8/8/18

Turreted Namer Likely Begins Operational Testing

It took a long while for a turreted Namer of any kind to pop up. A decade too long to be precise, but now it's here and it seems the IDF is very eager to test it out.

As of the last couple of days, the IDF is conducting a large exercise in the Golan region, with tanks and infantry belonging, presumably, to the 7th Armored Brigade, and Golani Infantry Brigade, both part of the 36th Division.
The 36th is one of two elite armored divisions, the other is the 162nd. Both are being equipped with the most top notch weaponry in the IDF's possession. By early 2020's they should both be fully equipped with Active Protection Systems.


The turreted Namer could have been placed there for the Minister of Defense Avigdor Liberman, but it's far more likely that it participated in early operational testing in a mechanized operation training.

The turret is to be used on the Eitan in the future as well, so its testing on the Namer could shave off a lot of development time for the Eitan, which could explain why the Eitan was built in such a relatively short time frame (decision made in 2014, prototype built since 2015, mobility tests completed in 2018, pre-series prototype in 2018, and in service in 2020).

It is yet unknown whether the first to get the turreted Namer are the Golani or Givati, however if I am correct to assume it's a 36th division exercise, then the Golani will get it first.
It could also be argued that the Givati brigade were supposed to be the first to receive the Namer, however later it was decided to first arm the Golani, and give the Golani's Achzarit APCs to Givati.

No schedule was yet given on the turret either, but it can be assumed to enter service no later than 2020, as that is when the Eitan should enter service.

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