US Approves Rolls-Royce Engine Sale for Israeli Eitan Armored Vehicles

The US State Department has approved the foreign military sale of engines for the Israel Defense Forces’ Eitan 8x8 armored personnel carriers.

The $180-million deal covers the 8V199TE21-D power pack engines developed by Rolls-Royce and associated equipment for the fleet.

It also incorporates technical assistance, engineering services, and logistics tasks to support the program.

Washington noted that the procurement aligns with America’s critical interest in aiding the Middle Eastern country in advancing and sustaining “strong and ready self-defense capability.”

The government assured that the package and its corresponding elements will not alter the basic military balance in the region.

“The proposed sale will enhance Israel’s capability to meet current and future threats by improving its ability to defend Israel’s borders, vital infrastructure, and population centers,” a statement from the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency said.

“This proposed sale will increase the interoperability with US forces and conveys US commitment to Israel's security and armed forces modernization. Israel will have no difficulty absorbing this equipment into its armed forces.”

The Eitan armored vehicle is an Israeli-built system that was first delivered to the military in 2023, just months before the country’s conflict with Palestine.

The platform measures 8 meters (26 feet) long and is operated by a three-man crew for maneuvers, command, and weapon controls.

It can transport up to nine warfighters and carry a remote weapon system with a heavy machine gun as well as a mounted support gun.

Common engines installed into the hull have at least 750 horsepower for a top speed of 90 kilometers (56 miles) per hour and a range of 1,000 kilometers (621 miles).