New Israeli-made Merkava Mk4 Barak tank used in guerrilla warfare.

Israeli Army has unveiled details about the development and the design of new version of the local-made main battle tank Merkava under the name of Merkava Mk 4 Barak that will be used in guerrilla warfare conditions. The Merkava Mk 4 Barak will be the first tank to have a smart mission computer that will manage the tanks’ tasks. This advanced artificial intelligence will reduce the team members’ workload and help them more accurately locate and strike targets.

Merkava Mk 4 Windbreaker latest variant of Israeli-made main battle tank in the Merkava family. (Picture source IDF)

In order to improve the Armored Corps’ operational capabilities on the modern battlefield, the corps developed the Merkava Mark (Mk.) 4 Barak. This new addition will advance the Armored Corps’ operational capabilities and serve as an innovative weapon, changing the face of the battlefield. The tank’s new elements include artificial intelligence, updated sensors, and VR capabilities.

"The advanced defense capabilities and the use of electronic means will prepare the combat soldiers to carry out missions according to the level of urgency," said a senior official from the Armored Corps. "Along with all this, additional logistical improvements will also be introduced that will enable the tank to carry out missions that are up to 30% longer than current ones."

Perhaps the most incredible advancement is that soldiers can learn how to use the tank via virtual reality (VR) simulation. As a part of The VR sessions will allow for soldiers to partake in real exercises at all times. This means that when soldiers need to use the Merkava Mk. 4 Barak they will be more prepared than ever before.

"The helmet is called Iron View, and it will allow the combat soldiers to see the outside environment from inside the combat vehicle,” said a senior official from the Armored Corps. “The sensors will allow the combat soldiers to operate the tank in a simple and advanced way, and will contribute to its defense - both physically and technologically.”

In 2018 alone, the Armored Corps struck approximately 30 different pieces of terror infrastructure in the Gaza Strip. The Armored Corps has played a significant and decisive role in every war that Israel has fought. Soldiers in the corps serve in a wide range of positions from those inside the tank to outside, accompanying tanks into battle. While their responsibilities may differ, the many of the corps’ soldiers work with the Merkava 4, which was developed in Israel in the 1970s. Since then, there have been many changes to the tank, including the recent addition of the Barak system, which will propel Israel’s ground capabilities into the future.

"The Armored Corps concludes a significant period of operational successes in various regions, which proves the relevance of the corps in protecting the security of the State of Israel and its civilians," continued the senior official from the Armored Corps. "The new tank brings the Armored Corps a step forward in the operational arena, and constitutes an innovative weapon that will change the face of the combat on the ground."

The latest version in the Merkava family is the Merkava 4 Windbreaker which is 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.