Merkava vs T-72
The Merkava and the T-72 are both Main Battle Tanks, manufactured by Israeli Military Industries and Malyshev HMB Plant respectively. The Merkava weighs 61.0 tons vs 44.5 tons for the T-72. Top speed is 55 km/h for the Merkava vs 60 km/h for the T-72. Operational range is 500 km for the Merkava vs 500 km for the T-72. The Merkava is armed with a 1 M68 105mm rifled barrel (50 shells) gun, while the T-72 carries a 125 mm 2A46M-5 smoothbore gun. Unit cost is $3M for the Merkava vs $2M for the T-72.
| 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 |
| Ex-USSR main battle tank, entering service in 1973, with approximately 25,000 units built. | |
| Origin country | 🇨🇳 Ex-USSR |
| Category | Main Battle Tank |
| Type | Medium Main Battle Tank |
| Manufacturer | Malyshev HMB Plant |
| Number produced | 25,000 units |
| Estimated unit price | $2 million |
| 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 |
| Combat weight | 44.5 tons â—‰ |
| Maximum speed | 60 km/h â—‰ |
| Operational range | 500 km â—‰ |
| Length | 9.73 m â—‰ |
| Width | 3.59 m â—‰ |
| Height | 2.23 m â—‰ |
| Crew | 3 (commander, gunner, driver) |
| Engine | V-92S2F (T-72B3 & T-72B3M) 1,130 hp (840 kW) |
| Main armament | 125 mm 2A46M-5 smoothbore gun |
| Secondary weapon | 7.62 mm PKT coax. machine gun |
Performance Radar Chart
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is faster, the Merkava or T-72?
The T-72 is faster with a maximum road speed of 60 km/h compared to the Merkava's 55 km/h.
Which has longer operational range, the Merkava or T-72?
The T-72 has a longer operational range at 500 km compared to the Merkava's 500 km.
Which is heavier, the Merkava or T-72?
The Merkava is heavier at 61.0 tons combat weight compared to the T-72's 44.5 tons.
Which is larger, the Merkava or T-72?
The T-72 is longer at 9.73 meters compared to the Merkava's 7.60 meters.
How many crew members do the Merkava and T-72 require?
The Merkava requires a larger crew of 4 compared to the T-72's 3 (commander, gunner, driver) crew members.
Which is more expensive, the Merkava or T-72?
The Merkava is more expensive at approximately $3.0 million per unit compared to the T-72 at $2.0 million.
What are the main armaments of the Merkava and T-72?
The Merkava is armed with 1 M68 105mm rifled barrel (50 shells) gun while the T-72 carries 125 mm 2A46M-5 smoothbore gun as its main armament.