Unlike most other tanks, the Merkava can also carry an eight man infantry squad internally, with complete armor protection. The first Merkava Mk Is were delivered to the IDF in April 1979. Production continued up to 1983.
Merkava Mk I
Main Battle Tank
Major General Israel Tal (Ret) and an Ordinance Corps team designed the Merkava to meet the IDF's specific needs. It was the first Israeli made tank, and it freed Israel from dependence on foreign governments for spares and battle loss replacements. Its design and build are revolutionary, with spaced armor and a power pack installed in the front of the hull.