Israel’s Untested Armored Vehicle Thrown into Combat
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are known for their innovative and cutting-edge military technology, especially when it comes to armored vehicles. One of their latest creations is the Eitan Armored Fighting Vehicle (AFV), a wheeled 8x8 vehicle that combines speed, mobility, protection, and firepower. The Eitan AFV was developed to replace the aging M113 APCs that have been in service since the 1960s, and to complement the Namer tracked APCs that are heavier and more expensive.
The Eitan AFV was first unveiled in 2016, but it only entered serial production in 2022, after undergoing extensive testing and evaluation. The vehicle is designed to carry up to 12 soldiers, including three crew members, and to operate in various terrains and scenarios. It has a top speed of 90 km/h and a range of 1,000 km, making it one of the fastest and most agile armored vehicles in the world.
The Eitan AFV is also equipped with a range of advanced features that enhance its survivability and combat effectiveness. It has a modular armor system that can withstand anti-tank missiles, RPGs, and IEDs, as well as an Iron Fist Light Decoupled active protection system that can intercept and destroy incoming projectiles. It also has a Samson RCWS (remote controlled weapon station) that can mount a 30–40 mm cannon, a 12.7 mm machine gun, or a Spike anti-tank missile launcher. The vehicle also has a digital cockpit, a situational awareness system, and a battle management system that provide the crew with real-time information and communication.
The Eitan AFV was first delivered to the IDF’s Nahal Brigade in May 2023, and it was immediately thrown into combat during the 2023 Israel-Hamas war that broke out in October. The vehicle proved its worth in the Battle of Zikim, where it helped repel a Hamas attack on an Israeli military base. The Eitan AFV also participated in the subsequent invasion of the Gaza Strip, where it faced a variety of threats, such as rockets, mortars, snipers, and tunnels.
