[size=4]IDF unveils next generation Merkava tank[/size=4]
By ARIEH O'SULLIVAN
The IDF yesterday unveiled what it called the safest tank in the world: its next generation, Israeli-built Merkava IV, which has been nine years in development.
IDF generals said the improved, larger tank will digitalize the modern battlefield, and Defense Minister Binyamin Ben-Eliezer said it will boost deterrence.
The first of the 65-ton tanks is expected to be deployed next year, with the first full battalion planned for 2004. It will replace the aging, US-made M-60 "Patton" tanks.
It was a special day for the IDF yesterday, as three of the new tanks were rolled out in a ceremony at the army's logistics and technology base at Tel Hashomer.
"This is a strategic event," said OC Armored Corps Brig.-Gen. Avigdor Klein. "This tank has significant improvements [over the Merkava III] in its armored protection and its battle management systems."
According to specifications released by the IDF, the new Merkava has a smooth-bore 120mm cannon capable of firing a variety of shells and rockets. The tank is slightly larger than its predecessor. A significant change is that there is only one hatch on the turret, used by the commander. The rest of the crew uses a rear door. Designers said it was built specifically with the rocky Golan Heights in mind.
The Merkava IV, like its predecessor the Merkava III, has the ability to shoot down helicopters. Its 1,500-horsepower diesel engine is an improvement over the previous version's 1,300 HP. It also has a newly designed transmission, and a number of electronic improvements, such as a camera mounted in the back to help the crew drive backward.
It has improved laser range finders and thermal night-vision capabilities, and is capable of detecting a target, locking on to it, and destroying it while in motion, day or night.
Klein said the tank was not only designed to fight in conventional battles, but is also built to take part in low-intensity conflicts such as the one being fought now with the Palestinians. After hesitating to do so for the first year of the current conflict with the Palestinians, the IDF has since more liberally deployed tanks in the territories.
Palestinians have managed to destroy two Merkava III tanks, using huge mines, in recent months. Regarding the new model's protective measures, Maj.-Gen. Yiftach Ron-Tal said the tank's vulnerable underbelly has been given increased protection, and it was also given improved protection from overhead attacks. The tank's modular protection is purportedly the best in the world.
Defense Ministry Director-General Amos Yaron declined to divulge the cost per tank, saying the figures have not yet been worked out. But the Merkava III costs about $3 million each, and Yaron said the new tank is "economically competitive." He said several tanks will be produced each year.
Yaron dismissed problems caused by embargoes such as the recent engine parts delay from Germany saying such problems will be worked out and alternative suppliers found.
Some 200 companies participate in producing the Merkava IV.
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