The Merkava project was initiated to develop and produce an Israeli Main Battle Tank that would answer the particular needs of the State of Israel, allowing it to decide land battles.
The Place of the Tank in Israeli History
Since WWI, the tank has been a central and important element of warfare.
During the various wars Israel has faced over the years, the tank has proven itself to be an integral and irreplaceable component of the IDF. Over time, the tank has become the main component of the IDF battlefield.
During the War of Independence, 15 Israeli tanks faced 45 Arab tanks. In the years leading up to the Sinai Campaign (1956), Egypt received a significant number of Soviet tanks in the framework of the "Czechoslovakian Arms Deal," while Israel had to make do with WWI and WWII era tanks.
Israel attempted to purchase new tanks from various countries - but its efforts were rebuffed. As such, Israel concentrated on upgrading its aging tanks, engines, and installing new
gears - thereby ensuring a central place for armor on the battlefield. Indeed, during the Six Day War (1967), all sides involved deployed a total of 2,500 tanks.
The T-62 & the Centurion
During the 1960's - the Soviet T-62, perhaps the most advanced battle-tank in the world at the time, entered the Arab armed forces. In this context, the British approached Israel, and offered to sell hundreds of older Centurion tanks. In exchange, Israel would be allowed to participate in the development of the Chieftan tank and could also purchase the tank upon its completion. In addition, the British would aid Israel in the construction of a Chieftan assembly production line.
This plan did not materialize, and consequently, Israel began to examine the possibility of establishing an indigenous tank development and production program. In 1970, a plan to develop the "Merkava" under the auspices of the Ministry of Defense, as well as the Ordnance and Armored Corps, was formulated.
Nine years later, the first Merkava "Mark 1" tank was delivered to the IDF Armored Corp, based on the lessons learned during Israel's tank battles in previous wars.
The Merkava Project
Freeing the IDF from dependence on foreign sources for tanks and related equipment was the underlying concept of the Merkava project. A secondary goal was to enable the IDF to prepare for deciding the land battlefield of the future.
Merkava Mk 4
Tank Production
The Merkava Series
The Merkava series was developed in accordance with standards and requirements set by the Israeli Armored Corps, and comprise, at present, the main deciding force on land.
Primary characteristics of the Merkava
A high-degree of survivability - achieved via modular armor, and augmented by the use of tank systems for ballistic protection. Examples of this include: the placement of the engine in the front of the tank, and the storage of ammunition in fire-proof containers.
Can be used to transport infantry forces.
Rear door.
60 millimeter mortar as a secondary source of firepower.
Mechanical suspension system which enables a high degree of maneuverability even in difficult terrain, i.e., the Golan Heights.
Merkava "Mark 1"
The Merkava "Mark 1" tank was highly successful in the "Peace for Galilee" War (1982). Production of the Mark 1 continued until 1983 - subsequent to the introduction of the "Mark 2" in the IDF.
Currently, "Mark 1" tanks serve in certain reserve brigades.
Merkava "Mark 2"
The lessons garnered from Operation Peace for Galilee were incorporated into the Merkava "Mark 2" tank. This included the addition of:
Improved manuverability.
Specialized armor.
Internal 60 mm mortar launcher.
Improved fire control system.
Advanced NBC (Nuclear, Biolgical, Chemical warfare) protection.
The Merkava "Mark 2," similar to the Merkava "Mark 1," is equipped with a 105 mm cannon, and powered by a large, 900 Horsepower engine.
Merkava "Mark 3"
The Merkava "Mark 3," which entered into service during the early 1990's, constituted a breakthrough in the areas of protection and power. Indeed, the Merkava 3 is equipped with modular armor - or steel plates that are affixed to a tank with specially designed screws. It should be noted that modular armor enables a tank crew to smoothly upgrade and replace damaged sections of armor.
In addition, the Merkava 3 is equipped with a 120 millimeter smooth-barrel cannon, enabling it to fire anti-tank missiles as well as standard tank shells.
The maneuverability of the Merkava 3 is enhanced by a 1,200 Horsepower engine, which allows for high speed travel and improved manuverability.
Merkava 3 Improvements
The Merkava 3 has undergone a number of improvements over the years. Perhaps the most significant of these changes was the addition of the "Baz" advanced fire control system, which enables the tank to track and fire at moving targets, including helicopters - even if the tank is not in a stationary position.
Merkava "Mark 4"
The year 2002 marked the beginning of mass production of the Merkava "Mark 4." The Merkava 4 boasts advanced firepower via 120 millimeter smooth-barrel cannons and an internal 60 millimeter mortar launcher. In addition, the Merkava 4 is equipped with a targeting system of pinpoint accuracy, capable of tracking targets from afar.
The Merkava 4 is also equipped with a 1,500 horsepower engine that provides increased speed and reliability. To increase the level of protection offered to the crew, the engine is located at the front of the tank, and advanced armor systems, including turret armor, were added.
The Merkava 4 is currently being brought into operational service alongside the older Mark 1, 2, and 3 tanks. It should be noted that the Merkava 3 and 4 tanks are expected to gradually replace the IDF's aged Centurion and Patton tanks - thereby creating a homogenous, advanced tank corp.
Comparison of Primary Characteristics:
Instructors at the IDF Armor School are preparing to train the first IDF "Merkava Mark 4" tank crew members.
The "Merkava Mark 4" crew will undergo standard basic training, followed by a specialized tank course to acquire a proficiency in the following areas: communications, driving, and artillery.
After completing the above-mentioned courses, the crew enters the final phase of training, during which they will learn how to function as a team, platoon, and company.
The "Merkava Mark 4" is amongst one of the most advanced tanks in the world.
The "Merkava" class tank entered into service in the IDF during the 1970's. Since then, 6 versions of the Merkava have been produced: Mark 2, 2b, 1b, 3, 3b, and 4.
The improvements of the "Merkava Mark 4" tank encompass all the key components of a tank, including, survivability, mobility, and firepower.
The tank is equipped with advanced system technology, and each crewman works in a computerized environment that interprets data and operates various other critical systems.
The founding principles of the "Merkava" tank were included in the "Merkava Mark 4," including an emphasis on armor and survivability. In addition, tank systems are utilized to protect the crew.
The "Merkava Mark 4" is armed with a next generation 120mm canon originally developed for the "Merkava Mark 3." The new and improved canon allows for the discharge of powerful ammunition and is capable of increased piercing firepower.
The fire control systems are activated through interactive digital panels. In addition, a "battlefield manager" assists the commander in effective combat and data management.
The "Merkava Mark 4" has also been equipped with a new 1,500 horsepower engine.
Israeli Defense Forces
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