--- title: "Israel’s latest tank was just in time for the Hamas war" description: "With the Mark 4 Barak variant, the Merkava is even more capable than before, and just in time to go to war with Hamas." date: "2023-11-16" modified: "2023-11-16" authors: - name: "Miguel Ortiz" job_title: "Senior Contributor, Army Veteran" link: "https://www.wearethemighty.com/authors/miguelortiz/" url: "https://www.wearethemighty.com/tactical/israels-latest-tank-was-just-in-time-for-the-hamas-war/" categories: - "Military News" - "Tactical" - "Vehicles" tags: - "Guns" - "Terrorism" - "Weapons" --- # Israel’s latest tank was just in time for the Hamas war ![]() *(IDF)* On September 19, 2023, the Ministry of Defense of Israel unveiled the latest version of its Merkava main battle tank. The backbone of the IDF's Armored Corps, the Merkava first entered service in 1979. However, upgrades like the [Trophy Active Protection System]() and the integrated Battle Management System have kept the tank at the forefront of the world's armored fighting vehicles. With the Mark 4 Barak variant, the Merkava is even more capable than before, and just in time to go to war with Hamas. ![]() **The Merkava was designed for both long-range and close-quarters combat (IDF)** During the 1973 [Yom Kippur War](), Israel suffered heavy armored casualties. This prompted the development of an indigenous tank designed specifically for the IDF with emphasis on crew survivability. To that end, the engine was placed at the front of the vehicle whereas most main battle tanks are powered by a rear-mounted engine. The engine serves as an extra layer of protection for the crew, especially the driver who sits forward in the hull. Additionally, freeing up space in the rear of the Merkava allows the crew to quickly enter and exit through clamshell doors behind the tank. ![]() **The Merkava Barak entered service in 2023 (IDF)** The Merkava first saw action during the 1982 Lebanon War. Going up against Soviet-made T-62 tanks, the Merkava proved to be more maneuverable, deadly, and survivable. Although it suffered losses during the war, frontal attacks by Soviet-made anti-tank missiles and RPGs were virtually ineffective against the Israeli tank. Since its introduction, the Merkava has been upgraded from the Mark I to the Mark 4 variant, introduced in 2004. Meaning lightning in Hebrew, the Barak is the latest version of the Mark 4. ![]() **The Barak adds a host of electronic defenses and sensors to the Merkava (IDF)** The previous Merkava Mk 4M Windbreaker introduced the Trophy APS to the tank and began mass production in 2009. Entering service 14 years later, the Barak features an upgraded Trophy system as well as a direct energy system to counter drones and cruise missiles. Additionally, the Merkava's electronic suite was upgraded with 360-degree day/night camera coverage, new targeting sensors for faster acquisition and engagement, and even a helmet-mounted display for the tank's commander. ![Left side shows a camouflaged military tank in a desert landscape with a 360-degree digital overlay around it. Right side shows a soldier in camouflage uniform and helmet operating controls inside a vehicle, holding a joystick with a focused expression.]() **Iron Vision is a fighter jet-like helmet display (Elbit Systems)** Manufactured by Elbit Systems, who jointly developed the F-35's Helmet Mounted Display with Rockwell Collins, Iron Vision is an augmented reality system that uses the 360-degree camera coverage to provide the tank commander with a virtual view outside the vehicle. Increased situational awareness of the crew improves both the Barak's survivability and lethality, especially in urban environments that the IDF trains to fight in. ## Author Miguel Ortiz is a Senior Contributor for We Are The Mighty covering primarily military news and history with an emphasis on weapons technology. He is a former active duty Army officer and remains a member of the Army IRR. After commissioning through San Diego State University Army ROTC, Miguel served with the 10th Mountain Division at Fort Drum, NY. He has written for We Are The Mighty since 2020, drawing from his passion for the military community and history. Miguel’s work has also been seen on Business Insider and The Blast. He remains an avid shooter, competing in local USPSA matches. Miguel’s other hobbies are traveling and watch collecting. ### Author social links [LinkedIn]()