The M325 Command car (Hebrew acronym: Nun-Nun) was developed in Israel by the Automotive Equipment Ltd, replacing the Dodge WC trucks, and the Dodge Power Wagon, a vehicle itself constructed under Chrysler license by the AIL.
Using the greatest number of commercially available parts as possible, the M325 were first assembled in the early 1970′s on the Dodge Power Wagon M601 chassis, a chassis later replaced by a model developed locally.
Several basic models have been constructed. The Cargo version is composed of two main types. The first model, the “Cargo A”, is the standard personnel carrier: the two benches of the rear compartment are longitudinal, the seats positioned facing inward. A maximum of 12 personnel could be transported. The protection of the cab and the rear compartment against the weather is ensured by a PVC tarpaulin.
The second model, the “Cargo B” is the reconnaissance/patrol version of the M325: the seats are positioned in the center of the rear compartment, facing outwards. Three machine gun mounts (usually with 7.62 FN Mags) equip the Cargo B version : two on each side of the rear compartment and one in the passenger side of the cabin. Usually equipped with a cabin with a one piece folding windshield, some M325 Cargo B are equipped with a split windscreen, allowing the passenger to use his weapon.
An enclosed cab compartment version is available for use as ambulance, command post vehicle or workshop. The ambulance version, equipped with air conditioning, allows the carriage of four casualties on stretchers or 12 sitting casualties.
Developed by Israel for patrolling its borders, a protected version against mine was put into operation. The rear compartment, the cab and chassis are reinforced. As the “Cargo B” version, the benches are positioned in the middle of the rear compartment, and three machine gun mounts are available. Two roll bars positioned before the cabin and at the rear of the vehicle characterize this version. They also serve to support a tarpaulin: the cab and the sides are left open, providing a better view for the crew (8 equipped soldiers) and allow rapid evacuation.
The M325 has been widely exported around the world: in the Middle East, except Israel, which still uses the vehicle (gradually replaced by the M462 Abir), the country that uses the most the AIL Command Car is Lebanon: supplied originally in the early 80s by the Israel to these local allies, the South Lebanon Army (SLA) armed militia and the Lebanese Forces armed militia, since 1990 and the end of the civil war, the M325 is used by the Lebanese Armed Forces especially in their intervention regiments.
Author: Mathieu Morant
SLA M325s:
A South Lebanese Army (SLA) M325 converted into a Prisoner Transport Vehicle
The same vehicle from a side view. The photo was taken in 2005 in the ex-Khiam Prison, South Lebanon
Lebanese Army Intervention Regiments M325s:
M325 with a PK machine gun on the hood
September 2007, Soldiers coming from Nahr El Bared battle, the M325 at the right in the background is a Command and Communication M325
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