IDF continues to field new innovations to keep Israel safe

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has begun fielding Eitan wheeled armored personnel carriers equipped with Hetz Dorban, an Israeli-developed hard-kill active protection system designed to intercept incoming anti-tank weapons, drones and other threats before they can strike the vehicle.

The IDF recently published images showing Eitan vehicles fitted with the system, which is produced by Israeli defense company Elbit Systems and marketed internationally under the name “Iron Fist.” The technology is designed to give armored vehicles an additional layer of protection against increasingly sophisticated threats encountered on modern battlefields.

The system's centerpiece is a network of radar and optical sensors mounted on the vehicle's exterior that detects incoming anti-tank rounds. The system then directs connected countermeasure launchers to fire a munition that intercepts the incoming weapon, either destroying it or diverting its path so that it does not damage the vehicle.

According to Elbit, the system was designed to defend against rocket-propelled grenades, anti-tank guided missiles, drones and even kinetic-energy rounds fired by other tanks.

In recent clashes with non-state forces such as Hamas and Hezbollah, Israeli armored vehicles have faced both traditional anti-tank weapons and improvised threats, including drones modified to carry grenades and improvised explosive devices.

Such attacks can provide little warning, making automated, computer-guided defensive systems increasingly important for protecting armored vehicles and their crews.

Another Israeli defense company, Rafael, has developed the Trophy active protection system, which provides similar protection for armored vehicles. The IDF has purchased Trophy systems for installation on several types of armored vehicles.

The Eitan vehicles shown with Hetz Dorban are reportedly part of the IDF’s 933rd “Nahal” Infantry Brigade, which became the first Israeli unit to receive the vehicle in May 2023. The Eitan APCs are intended to gradually replace older vehicles, including the Vietnam War-era M113.

The IDF also uses the heavier Namer APC, while the Eitan is relatively light, weighing approximately 35 tons. Because it is mounted on wheels, the Eitan can reach road speeds of around 90 kilometers per hour (56 mph) and carry a standard crew of three plus nine soldiers.

When Hetz Dorban was selected by the IDF to equip Eitan vehicles, Yehuda (Udi) Vered, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Elbit Systems Land Division, said: “We are proud to be in a position to provide the IDF with such an important operational capability. This award adds to the growing interest in the Iron Fist by many modern armed forces who seek to enhance the protection capabilities of their AFVs.”

That interest comes as Elbit reports growing international demand for its defense technologies. In a recent report to shareholders, Bezhalel (Butzi) Machlis, President and CEO of Elbit Systems, said, “Our backlog reached a new record of $32 billion, providing long-term visibility and demonstrating the continued confidence of customers worldwide in Elbit Systems’ technologies and capabilities.”

Beyond its work on active protection systems, Elbit is also developing new directed-energy technologies. Machlis said, “Elbit Systems is leading the development of next-generation high-power laser and directed energy capabilities.” He added, “Most recently, we unveiled our airborne high-power laser system, currently under development for helicopters and fighter aircraft.”

The company says these technologies are part of its broader effort to develop systems for military customers worldwide. As Machlis put it, “This new capability builds on decades of technological and operational experience and will further expand Elbit Systems’ broad portfolio of systems, supporting customers and helping protect nations and critical assets around the world.”