The Israeli government has approved a $1.5 billion investment to accelerate the production of Merkava, Namer, and Eitan armored vehicles, strengthening the country’s defenses in Gaza.
The face of Israel’s armored corps is undoubtedly the Merkava main battle tank. Domestically produced, it has served the State of Israel for nearly half a century, proving its worth in frequent operations against hostile neighbors.
Its recent deployment in the Israel–Hamas war in Gaza prompted the Ministry of Defense to approve a $1.5 billion agreement aimed at speeding up production — bolstering national security alongside the Israel Defense Forces’ (IDF) state-of-the-art air defense systems.
According to the Ministry of Defense, the agreement includes:
1. An increase in the stockpile of armored vehicles.
2. Acceleration of production for Merkava Mk 4 Barak tanks, Namer APCs, and Eitan APCs, including versions equipped with a 30 mm turret.
The decision to further expand and modernize Israel’s armored fleet is based on the vehicles’ successful operational performance, enhancing the mobility and tactical maneuvering capabilities of the IDF.
Design and innovation
The Merkava was conceived shortly after the founding of Israel to counter Soviet-made tanks used by Egypt and Syria.
Initially, Israel intended to purchase British Chieftain tanks, but after the U.K. withdrew from the deal, the country embarked on developing its own domestically produced model.
The Merkava stands out for:
1. Chobham armor
2. A rear-mounted engine and transmission layout
3. A rear-positioned turret, improving crew survivability
The early Merkava Mk 1 and Mk 2 models were equipped with the 105 mm IMI M64 gun, while newer variants feature upgraded armor and the Trophy Active Protection System (APS) — providing defense against missiles and RPGs to safeguard the crew.
Continuous investment in the Merkava program underscores its strategic importance to Israel’s defense doctrine and its decisive role in operations across Gaza.
The expansion and modernization of production ensure that the IDF’s ground forces remain ready for any threat — in current and future battlefields alike.
www.bankingnews.gr
Its recent deployment in the Israel–Hamas war in Gaza prompted the Ministry of Defense to approve a $1.5 billion agreement aimed at speeding up production — bolstering national security alongside the Israel Defense Forces’ (IDF) state-of-the-art air defense systems.
According to the Ministry of Defense, the agreement includes:
1. An increase in the stockpile of armored vehicles.
2. Acceleration of production for Merkava Mk 4 Barak tanks, Namer APCs, and Eitan APCs, including versions equipped with a 30 mm turret.
The decision to further expand and modernize Israel’s armored fleet is based on the vehicles’ successful operational performance, enhancing the mobility and tactical maneuvering capabilities of the IDF.
Design and innovation
The Merkava was conceived shortly after the founding of Israel to counter Soviet-made tanks used by Egypt and Syria.
Initially, Israel intended to purchase British Chieftain tanks, but after the U.K. withdrew from the deal, the country embarked on developing its own domestically produced model.
The Merkava stands out for:
1. Chobham armor
2. A rear-mounted engine and transmission layout
3. A rear-positioned turret, improving crew survivability
The early Merkava Mk 1 and Mk 2 models were equipped with the 105 mm IMI M64 gun, while newer variants feature upgraded armor and the Trophy Active Protection System (APS) — providing defense against missiles and RPGs to safeguard the crew.
Continuous investment in the Merkava program underscores its strategic importance to Israel’s defense doctrine and its decisive role in operations across Gaza.
The expansion and modernization of production ensure that the IDF’s ground forces remain ready for any threat — in current and future battlefields alike.
www.bankingnews.gr
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