The Israel Defense Force (IDF) has unveiled its newest next-generation variant of its venerable 'Merkava' main battle tank (MBT).
Called the 'Barak' (meaning 'Lightning') or 'Merkava IV,' this fifth-generation MBT incorporates artificial intelligence (AI) to make it even deadlier. The new tank has been specifically developed to quickly zero in on targets and hit enemy forces before they can strike.
Developed over the past five years jointly by the Israel Ministry of Defense and the IDF, Jerusalem has announced that this tank is crucial to the nation's future. Improvements over earlier variants include the latest technologies, such as sensors, AI, networking, and active protection systems, rather than relying on structural advancements.
“The new era ushered in by the 'Barak' tank is an extraordinary leap and an expression of the technological capabilities that continually enhance and secure the qualitative advantage of the IDF, both in defense and offense,” said Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant in a statement Tuesday. “Absorption of the new tank is a tremendous opportunity to improve operational effectiveness in preparation for the next campaign and a force multiplier for the IDF, the Infantry, and the Armored Corps," explained the Commander of the 401st Armored Brigade, Colonel Benny Aharon.
The 401st, under Israel’s Southern Command, is one of three
armored units that make up the Israeli armored corps and will receive the tank.
The 'Barak' is expected to replace all existing 'Merkava 4' tanks in the 401st
Brigade by the end of 2025. The 'Barak' will also receive the 'IronVision'
helmet, developed by Elbit Systems, which is now being deployed alongside the
'Barak'. The helmet will be integrated with sensors on the tank's exterior to
empower the commander with a peripheral vision similar to that of a fighter
pilot, allowing them to "see" beyond the tank through cameras and
sensors.
According to Elbit, this system will give the 'Barak' image-processing capabilities to assist the tank's sensors in sorting data and recognizing objects. The driver, gunner, or commander can then utilize the screens located inside the tank to investigate and eliminate potential threats. The gun controller operates like a joystick or pilot's flight control stick. Additionally, the tank is equipped with Rafael's "Trophy Active Protection System."
The 'Barak' is also equipped with touch screens and an operational application store to assist its crew in missions. Additionally, it can transfer intelligence in real time between different military branches.
Israel started planning for the new tank in 2015 to address emerging operational requirements. At that time, Israeli tanks were mainly utilized in Gaza, particularly in urban settings, against non-traditional threats, such as militants equipped with rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs). The tank's design was finalized in 2016, and the development process commenced in 2018. The tank is now ready for deployment following technological trials in 2020 and 2021.
The ministry did not provide details about the number of
units ordered, the timeline for deployment, or their cost. However, they did
mention that the price is comparable to the Merkava 4M (about $3.5 million).
Production of the new tank began last month. Recently, a company in Battalion
52 of the Armored Corps received its first 'Barak'.
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