Renewed Global Interest in the Merkava

The Merkava Mark IV tank (Photo RP Defense)

8/3/2012 Arie Egozi - israeldefense.com

Israel is conducting preliminary contacts for the sale of the Merkava Mark IV to several foreign militaries

Israel is conducting preliminary contacts with several countries over the Merkava Mark IV tank due to renewed global interest.

Such contacts occurred several years ago with the government of Colombia, but have yet to culminate in a deal. Colombia is concerned about Venezuela’s armament under the rule of President Hugo Chavez, who has increased the military procurement budget. In the past, Colombia has procured Kfir combat aircraft from Israel, ground and naval systems, and may soon procure UAVs as well.

According to reports in Colombia, the government and military initially examined the procurement of the Indian Arjun tank, but quickly learned that its capabilities were limited.

Developed within the framework of a multi-year project, India encountered difficulties producing the Arjun and at one point turned to Israel to help solve the problems.

Produced by the IDF in cooperation with some of the leading defense industries, the IDF produced the Merkava for its own use. The meetings with the Colombians discussed the potential procurement of 25 to 40 tanks. The cost of the Merkava tank has never been published, but experts estimate it is approximately six million dollars.

Israel has already exported technologies developed for various models of the Merkava tanks, primarily as part of programs for upgrading old tanks, such as the Turkish military’s M-60 tank upgrade project, which was carried out by Israel Military Industries (IMI). However, the tank has not been exported in whole so far, and now, several countries are interested in the system.

Even though several Merkava tanks were damaged during the Second Lebanon War, experts agree that it is still the most advanced tank of its kind, which possesses excellent mobility, an advanced and stabilized fire system, and most importantly, a high level of protection.