Frag Out! Magazine
Issue link: https://fragout.uberflip.com/i/1407425
Merkava Mk 4 - Is it the best MBT in the world? There is no clear answer to that question. Undoubtedly, the Mk 4 Barak may be ranked among the top 3 MBTs around the world. Even though the mobility levels are behind the Western competitors, and the arma- ment is no more effective than the one used in the case of the US (M1A2 SEPv3/v4), German (Leopard 2A7V+), or French vehicles (Le- clerc XLR), the listed vehicles would only have C4I comparable to the legacy Merkava Mk 4. Meanwhile, the latest Mk 4 Barak are far more advanced within that scope, leaving the aforesaid MBTs far behind in the situational awareness department, if the Iron Vision system is ful- ly implemented in a mass manner, on the Merkava MBTs. Augmented reality and C4I act as effectiveness multipliers, and they are far more important than the new gun, ammunition, better armor, or enhanced mobility. The center of gravity for the future MBT designs, along the foreseeable timeline of 25 years, is placed in the C4ISR area, along with the robotized battlespace, and the emergence of semi-autono- mous light reconnaissance and support platforms that would be a part of MBT platoons. Even though firepower or armor may be better, in the case of the competition, it needs to be said that the Merkava Mk 4 is a well-balanced design. The main emphasis, in the case of this vehicle, has been placed on the establishment of a systemic advantage. One should remember that MBTs are an element of a larger system. Even though the IDF still recruits soldiers through conscription, the level of training is very high, same goes for the morale. The mobilization, reserves, and loss recovery systems in Israel are also very efficient. Good reconnaissance capabilities and effective air support assets are also very important. Most of the armies around the world are no match for the IDF. The only exceptions here are the Armed Forces of the USA, France, and, to some extent, Germany. Merkava Mk 4 is also a perfect example of the results that can be achieved through consistent development, long-term and stable fi- nancing, and continuous manufacturing. Merkava Mk 1 has been a very simple vehicle that could not have been compared to the top-tier MBTs operated by NATO or the USSR. The same goes for Merkava Mk 2. Looking at the Mk 2 through the lens of the current know-how, it is difficult to state that it caught up with the NATO main battle tanks - such as M1A1, Leopard 2A4, or Challenger 1. Inferior firepower, weak- er fire control system, limited mobility, and weaker armor prevent us from coming to such a conclusion. The Mk 2, however, was superior when compared to the vehicles operated by the neighbors, providing the Israeli forces with a major advantage. The second generation of Merkava shall be portrayed as an evolutionary derivative of Mk 1 - not as an entirely new design. The third generation can be considered to VEHICLES