The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) has taken delivery of its first serial production Eitan advanced armored personnel carriers (APCs).
The vehicles, delivered from a production facility in west-central Israel, were handed over to the Nahal infantry brigade in the south of the country.
From there, the APCs were taken to northern Israel to participate in a drill simulating various combat scenarios.
Watch: The first serial production Eitan Armored Personnel Carriers (APC) were delivered to the Israel Defense Forces Nahal Infantry Brigade. 📸IDF pic.twitter.com/sz8UdIIL1v
— Ministry of Defense (@Israel_MOD) May 28, 2023
“After several years of hard work in developing, testing, and manufacturing, the first serial production Eitan APCs have been delivered to the esteemed Nahal infantry brigade,” Israeli Defense Ministry official Brig. Gen. Oren Giber said.
He stated that the arrival of the cutting-edge Eitans is a groundbreaking leap forward in wheeled combat vehicles.
Among the vehicle’s capabilities are superior mobility and improved survivability.
‘Securing Victory on the Battlefield’
Israel’s Eitan is an 8×8 combat vehicle equipped with a 750-horsepower engine, providing high all-terrain maneuvering.
It is capable of traveling at more than 90 kilometers (56 miles) per hour and can remain operational for multiple days without returning to base.
The vehicle can accommodate up to 12 military personnel.
It is designed to fight alongside Merkava main battle tanks and Namer infantry fighting vehicles.
“We recognize that each Eitan delivered to the IDF will replace older M113 vehicles, ensuring that our combat soldiers are equipped with state-of-the-art, highly protected, and capable weapon systems, assisting them in securing victory on the battlefield and ensuring their safe return home,” Giber explained.
Apart from the personnel carrier variant, Israel plans to build medium-sized combat versions that can be equipped with 40-millimeter cannons.
