The Israel Defence Forces have received Merkava Barak fifth-generation main battle tanks

The first Merkava Barak tanks have entered service with the Israel Defence Forces. The day before they were handed over to the 52nd Armoured Battalion of the 401st Brigade.

Here's What We Know

In 2015, the Israeli Ministry of Defence decided to create a new tank. Work on the Merkava Barak began in 2018, and already two years later the tests took place.

The tank commander will receive a helmet developed by the Israeli company Elbit Systems. It will provide a full view of the external environment and provide all key information about the battlefield. The helmet has been named Iron Vision.

The Israeli Defence Ministry says the Merkava Barak is a fifth-generation tank. The combat vehicle is equipped with a new sight, an improved night vision device and has received an improved fire control system.

The Merkava Barak is equipped with the Trophy active defence system. The Israeli company Rafael's development is designed to protect the combat vehicle from anti-tank guided missiles, grenades and armour-piercing bullets.

Source: Times of Israel