Israel's reinforcement plan: Retired Merkava tanks ready for action
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) has resolved to establish an additional tank battalion to lend a hand in persistent conflicts with Hamas. This battalion will comprise the Merkava tanks of the Mk. 3 version, which had previously been retired from service and marked for sale. These valuable machines still have notable capacities. We highlight their key features.
12:52 PM EST, November 9, 2023
The intention of selling close to 200 Merkava Mk. 3 tanks (and possibly also Mk. 2) came to light in mid-June. A few weeks afterward, the Israeli military confirmed that formal discussions with two countries, Cyprus and Morocco, were well underway. However, these transactions will not be ultimately concluded.
Israel reinstates retired Merkava Mk. 3 tanks into service
The IDF aims to set up an additional battalion. As per Israeli media reports, it is expected to be constituted of volunteers who served in armored units decommissioned in recent years. These volunteers will be entrusted with the Merkava Mk. 3 tanks which were recently retired from use and offered for sale.
The most advanced and superior tank currently in the Israeli army is the Merkava Mk. 4. Despite this, earlier versions, manufactured between 1987 and 2002 continue being part of the service. Given the persisting tensions in the Gaza Strip and equipment losses, sourcing additional reinforcements has become necessary for Israel.
The Merkava Mk. 3 is a tank that has undergone considerable alterations as compared to its older versions. Its chief armament is a 120 mm gun (similar to the Merkava Mk. 4, which also incorporates an enhanced fire control system), and the power unit is equipped with a 1200 horsepower engine, significantly larger than that in the Mk. 1 and Mk. 2 versions.
The total length of the Merkava Mk. 3 tank exceeds 30 feet, and its weight can go up to 71.6 tons. Despite this, it's capable of a speed up to approximately 37 mph. Additionally, it comes furnished with a 60mm mortar and 7.62mm machine guns.
Israel's decision could influence Ukraine
Kyiv is undoubtedly closely monitoring the situation in Israel and the decisions made by the Israeli authorities. In this scenario, the move to withdraw the offer to sell Merkava Mk. 3 tanks may deny the anticipated enhancement of the Ukrainian army.
Although Israel has explicitly stated that it will not permit its domestically produced tanks to be exported to Ukraine, it would probably not obstruct transfers from, for instance, Cyprus. Numerous sources suggested that after procuring Israeli tanks, local authorities might dispatch their current Soviet-made armored vehicles to Ukraine, particularly T-80U tanks. Tens of such machines could have been shipped to the Ukrainian front.
