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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

Merkava Mk I
Unknown author / Wikimedia Commons · Public domain

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.

  1. Merkava Mk I

    1979

    105 mm M68, spaced armour, front-mounted powerpack

  2. Merkava Mk I Baz upgrade

    1980s

    Improved fire control and applique protection after Lebanon

Notable actions

  • 1982 Lebanon War
  • South Lebanon conflict