Israeli Merkava Tanks Destroyed Soviet-Era T-72s

By Maya Carlin, Warrior Contributor, Weapons

Yes, many rightly think the M1 Abrams is the best tank on Earth for many reasons. But many analysts with a Middle Eastern focus also declare that the Merkava tank could truly give the M1 Abrams a run for its money: Israel’s Merkava “chariot” battle tank may be the world’s most efficient and advanced tank. Its battle power, protection, and mobility are truly unparalleled. As the backbone of the Israel Defense Force’s (IDF) armored corps, the tank has undergone a series of modifications and advancements since its entry into service in 1979. The latest variant of the Merkava IV MBT will be delivered to the IDF by mid-2023.

Merkava – Explained

The native-grown Merkava tank fulfills Israel’s need to be able to rapidly produce modern and sophisticated military equipment without having to rely on foreign countries. The original Merkava design was developed in the mid-1970’s after the United Kingdom reversed the joint tank-development initiative that would have provided Israel with its Chieftain tanks. At this point, the then-commander of the IDF Armored Corps, Maj. Gen. Israel Tal, recognized his country’s land-based protection could not be guaranteed by any other nation. Therefore, a domestic production capability was necessary.

Merkava Needed to Be Protected

The original Merkava tanks centered around its protection capabilities. Due to this factor, the IDF prioritized keeping personnel losses down in combat by installing thick-spaced armor and setting up the engine and transmission in the front of the tank. The position of the engine system provides extra protection for the crew. The design also created more space in the tank’s rear, increasing storage capacity and access to enemy fire for the crew. The IDF rolled out the Merkava battle tanks during the 1982 Lebanon War, where they successfully countered the Soviet-designed Syrian T-72 tanks in the Bekaa Valley.

Subsequent variations of the Merkava have only made the original battle tank model more lethal and advanced. The current Merkava IV model entered full production in 2001 and became operational two years later. This model is slightly larger than its predecessor and incorporates some of the best protective measures in the world. The tank is fitted with transferrable armor which can be shifted depending on the type of threat. The tank’s bottom has been strengthened to provide better protection against land mines.

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