Merkava IV: How Israel Built the World’s Most Survivable Tank

Merkava IV Tank – Key Points and Summary: The Israeli Merkava IV is a premier main battle tank, uniquely engineered with a front-mounted engine to maximize crew protection.

-This design choice, born from the lessons of past Middle Eastern conflicts, provides an extra layer of defense against frontal attacks.

-Its survivability is further enhanced by advanced modular composite armor and the cutting-edge Trophy Active Protection System, which can intercept incoming anti-tank missiles.

-Combined with a powerful 120mm main gun and sophisticated fire control systems, the Merkava IV stands as a formidable platform, especially in the demanding conditions of desert and urban warfare.

What Makes The Israeli Merkava IV Tank So Good?

The Israeli Merkava IV’s reputation as one of the world’s best tanks starts with a unique design focused on crew survivability, and continues with the tank’s integration of advanced technologies such as the Trophy Active Protection System.

Many analysts consider the Merkava (Hebrew for “Chariot”) to be the most capable and effective tank designed for desert warfare.

The front-engine layout, unlike most tanks, provides an additional layer of protection for the crew by absorbing the initial impact of a hit. Its modular composite armor, advanced fire control systems, and the Trophy, a system that intercepts incoming threats, make it highly survivable.

Since entering service in 2004, the Merkava IV has seen continuous upgrades, and it is now considered one of the best tanks in the world.

Meet the Merkava IV Main Battle Tank

The Merkava IV is a heavy main battle tank; it weighs 70 tons. However, its powerful General Dynamics GD883 (MTU 883) turbocharged V-12 diesel engine can generate 1,500 horsepower, enabling road speeds of 40 miles per hour, and speeds of about 35 mph off-road.

The tank’s design and development were influenced by Israel’s unique geopolitical situation and the lessons learned from past conflicts. Designers knew the need for a vehicle that could offer exceptional crew protection, maneuverability, and lethality in urban and conventional warfare in a desert environment.

The engine’s placement at the front of the tank acts as a shield, absorbing initial impacts and blast energy from frontal attacks.

The Merkava IV incorporates a composite matrix of laminated ceramic-steel-nickel alloy with a modular design. This can protect against a wide range of threats, including anti-tank missiles.

Unlike most tanks, the Merkava IV can carry a small command group – eight infantry soldiers or three litter patients. It has a rear access hatch, allowing crew and infantry to enter and disembark the tank safely, as well as resupply it.

Trophy Active Protection System

The Trophy Active Protection System, designed and built by Rafael, detects and neutralizes incoming threats, such as anti-tank missiles and rocket-propelled grenades, before they can hit the tank.

The Armory Life wrote that the system was designed to detect and neutralize incoming projectiles. Trophy uses four radar antennas and fire-control radars to track incoming threats. Once a projectile is detected, the Trophy system fires a shotgun-type blast to neutralize the threat.

The Iron Vision Helmet improves the crew’s situational awareness by displaying a 360-degree view of the surroundings. The vehicle-adapted helmet-mounted system provides “protective glass walls” for tank or armored fighting vehicle crews who may need to operate in so-called closed-hatch mode when maneuvering in high-threat areas.

“Ground warfare has changed dramatically in the past 15-20 years from open areas to closed, complex urban terrain. We believe IronVision will change the way ground maneuvering forces fight in this new environment,” said Boaz Cohen, the director of Elbit’s land systems division.

A sophisticated computer manages the tank’s systems, processes information from sensors, and shares data with other friendly forces. The Merkava IV features a highly accurate fire control system that it uses to engage targets on the move, including targets that are themselves moving.

Merkava IV Has Excellent Firepower

The Merkava IV is equipped with a powerful 120 mm smoothbore gun that can fire a variety of ammunition types, including armor-piercing and high-explosive rounds. Secondary weapons include .50-caliber and 7.62 mm machine guns, and it can also mount a Mark 19 40 mm grenade launcher.

It also has a 60 mm mortar that can be used to engage targets beyond direct visual range.

The Merkava IV has been upgraded and modernized many times throughout its service life, ensuring it remains at the forefront of tank technology.

However, all tanks are subject to new threats. Drones attacking the top of the tank, where it is most vulnerable, is a concern for the Merkava IV.

The Israelis have constructed cages that can be attached to the tank to protect against the threat from above.

Adaptation to Diverse Environments:

The Merkava IV is designed to be effective in both conventional warfare and counterinsurgency operations, making it a versatile platform. It has been instrumental in urban warfare in Gaza, where it supports dismounted infantry.

It is an outstanding tank that was perfectly designed for its environment.

About the Author:

Steve Balestrieri is a National Security Columnist. He served as a US Army Special Forces NCO and Warrant Officer. In addition to writing on defense, he covers the NFL for PatsFans.com and is a member of the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA). His work was regularly featured in many military publications.