Israeli Army powers up defense with new Eitan 8x8 APC Armored Personnel Carriers.

In an announcement on May 28, 2023, made through a video published by the Israeli Ministry of Defense on Twitter, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Nahal Infantry Brigade took delivery of their first batch of Eitan - the new 8x8 Armored Personnel Carrier vehicles. This Israeli-produced vehicle, first unveiled in August 2016 by the Defense Ministry, is set to replace the IDF's longstanding fleet of M113 tracked armored personnel carriers.
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New Eitan 8x8 armored vehicle personnel carriers are now in service with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Nahal Infantry Brigade. (Picture source Israeli MoD)

The Nahal Brigade is an integral formation within the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). It has a rich history dating back to the 1940s, originating as a paramilitary youth program that integrated farming and military training. The term "Nahal" itself is an acronym standing for "Noar Halutzi Lohem," translating to "Fighting Pioneer Youth."

As the brigade developed over the years, it gradually moved away from its agricultural beginnings and evolved into a fully-fledged infantry unit. Its structure is multifaceted, encompassing several battalions that range from combat to reconnaissance and support companies.

Throughout its history, the Nahal Brigade has been active in all of Israel's major conflicts. It has garnered a reputation for being one of the IDF's most distinguished and effective combat units. The Brigade typically trains new soldiers with an emphasis on urban warfare, and its soldiers are known for their high level of training and commitment.

Though primarily known for its military role, the Nahal Brigade still upholds its pioneering spirit and commitment to community service. This is reflected in some of the Brigade's unique programs that offer soldiers the chance to engage in community development and other social projects in conjunction with their military service.

The Eitan is an armored personnel carrier (APC) developed by the Israeli Ministry of Defense. It was announced in 2016 and is the first wheeled APC to be built by Israel.

The development of the Eitan APC came as a response to the lessons learned from the 2014 Israel-Gaza conflict, also known as Operation Protective Edge, during which the existing APCs such as the M113 tracked armored vehicles showed vulnerability to anti-tank guided missiles.

The Eitan APC was designed to offer enhanced protection to its occupants. It has a high level of ballistic protection and is equipped with a Trophy active protection system that can intercept incoming anti-tank missiles.

Unlike its tracked counterparts, the Eitan is an 8x8 wheeled vehicle, which gives it improved strategic mobility. It can travel on regular roads at speeds of up to 90 km/h, which makes it faster than most tracked APCs. This allows the Eitan to move troops rapidly across the battlefield and to quickly transition between combat zones.

The Eitan can carry up to 12 personnel – a crew of three (driver, commander, and gunner) and nine fully-equipped infantry soldiers. It's also equipped with a remotely operated weapon station, which can be fitted with machine guns, grenade launchers, or anti-tank missiles.

The Eitan was set to become a significant part of the IDF's armored corps, complementing the existing tracked APCs such as the Namer. The exact service entry date or the number of units that will be deployed is subject to updates from the Israeli Ministry of Defense.