Eitan To Enter Service Soon / UGV Update

In a rather odd turnout, it seems the Eitan 8x8 wheeled combat vehicle will enter initial service in 2018, and not 2020 as initially envisioned.

There are several reasons to doubt this, but if true, it raises a few questions.
First, there had been no sight of a Trophy-equipped Eitan prototype. Nor a sign of a turret. Which begs the question; If they intend to start equipping infantry units with it this year, the trials with the Trophy and 30mm turret should have been underway.

For the first time, a photo of the interior was shown.

Demonstration of the 360° sighting capability

It also begs the question; where is the IronVision? A typical IronVision system would include at least 2 helmets and a sensor block on the roof. Both are absent, therefore it is possible that the Eitan will first enter service without all its key technologies - Trophy, IronVision, and a 30mm turret. 

It could help to reduce reliance on the M113, but they would eventually require refitting work for all those systems, unless they will only serve temporarily in the infantry brigades and will be later passed down for utility, which would then also require some refitting works. 

I remind that the Eitan is part of the Rakiya project which encompasses the Carmel tracked vehicle as well. Rakiya project commenced in 2012, and work on the Eitan wheeled vehicle commenced in 2014.

UGV Update

Works in the IDF on UGVs continue at a high pace, and a new UGV based on a HMMWV was displayed, with an autonomous driving capability and with a current limited range of 3km from operating station, to be extended later.

An Oshkosh truck (HEMMT) will also be demonstrated with the same capability in September this year.

With news that the Barak MBT based on the Merkava 4 will have its first prototype ready and in trials this year already, the possibility of an unmanned HMMWV being one of the Barak's tools along with retired M113, is growing, and it serves as a tremendous and highly mobile arsenal of expendable vehicles.