Challenger 2 vs Merkava
| British main battle tank, entering service in 1998, with 447 units manufactured by Vickers Defence Systems. | |
| Origin country | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom |
| Category | Main Battle Tank |
| Type | Heavy Main Battle Tank |
| Manufacturer | Vickers Defense Systems |
| Number produced | 447 units |
| Estimated unit price | $5.3 million |
| Israeli main battle tank, incorporates engine-forward design, used extensively in the Yom Kippur War. | |
| Origin country | 🇮🇱 Israel |
| Category | Main Battle Tank |
| Type | Heavy Main Battle Tank |
| Manufacturer | Israeli Military Industries |
| Number produced | -- units |
| Estimated unit price | $3 million |
| Combat weight | 75.0 tons â—‰ |
| Maximum speed | 59 km/h â—‰ |
| Operational range | 550 km â—‰ |
| Length | 13.50 m â—‰ |
| Width | 4.20 m â—‰ |
| Height | 2.49 m â—‰ |
| Crew | 4 (commander, gunner, loader–operator, driver) |
| Engine | Perkins CV-12 Condor 12-Cylinder Diesel Engine with 1200 hp |
| Main armament | L30A1 120 mm rifled gun |
| Secondary weapon | 7.62 mm coaxial L94A1 chain gun |
| Combat weight | 61.0 tons â—‰ |
| Maximum speed | 55 km/h â—‰ |
| Operational range | 500 km â—‰ |
| Length | 7.60 m â—‰ |
| Width | 3.70 m â—‰ |
| Height | 2.70 m â—‰ |
| Crew | 4 |
| Engine | Continental AVDS 1790-9AR V-12 Diesel Engine with 900 hp |
| Main armament | 1 M68 105mm rifled barrel (50 shells) gun |
| Secondary weapon | 1 60mm mortar |
Performance Radar Chart
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is faster, the Challenger 2 or Merkava?
The Challenger 2 is faster with a maximum road speed of 59 km/h compared to the Merkava's 55 km/h.
Which has longer operational range, the Challenger 2 or Merkava?
The Challenger 2 has a longer operational range at 550 km compared to the Merkava's 500 km.
Which is heavier, the Challenger 2 or Merkava?
The Challenger 2 is heavier at 75.0 tons combat weight compared to the Merkava's 61.0 tons.
Which is larger, the Challenger 2 or Merkava?
The Challenger 2 is longer at 13.50 meters compared to the Merkava's 7.60 meters.
How many crew members do the Challenger 2 and Merkava require?
The Challenger 2 requires a larger crew of 4 (commander, gunner, loader–operator, driver) compared to the Merkava's 4 crew members.
Which is more expensive, the Challenger 2 or Merkava?
The Challenger 2 is more expensive at approximately $5.3 million per unit compared to the Merkava at $3.0 million.
What are the main armaments of the Challenger 2 and Merkava?
The Challenger 2 is armed with L30A1 120 mm rifled gun while the Merkava carries 1 M68 105mm rifled barrel (50 shells) gun as its main armament.