Merkava 4

The Merkava Mk. 4 represents the culmination of the Merkava main battle tank series, embodying advanced Israeli technologies in fire control, armament stabilization, protection, communications, and firepower. Designed by MANTAK, this fourth-generation vehicle was officially unveiled in June 2002, with the first unit being delivered to the Shizafon armor school for crew training and conversion in March 2003.

The tank's survivability is a cornerstone of its design, featuring advanced modular composite armor. The turret structure is supplemented by detachable modules, incorporating elements of explosive reactive armor, and its roof is designed to withstand top-attack anti-tank missiles. Further enhancing its defensive capabilities, the Merkava Mk. 4M 'Windbreaker' variant integrates the Trophy active protection system, engineered to intercept incoming anti-tank projectiles. Laser warning detectors and a comprehensive CBRN life support system for the crew compartment, ensuring filtration, climate control, and overpressure, complete its protective measures. Its main armament is a potent smoothbore cannon capable of firing advanced kinetic energy munitions with higher-energy propellants than its predecessors, a capability enabled by an increased chamber pressure tolerance. An automated system, featuring two turret-mounted drums, presents selected rounds to the loader. Secondary armaments include coaxial and externally mounted machine guns, the latter operable from within the vehicle for urban combat scenarios, and an internally operated mortar. The vehicle is equipped with the Knight Mk. 4 automatic fire control system, which includes automatic target tracking. Both the commander and gunner utilize stabilized sights offering thermal and day video channels, and mission data can be digitally recorded. Mobility is provided by a liquid-cooled V12 diesel engine, a choice made to optimize the integration of frontal armor by allowing for a more uniform glacis plate, which concurrently improves driver visibility. This powerplant is coupled with an automatic transmission offering multiple forward and reverse gears. The vehicle utilizes a proven suspension system derived from its predecessor and is fitted with an auxiliary power unit. A crew of four operates the Merkava Mk. 4.

The Merkava Mk. 4 officially entered service with the Israel Defense Forces, its sole primary operator, in June 2004. It experienced its combat debut during the 2006 Lebanon War where, despite being a recent introduction at the time, the Mk. 4 variants demonstrated enhanced resistance to impacts compared to older generation Merkava tanks, underscoring the design's inherent emphasis on crew protection. The tank has subsequently been employed in various operations, including the Israeli ground offensive in the Gaza Strip that commenced in late 2023. Production of the Merkava Mk. 4 has been maintained, with several hundred units reported in service, primarily assigned to dedicated armored brigades. The design continues to evolve; the modernized 'Barak' variant, which features upgraded sensors, artificial intelligence-driven systems, and enhanced crew interfaces, began entering service in 2023. In a notable instance of derivative use, a specialized Armored Vehicle Launched Bridge (AVLB) variant based on the Merkava Mk. 4 chassis has been acquired by the Philippine Army.