The Israeli Ministry of Defense has contracted Oshkosh Defense to produce hundreds of “Eitan” armored personnel carrier (APC) hulls for the Israel Defense Forces.
The more than $100 million US-funded contract will reportedly see 500 hulls delivered to Israel within 18 months.
The hulls will be fitted with unmanned turrets and other systems and sent for operational use. More hulls are expected in the future.
Eitan Development
Israel rolled out the world’s first wheeled armored personnel carrier earlier this year to replace its aging M113 tracked vehicle.
The country’s ministry of defense Tank and APC Directorate began developing the vehicle following the 2014 Gaza War, drawing lessons from the conflict.
Incorporates Merkava Tank Technologies
The 750-horsepower vehicle is based on the Merkava tank and Namer APC technologies and can accommodate 12 personnel.
The Eitan has a top speed of 90 kilometers (56 miles) per hour, including an all-terrain maneuvering capability.
Other Features
Other features include the “Iron Fist defense system, peripheral cameras equipped with day and night vision, front calculation and processing capabilities using computerized technology, and touch monitors and processors.”
“The contract with Oshkosh Defense is an important milestone in the ‘Eitan’ project. This step allows us to expand the project’s production resources to provide advanced APCs to the IDF,” said Israel Defense Forces Head of the Tank and APC Directorate, Brig. Gen. Oren Giber.
“This agreement may also present further opportunities for the Ministry of Defense and Israeli defense industries to export the ‘Eitan’ APC and its deployed systems.”