The Merkava (Hebrew: מֶרְכָּבָה, [mɛʁkaˈva] ⓘ, "chariot") [5] is a series of main battle tanks used by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) which are the backbone of the IDF's Armored Corps.

Jan 21, 2024 · Israel’s homegrown Merkava family of main battle tanks (MBTs) arguably represents the best of its indigenous efforts. Since its introduction to service more than four …

Jul 3, 2025 · Explore the Merkava tank’s evolution from Mk I to Mk V, learn about its Trophy active protection, crew-first design, armament, and battlefield performance.

Mar 28, 2025 · The Merkava tank, developed by Israel after the 1973 Yom Kippur War, represents Israeli innovation and resilience.

2 days ago · The Merkava tank, the backbone of Israel’s Armored Corps, is widely regarded as one of the world’s best tanks, born out of necessity and refined through decades of combat …

The country forged in fifty years, with limited foreign assistance, a powerful, modern defense force. The armored symbol of which is the Merkava, a reference to the ancient war chariots of …

Jul 18, 2025 · Many analysts consider the Merkava (Hebrew for “Chariot”) to be the most capable and effective tank designed for desert warfare. The front-engine layout, unlike most tanks, …

Nearly nine years after establishing the Merkava and Armored Vehicles Directorate, Israel issued its first Merkava Mark I tank. Each new generation of the Merkava is more sophisticated and …

Feb 20, 2025 · The Merkava tank, with all its models and refinements, is still considered one of the most successful Israeli developments, giving the IDF many advantages on the battlefield.

Aug 3, 2025 · Design work on the Merkava Mk 3 Main Battle Tank (MBT) started in August 1983 shortly after the first production of Merkava Mk 2 was handed over. The tank was introduced in …