Merkava V will be the next improved version of the Merkava family, packed with the latest technologies and innovations in digital combat and protection.
The Merkava family is well known for both its firepower and protection. Israel has created a whole generation of modern tanks from previous versions of the Mk 1, Mk 2 and Mk 3, and the Merkava Mk 4 is the most modern improved version in service with the Israeli ground forces. Not stopping there, Merkava V will be the next improved version of the Merkava family, packed with the latest technologies and innovations in digital combat and protection.
According to Armyrecognition, the latest generation of Israel’s Main Battle Tank, known as “BARAK” or Merkava 5, has been put into service by the Israeli army to perform field-tested capabilities. This tank is currently serving with the 52nd Battalion of the 401st Armored Brigade. Basically Merkava V is an upgrade of Mk IV, inheriting the characteristics of its predecessor. The driver’s position is on the left side of the hull, the turret is in the rear and the engine is in the front. The tank has a crew of 4 including the driver, commander, gunner and loader.
Merkava V will be equipped with a modern anti-tank defense system against the most advanced anti-tank missiles in the world. New cameras that will be the “eyes” of the tank during the day and night are also planned. They will provide a 360-degree view – something not yet integrated into the Merkava 4. The tank commander also gets a new helmet, which experts say is very similar to the F-35 pilots. The new commander’s helmet will have a data screen. On this screen, in addition to having basic information about the target, a recommendation for the used projectile according to the target, as well as visual signals for damage in the tank.
Merkava 5 will have new advanced sensors, which will give the tank the ability to independently “capture targets in the environment” on its own. These sensors will help the tank crew quickly launch an attack or activate electronic warfare systems. The sensors and the commander’s helmet will be connected to a new, more modern, and advanced computer, to help quickly process the information and make calculations. This computer will analyze the collected information and process it, as intelligence and other devices and weapon systems will have access to it, which will autonomously operate in concert during a mission.
The Merkava V has the same armament as the Merkava IV consisting of one 120mm smooth-bore gun that has been developed by Israel Military Industries able to fire high-penetration projectiles and guided shells with a firing range of up to 4,000 m. The second armament consists of a 7.62 mm coaxial machine gun, a 7.62 mm machine gun mounted on the right side of the turret roof, and an internally mounted 60 mm breech-loaded mortar.
In terms of mobility, the Merkava V is motorized with a V-12 diesel engine developing 1,500 hp coupled to a Renk automatic transmission with 5 forward and 2 reverse gears. It can run at a maximum road speed of 64 km with a maximum cruising range of 500 km.
Continuing to invest in developing a new version of the Merkava line helps the tank become more and more complete. And shows that Israel is still very focused on the role of MBT besides other infantry fighting vehicles. The Merkava 5 tank is likely to be a product that helps Israel continue to affirm its position as a world-class defense industry.
