The Merkava Mk.5 main battle tank, known as Barak, will be delivered to Israeli Defense Force’s Armored Brigade in 2023.
Israel Defense Force’s next-generation tank, Merkava Mark 5 dubbed “Barak” (or “lightning” in Hebrew)will enter initial service in the Armored Corps within a year, Walla reported on March 17.
The tank will have an upgraded Trophy active protection system (APS) to counter the most advanced anti-tank missiles, made by Rafael; a 360-degree camera coverage for day and night views, and boosted situational awareness; and a head-up display for the tank commander, similar to that of a fighter jet pilot.
The tank will also include new sensors enabling it to independently acquire targets and strike them rapidly, as well as deploy electronic-warfare capabilities and advanced processing systems. Many of the new capabilities have been outlined in the Defense Ministry’s Carmel next-generation fighting vehicle program, which was awarded to Israel Aerospace Industries in October 2021.
Notice that the latest version in the Merkava family – the Merkava 4 Windbreaker – is already equipped with the Trophy APS (Active Protection System) that protects the tank from a wide variety of threats ranging from rockets, ATGMs and platform-fired High-Explosive Anti-Tank (HEAT) rounds. Trophy offers 360° protection in azimuth, as well as extensive elevation coverage while maintaining a pre-defined safety zone for friendly troops on the ground. The neutralization process is initiated only if the threat is about to hit the vehicle.