Eitan

The Eitan is an 8-wheel drive armored fighting vehicle developed by the Israeli Ministry’s Tank Development Program Directorate to replace the M113 armored personnel carrier. Designed in 2016 and unveiled in August of that year, the vehicle was developed to complement the tracked Namer. It is manufactured through a collaboration involving Oshkosh, Allison, Elbit, Rafael, and MTU, with serial production commencing in 2022.

The vehicle is produced in armored personnel carrier (APC) and infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) variants. The design incorporates NERA composite armor rated to STANAG 4569 level 4 and a high floor to protect against landmine and improvised explosive device blasts. Protection is further provided by the Iron Fist Light Decoupled active protection system. The drivetrain consists of an MTU 6V890 diesel engine and an Allison 4800 SP transmission, and the vehicle utilizes run-flat tires. The APC variant is armed with a Samson Remote Controlled Weapon Station mounting an M2 machine gun, supplemented by a pintle-mounted 7.62mm machine gun. The IFV variant is designed to carry a 30–40mm gun and a missile firing position for two Spike missiles. The Eitan accommodates a three-person crew and nine passengers.

The Israel Defense Forces is the sole operator of the vehicle. The Nahal Brigade became the first unit to receive the Eitan in May 2023. The vehicle saw combat during the 2023 Israel-Hamas war, with its first engagement occurring at the Battle of Zikim on 7 October 2023. It was subsequently deployed during the invasion of the Gaza Strip.