Design Overview & Tactical Role
Refined directly from combat lessons absorbed in the 1982 Lebanon War, the Merkava Mk 2 incorporated critical enhancements to urban survivability. It moved the 60 mm mortar inside the turret so the loader could fire illumination, smoke, or anti-personnel rounds under complete armor seal. Crucially, it added iconic weighted chain curtains beneath the turret bustle overhang to detonate incoming RPG-7 rockets prior to impacting the vulnerable turret ring.
Combat History & Battle Records
Entering service in 1983, the Mk 2 served extensively in urban and counter-insurgency operations across southern Lebanon and the West Bank until retired from reserve units in 2016.
Related Armored Vehicles (Cold War)
Modern
2011
Cold War
1948
Cold War
1961
Cold War
1964