Tel Aviv. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) still believe in very advanced armoured platforms. This is in spite of the fact that many “classic” armoured missions are performed now by other systems, some in the air. With this one thing is clear the IDF will equip its armoured platforms with systems that will enhance their operational capabilities.

 

Recently, the series production of the new Eitan 8×8 APC began, and it is expected that it will get into service in the next few years.

It is obvious that the armoured corps of the IDF will continue to develop their capabilities because what is dubbed “low intensity war” will continue to be the imminent scenario with the Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Hamas in Gaza threatening Israel.

 

The common denominator of all the three armed platforms used by the IDF is their capability to move infantry soldiers to the front line.

The participation of the IDF tanks and armoured personnel carriers (APC) in the Protective Edge operation in Gaza in 2014 was the ultimate test for the IDF main battle tank (MBT), the Merkava Mk 4 and the Namer APC based on this tank’s chassis.

 

The operation was a “classic” Urban Warfare, with the IDF operating mainly in densely built areas.

Many armour experts said that IDF had the opportunity to examine the Merkava Mk 4 main battle tank (MBT) stating that this is the best of its kind.

The Merkava Mk4 represents the latest evolution phase. It is equipped with a 120 mm gun that was adapted to sustain higher pressures, needed to create the higher muzzle velocities which are needed for advanced kinetic energy ammunition. The Merkava Mk4 can use different 120mm ammunition rounds according to the mission.

The Unique design of Merkava series MBT with front-mounted engine allows to free space for the troops or cargo at the rear of the hull. When ammunition is unloaded the tank can carry up to eight dismounts or three stretchers. Troops enter and leave the vehicle through the rear hatch. This unique capability allows to deliver troops directly to the battlefield, or evacuate them.

The Merkava 4 has also been fitted with the Rafael Trophy Active Protection System.

For years the IDF looked for an efficient APC that will suit the West Asia conditions. Some systems were tested but failed to perform as expected. In recent years the IDF has begun using the 60 tonnes + “Namer” (Tiger) APC based on the Merkava tank.

The fact that this APC is actually the lower part of the Merkava, is responsible for its capabilities.

There is currently no sign that the size of the IDF’s armoured corps will be decreased in the foreseeable future. Instead, more Merkava Mk-4 and Namer APC’s will be added to the current arsenal with more advanced systems.

But the IDF needs an advanced wheeled APC. The Israeli ministry of defence has recently started the series production of the Eitan very advanced 8×8 wheeled APC.

In a special interview, Brig. General Guy Paglin, head of the Merkava & armoured vehicles directorates, of the Israel Ministry of Defense (IMoD) told Raksha Anirveda: “The 30 mm gun placed on the special turret has an elevation of 70 degrees which gives it a lot of advantages while the Eitan is used in urban warfare. This elevation allows the gunner to deal with high placed targets like enemy soldiers using all types of anti-tank weapons, which are very popular among terror organisations.”

According to the ministry, and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), the Eitan is the most advanced 8X8 APC currently operational. Some prototypes have been in use in different combat formations of the IDF.

“The Eitan has improved firepower by carrying the Rafael Spike LR anti-tank missiles, and improved protection by carrying the Elbit Systems’ Iron Fist active protection system.” Brig. General Paglin said.

The operational need for an 8×8 APC was realised especially after the Protective Edge operation in 2014. During this operation, the IDF used the little inventory of the Israeli made tracked NAMER and old M-113. To increase the protection level of the old M-113, they were loaded with sand sacks.

According to the IDF, the Eitan can travel at speeds of 55 miles/h and that gives it a major advantage when forces have to be transferred from one battle area to the other.

Eitan is powered by a 750 hp heavy fuel engine. Four of the eight wheels are steerable, enabling the vehicle to take tight turns, and manoeuvre in narrow roads of urban areas and off road.

The Eitan is 26 feet long and 10 feet wide. It weighs 30 tonnes and this weight includes the ballistic armour and the active armour systems. The prototypes carried different sensors that give the three men crew, a real time situational awareness.

The basic turreted Eitan platform is likely to be used for moving infantry in the battle field, command and scout roles, while the turret less variant will be used to support specific configurations including weapon carriers (mortars etc.), combat engineering, and recovery and casualty evacuation.

The IMoD is the main contractor of the Merkava 4, Namer and now of the Eitan. The directorate uses some 200 Israeli and American subcontractors.

As mentioned, the turret is designed to carry the 30 mm gun and some auxiliary systems, but according to Brig. General Paglin, after the Eitan is fielded in great numbers “other systems may be attached to the turret. It always happens after a combat platform is introduced into service, new operational demands are being met with new systems.”

The ministry looks at the export option very seriously. After the IDF ground forces are equipped with enough Eitans, the export option will be on the table. “there is an export potential,” said the high ranking officer. How many Eitan APCs will the IDF get?

The number is classified but it can be assumed that the first batch will include “a few hundred” APC.

As mentioned, the Eitan will carry the Elbit Systems Iron Fist active protection system against anti-tank rockets and missiles. This system was selected in a competition against the Rafael Trophy.

The Iron Fist uses independent optical sensors, tracking radar, launchers and countermeasure munitions to defeat threats at a safe distance from the defended combat vehicles. The system provides 360-degree protection coverage for close-range scenarios in both open terrain and urban environments. Its low size and weight, versatile high-performance, negligible residual penetration and ease of integration position IFLD as an optimal active protection solution for any fighting vehicle.

The Eitan as a platform may be used for future very advanced combat vehicles.

Today some parts of the three armoured platforms are manufactured in the US and purchased by the annual Foreign Military Financing (FMF) grant from the US.

This chunk of work may grow as the new FMF agreement will gradually decrease the part of the grant that can be converted to Israeli currency. Today 26 per cent are converted. The gradual decrease will bring this to zero in a few years.

The Israeli companies are very worried and make any effort to win contracts. In early 2020, Ashot Ashkelon controlled by Elbit Systems received a new contract from the MOD to supply automotive parts for the Merkava 4 MBT and the Namer APC. This order is worth 190 million Israeli Shekels.

– The writer is an Israel-based freelance journalist