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Merkava tanks of all types, and particularly the new
Merkava Mk4 are facing a serious challenge in the recent war between
Israel and Lebanese Hezbolla. The tanks are operating in rocky and
mountainous terrain, facing advanced anti-tank weapons, from improvised
IEDs
and heavy belly charges and RPGs to the latest generations ATGWs,
including the Russian Metis-M and Kornet E.
Some 10 tanks have been hit in the two weeks of fighting, most of them
are expected to be repaired soon and return to operational status. While the
prolonged and escalating asymmetric conflict took a significant toll
from these tanks, in general, the Merkava clearly demonstrated its
effectiveness and flexibility in carrying out various combat and
support missions, while maintaining effective protection for the crew,
even under extensive enemy fire.
As a product of the late 20th century, the Merkava tank
was designed for the high intensity battlefield, where tanks are
confronted by enemy tanks and long range anti-tank missile mostly in
frontal engagements and at long ranges. During recent asymmetric
conflicts, tanks are facing new threats characterized by RPGs,
missiles, land mines and IEDs as well as small arms and sniper fire.
These threats can appear at extreme close ranges and from any
direction, including the rear, top and sides. Operating with open
hatches in this type of combat becomes highly dangerous to crews,
especially to vehicle commanders who must maintain situational
awareness for safety as well as operational effectiveness.
Utilizing its highly adaptable, modular design and ‘telescopic
evolution’ the Merkava is transforming from a Main Battle Tank (MBT)
into a Multi-Purpose Fighting Vehicle (MPFV), characterized by a
dynamically balanced blend of protection, mobility, firepower and
information systems. Utilizing modular armor design, the armor
protective suite of the Merkava tank has been continuously upgraded to
face evolving threats. Design changes have included the addition of
armored belly plates to protect the bottom and lower sides of the hull
against heavy improvised ground mines after three Merkavas suffered
fatal attacks by this type of mine. The hull armor has also been
augmented with advanced materials, and the modular design allows quick
optimization to protect against specific newly perceived threats.
Many Merkavas have suffered repeated hits in combat engagements with
Hezbolla and Palestinian forces with no casualties to the crew. All
tanks were rapidly repaired and sent back into service, including one
Merkava Mk 2 tank that was hit by seven different missiles in one
attack (Ghajar, November 2005). In the near future, active protection
systems are expected to be integrated into the tank's armor, offering
improved protection against shaped charge threats and, potentially,
kinetic threats.
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