Israel turns to advanced situational awareness systems to enhance Merkava and Eitan commanders’ field of vision
The IDF plans to upgrade its Eitan APCs with loitering weapon systems. (Photo: Zachi Evenor)
Israeli companies have been developing systems that enhance the situational awareness of a tank commander. The ongoing wars in Ukraine and Gaza have, at times, demonstrated that the current systems in use do not provide enough support to tank commanders, especially when fighting in urban areas.
During urban fighting in Gaza, Israeli tanks have found they are more vulnerable to advanced anti-tank weapons, according to sources in the Directorate of Defense Research and Development (DR&D), a joint administrative body between the Israeli Ministry of Defense (MoD) and Israeli Defense Forces (IDF).
The sources added that the development had been accelerated
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Land Warfare
-
SOF Week 2026: The Gear Keeping Warfighters Ready in Extreme Climates (Video)
At SOF Week 2026, Pro-Shot Defense discusses the maintenance technologies and weapon support tools designed to keep special operations forces mission ready in the world’s harshest environments.
-
Are counter-drone systems for dismounted troops emerging as the next procurement battle?
As uncrewed aerial systems and loitering munitions evolve, it is increasingly necessary for counter-uncrewed solutions to keep pace in order to protect not only military facilities and platforms but also dismounted troops.
-
NATO’s Crystal Arrow factors in Ukrainian UGV lessons as European interest grows
One goal of NATO’s Exercise Crystal Arrow was to identify the potential uses of uncrewed ground vehicles – as seen on the Ukrainian battlefield – and put platforms into the hands of users.
-
SOF Week 2026: Galvion unveils Cortex Evo integrated combat helmet
Galvion has introduced its Cortex Evo integrated head system, combining ballistic protection, power, data and processing capabilities within a single combat helmet architecture.