The Israeli arms industry is running at full speed for Europe. After the sale of an Arrow 3 air defense system to Germany, rocket launchers, PULS to Holland and Denmark, the Atmos howitzer (Caesar competitor) to Denmark, it is the turn of the Merkava tank to reach Europe.
The discussions would cover a total of 200 units for versions II and III. The Merkava II is equipped with a 105 mm gun, the Merkava III is armed with a 120 mm smoothbore, according to the specialized site. Blablachars.
The announcement was made during a newspaper interview. calcalista by Yair Kulas, director of the Export Coordination Department of the Israeli Ministry of Defense.
A 360° view
The official describes as “unprecedented” the demand for Israeli weapons by European countries. He is linked to the need to replace the equipment sent to Ukraine, in particular the Leopard 2. And in order not to penalize its armies, Israel exports surplus systems produced by its industries.
Considered one of the most effective tanks in the world, the Merkava was developed in the 1990s. The fourth and last generation appeared in 2004. Its particularity is its reinforced armor and the location in the front of its engine to protect the crew in case of event. of an impact.
Yair Kulas did not specify which versions are being discussed. The Merkava MkIV is equipped with a 120mm smoothbore gun, multiple machine guns, an anti-helicopter fire control system, 360° digital vision technologies, and a train (tracks and suspensions) that allows it to move at full speed on all terrains. It also has an air conditioning system.
Source: BFM TV
