Posted on 06/11/2010 11:27:35 PM PDT by sukhoi-30mki
After 30 years, Israeli tanks head abroad
"Defense News": The decision to export the Merkava is an effort to keep jobs in Israel.
Ran Dagoni, Washington10 Jun 10 12:59
In a major turnaround in the Ministry of Defense's export policy, after 30 years of a total ban on the export of the Merkava tank, "Defense News" reports that the ministry is now offering the latest version of the tank, the Merkava Mark IV, for sale to select customers. Each deal will be considered on its own merits.
"Defense News" says that the decision to export the Merkava is based on economic considerations, and is an effort to keep jobs in Israel. Official Israeli sources said that each export deal would be fully coordinated with the US, because the steel and other raw materials used in the tank, as well as the engine and certain US made components are all financed with US military aid. The Merkava's engine is a German design and manufactured in the US.
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Ministry of Defense director general Udi Shani told "Defense News" that the new policy is a strategic decision, based on the need for additional revenue to meet Israel's military demands. He added that additional production of the Merkava Mark IV could extend the lifespan of the production line, ensuring employment.
Israel has generally kept out of the global market for main battle tanks, mainly in order to keep critical technologies for Israel's exclusive use. Israel also did not want to annoy tank exporters - the US, Russia, and European countries, which dominate the tank market. Instead, Israel has exported upgrade kits for various types of tanks.
Although Shani did not explicitly say so, other Israeli sources told "Defense News" that the decision to export the Merkava was in large part due to the Ministry of Defense's effort to calm local manufacturers who fear the loss of work for the ministry following the expected transfer to the US of production of the Namer (Leopard) heavy armored personnel carrier (APC), which uses the Merkava chassis.
The companies - BAE Systems plc (LSE: BA), and General Dynamics Corporation (NYSE: GD), and Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) - are bidding in the tender to manufacture components of the Leopard in the US. The tender is worth hundreds of millions of dollars, as part of a joint manufacturing contract. Israeli manufacturers fear that all production will ultimately end up with the winning bidder.
Tread Head ping....
THAT’S a pretty piece of machinery!!!!
The thing about the Merkava is that its part tank, part troop carrier. The gun sits a bit farther back than other modern tanks, the engine is mounted in the front, and the back has doors that open up to allow easy entry/departure of crew and troops carried in it.
Its a very capable nasty beast in large open spaces, but it’s also a huge target for soviet tank buster missiles that were provided to Hezbollah via Iran during the last war. Once Isreal started moving tanks deeper into southern Lebannon, Hezbollah took a few of them out with these missiles hitting them as they moved in columns from the sides.
Given its size, its also tricky to manuever in urban environments like gaza.
The threat of Hamas getting its hands on these types of missiles is part of the reason Israel has been soo strict with its blockade via sea and the Egyptian border.
Thanks for the information. Some really nice to know stuff!
The thing about the Merkava is that its part tank, part troop carrier. The gun sits a bit farther back than other modern tanks, the engine is mounted in the front, and the back has doors that open up to allow easy entry/departure of crew and troops carried in it.
Its a very capable nasty beast in large open spaces, but it’s also a huge target for soviet tank buster missiles that were provided to Hezbollah via Iran during the last war. Once Isreal started moving tanks deeper into southern Lebannon, Hezbollah took a few of them out with these missiles hitting them as they moved in columns from the sides.
Given its size, its also tricky to maneuver in urban environments like Gaza.
The threat of Hamas getting its hands on these types of missiles is part of the reason Israel has been soo strict with its blockade via sea and the Egyptian border.
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In my opinion Israel has every right to do whatever she thinks necessary to protect her nation and shores. Unlike the US she is surrounded by nations out to destroy her and are not slacking in making that fully known...and this with no regard for what the international communitry might think or demand...they sing the same tune regardless. So my hat is off to Israel...do whatever you think best, and I will continue to support her....and there will come that day where the whole world will see just who they have really been messing with!
http://wejew.com/media/1635/Merkava_4_Israel_Tank/
Two for the show...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5BcMof_kwNk
Three to get ready…Now!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=24bOclbE_eg
AMEN!
Thanks for the ping. Nice to hear from you, snippy.
Well, pretty much so.
At least one potential customer comes immediately to mind.
Just another day in the office...for tankists.
Another one for you. Say "Thank you, Aluf Talik"
--A depiction of the ambush attack on advancing Israeli Merkava 2 tanks by well positioned Hezbollah fighters firing Russian made Kornet AT missiles, during what became known as the battle of Wadi Saluki in August of 2006.
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