria's Steyr-Daimler-Puch. Series production was given the go ahead in 1975, as was the construction of a new plant in Graz, Austria where the G is still built today.

Despite the vehicle's age, it is still an integral asset to various countries' military ground operations in locations around the world.

"The versatile G Wagon has been an important element in soldiers being able to conduct operations in Operation ATHENA and in

German military staff and Hitler look on as the Fuehrer's G4 sinks up to its axles in mud. Due to the vehicle's substantial weight, deep mud was a problem. (Photo: 4X4ABC.com)

helping our soldiers gain the trust and respect of the people of Afghanistan," said General Ray Henault, Chief of the Defence Staff. "The G Wagon will contribute to the Land Force's requirement to conduct sustained, effective combat and support operations, and meet the peacetime training requirement."

Approximately 1,900 CF personnel are in Kabul as part of Op ATHENA, Canada's contribution to the ISAF (initially the International Stabilization Assistance Force currently referred to as the International Security Assistance Force). According to the Department of National Defence, "Through their continued patrols, they maintain security in Kabul and the surrounding areas so that the Afghan Transitional Authority and UN agencies can function."