AIL Storm

Production of an updated four-door second generation model commenced in 2006 despite some mixed messages from the Storm's primary customer, the Israel Defense Forces.

A variant of the 1991 Jeep Wrangler YJ and the older CJ-6 / CJ-8 wheelbase, it is entirely produced in Israel by Automotive Industries Ltd. with the exception of the engines, as their manufacture is not economically viable on the Storm's market scale.

[1] The Storm was primarily meant to satisfy Israeli military needs, but capable long and short versions are produced for the local civilian market.

[4] Like its parent Jeep Wrangler, the Storm is first and foremost an airmobile, capable offroad and utility vehicle meant to tackle extreme terrain in a general reconnaissance role, and can be outfitted with a machine gun or other weapons systems.

[5] The armour protects against 7.62×39mm (0.3 in) armour-piercing ammunition, and maintains a high protection-to-weight and cost ratio by employing IDF approved advanced materials.

Full-height rear doors which allow for the quick deployment of fully equipped troops into combat are touted as another advantage over similar vehicles.

A number of significant changes have been incorporated into the new Jeep Wrangler (TJ)-based Storms stemming from soldiers' feedback, updated operational requirements, and testing by GOC Army Headquarters and Logistics, Medical, and the Centers Directorate.

[8][9][10] Other improvements include the change to a manual transmission with six forward speeds (instead of the previous four), and increased stability resulting from wider track axles than its predecessor.

Storm II is also produced in an armoured version, and is offered with an optional 2.8 litre VM Motori turbodiesel, automatic transmission, right hand drive, and run-flat tyres.

The announcement provoked threats of protests from AIL's management and labourers, who had recently faced the blow of local Humvee assembly ceasing due to budget considerations.

[6][11] A Storm Mark III was set to be produced for the Israeli defense forces starting in June 2008, when the IDF was to purchase around 600 vehicles beginning in early 2011.

Unlike the TJ-L, the new JK Storm has a much higher maximum load capacity in part due to heavier-duty shock absorbers, springs and axles, necessary for an armored version.