New IDF armored vehicle gets trial by fire in Gaza

The army's next-generation armored personnel carrier received its baptism by fire during Operation Cast Lead last month.

The newest model Namer (Tiger), which is produced locally, joined the Israel Defense Forces' ranks in recent months. Several dozen are being used in infantry training. Eventually, the IDF is hoping to replace all of its older APCs with the new model.

The first infantry brigade to receive the new APC was Golani, which used three such vehicles in a brigade exercise two months ago.

Golani soldiers used their veteran Achzarit APCs during most of the offensive in the Gaza Strip, but during the final days of the operation, they also brought some of the new vehicles into battle to test their capabilities.

The new APC served as a forward command position for the Golani commander. Some crews received rushed training in order to use the vehicle in Gaza.

The IDF has ordered about 130 such vehicles, at a cost of $3 million each, and there are plans to acquire as many as 800.

It is seeking to replace most of the older APCs in use by the ground forces.

The Namer is based on the Merkava Mark IV Main Battle Tank chassis and has some of the most sophisticated battle management and protection equipment available.

The Namer was developed around the Merkava's hull in part so that ground forces and armor would have both speed and mobility, as well as protection on the battlefield.