Israeli arsenal: The "Merkava" tanks are prepared for the warfare of the future.

Since October 7, 2023, Israel has been facing the consequences of its own oversights across nearly all defense sectors. The fact that Hamas militants managed to infiltrate southern Israel from multiple directions while evading numerous security measures continues to astonish both security experts and military analysts. As a direct result of the lessons learned from this massacre and the subsequent war in Gaza, the IDF has enhanced protective measures along the entire perimeter. Special attention has been given to Israel's armored corps, as military officials have increased the number of tank companies in each battalion. With regular army soldiers serving in these tank companies instead of reservists, the IDF has greater capacity to defend its borders in the event of future offensive actions from hostile neighbors.

The IDF's main battle tanks, the Merkava series, which are regarded as some of the most powerful armored vehicles in the world, have been a cornerstone of Israel's armored corps for over four decades.

Introducing the Merkava Tank Series

The Merkava family of tanks emerged in the 1970s when Israel began developing its own series of main battle tanks. Following the establishment of the Jewish state, Israel sought to procure and set up local production of the British Chieftain tank. However, this agreement ultimately fell through, prompting Israel to create its own program. The ensuing Yom Kippur War in 1973 had devastating effects on Israeli mechanized armor. In particular, Israel's tank units suffered significant losses as Egyptian and Syrian forces launched coordinated attacks from the Sinai Peninsula and the Golan Heights.

In light of these losses, the first Israeli tank prioritized survivability. To enhance crew protection, the Merkava was equipped with thick armor. Additionally, the tank features a unique layout with an inverted engine transmission arrangement to provide soldiers with an extra level of protection. Notably, crew members can observe the surrounding environment without exiting the tank. The Merkava incorporates other advanced technologies that make it a top-tier platform. The Israeli tank is well-equipped with advanced artificial intelligence, multi-sensor 21-inch displays, and high-tech helmets. According to the manufacturer Elbit, the helmets display battlefield information for users and "generate an image that allows the crew to 'see' through the armor of the vehicle."

The Merkava Continues to Evolve

Over the years, several new variants of the Merkava have been introduced, helping these tanks maintain an edge over competitors. Perhaps the most significant addition to the Merkava is the Trophy active protection system. This remarkable mechanism defends armored vehicles against a wide range of munitions, including anti-tank guided missiles. This Israeli system enhances the survivability of the entire crew.

In 2023, the IDF unveiled the fifth-generation "Barak" variant, equipped with even more advanced components. The Ministry of Defense reported that these tanks would "enhance enemy detection capabilities and enable combat against adversaries in all battlefield scenarios, both current and future, against the full spectrum of threats facing maneuver forces." As tensions in the Middle East continue to rise, the Israeli arsenal of Merkava tanks will undoubtedly contribute to the country's security.

About the Author

Maya Carlin is a national security writer for The National Interest, a policy analyst at the Security Policy Center, and a former research fellow at the Anna Sobolev-Levy Institute at IDC Herzliya in Israel. Her articles have been published in various outlets, including The National Interest, Jerusalem Post, and Times of Israel. You can follow her on Twitter: @MayaCarlin.