Merkava Mk I
In service 1979 - 1990s
Israel's own tank, designed around crew survival: engine in front, rear door, and a hull shaped by hard lessons from 1973.
Built byIsraeli Ordnance Corps / MANTAK
Photograph pending. No clearly licensed photograph of this vehicle was found.
Development history
After Britain cancelled the Chieftain sale, Israel built its own tank under Israel Tal, and made choices no other designer had: the powerpack went in the front as extra protection, ammunition was stowed low in fire-resistant containers, and a rear hatch let crews evacuate or load ammunition under cover and could carry infantry or casualties. The Merkava Mk I entered service in 1979 and fought in Lebanon in 1982, where its survivability record was noted worldwide. It began a line of Israeli tanks that continues today.
Variants
One canonical record, 2 recorded variants.
Merkava Mk I
1979105 mm M68, spaced armour, front-mounted powerpack
Merkava Mk I Baz upgrade
1980sImproved fire control and applique protection after Lebanon
Notable actions
- 1982 Lebanon War
- South Lebanon conflict