Israel’s new wheeled infantry fighting vehicle Eitan has apparently proven its worth in combat. The initial experiences with the new version, which is equipped for the role of an infantry fighting vehicle with a 30mm cannon and Spike anti-tank missiles, are said to be so positive that the Israeli Defense Forces are considering additional vehicles as well as further armament options. The basis for this assessment are the operations in the Gaza Strip, Lebanon, and Judea and Samaria.
Eitan proves effective in combat
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are taking a positive interim assessment after the first combat deployments of the Eitan wheeled infantry fighting vehicle. According to information from Israeli sources provided to the author, in particular the experiences with the new heavily armed infantry fighting version of the vehicle have met or even exceeded expectations.
The variant is equipped with an unmanned turret housing a 30mm autocannon as well as a twin-launcher for Rafael Spike anti-armor guided missiles. Based on the experiences so far, the IDF is now examining both the procurement of additional vehicles and the integration of further weapon systems.
Armament upgrade following combat experience
The desire for a larger Eitan fleet is, according to Israeli authorities, directly based on the experiences from the ongoing operations in the Gaza Strip, Lebanon, and Judea and Samaria. While the Israeli Defense Ministry is currently evaluating the additional needs, the existing vehicle fleet continues to be heavily deployed in ongoing operations.
According to Israeli sources, the combination of high mobility, strong armament, and comprehensive crew protection has proven particularly effective.
From personnel carrier to wheeled infantry fighting vehicle
The Eitan was originally developed as a highly protected personnel carrier. With the integration of the new unmanned weapons turret, the vehicle has evolved into a fully-fledged wheeled infantry fighting vehicle.
The remotely operated weapons station with its 30mm cannon enables the engagement of protected and unprotected targets at greater distances. It is complemented by a twin-launcher for Spike anti-armor missiles, allowing the Eitan to be employed against heavily armored vehicles. According to Israeli sources, it is currently also being considered whether the platform should be further equipped with additional weapon systems in the future.
According to Israeli sources, the IDF is currently examining which additional capabilities could be integrated onto the platform in the future. Thus the Eitan is increasingly developing into a modular combat platform, whose armament and equipment can be tailored to different mission profiles.
The positive experiences of the Israeli armed forces could, according to Israeli observers, also attract international interest. With its combination of high mobility, strong protection, modern sensors, and capable armament, the Eitan already belongs to the most capable wheeled combat vehicles of its class today. If further weapon systems are integrated, its role within the Israeli Defense Forces is likely to grow further in importance in the future.
Author: Arie Egozi, Israel Correspondent
