Eitan (Hebrew for “steadfast”) is an armoured fighting vehicle developed by the IAI, IMI and Rafael to replace the ageing M113 armored personnel carrier in use by the Israel Defense Forces. It is to be an 8-wheeled vehicle much lighter than the Namer, weighing less than 35 tons, and will be fitted with the Trophy active protection system. The AFV has a top speed of 90 km/h and can carry 12 men including 3 crew. The Eitan can be equipped with a 30–40 mm gun and a missile firing position. The vehicle will complement, not replace, the Namer tracked APC; as a wheeled vehicle, it will cost half as much as the Namer and, unlike tracked vehicles, can transport infantry squads on roads without relying on tank transporters. The Eitan has run flat tires and is designed with a protected, relatively high floor to protect from mine and IED blast effects.
