Cyprus wants to acquire Israeli Merkava 3 MBTs

Cyprus wants to acquire Israeli Merkava 3 MBTs

It was reported that Cyprus In talks with Israel to acquire battle tanks Major Merkava (MBTs). According to information published by the Israeli daily newspaper, Ha’aretz on June 22, 2023. MBT has seen four upgraded versions so far. The Merkava Mk 3 model is likely to be on sale in Cyprus.

An unnamed official from Cyprus confirmed the ongoing discussions with Israel But he refused to provide more details. About the potential deal or a timetable for its conclusion.

In a recent interview with the Calcalist business newspaper, Yair Kolas, head of the Export Coordination Department at the Ministry of Defense, revealed. that Israel Negotiations are underway with two countries regarding the sale of Merkava 2 and Merkava 3 tanks, which are no longer in active service. in the Israeli army. He hinted that one of these countries is located in Europe.

If the deal goes through, it would be a milestone for Israel as its first sale of a Merkava tank to a European country. Despite the public’s curiosity, the Department of Defense declined to reveal the identity of the country Colas was referring to.

Commenting on the negotiations, the Ministry of Defense stated that “given the war in Europe Several countries have shown interest in acquiring reserves. Israel, including old Merkava tanks that were decommissioned years ago. Discussions are ongoing, and no agreement has been finalized by either the Ministry of Defense or the countries concerned.”

Merkava MBT

own Merkava MBT Unique history. Israel announced the development of the Merkava prototype in May 1977 and launched the . Production of 40 tanks soon after. By 1979, the first production tanks had been delivered to the IDF’s 7th Armored Brigade. It was first used in combat in Lebanon in 1982. The Mk 1 and Mk 2 have been modernized, including Mk 3 components, except for the 120mm smoothbore. Gun.

The Merkava’s layout is unconventional, with the turret and fighting compartment located at the rear of the vehicle. The hull consists of cast and welded armor, while providing a structure the tank Protection from HEAT (High Explosive Anti-Tank) projectiles. and ATGWs (Anti-Tank Guided Weapons).

The design process for the Merkava began in August 1983, following the first production Merkava Mk 2 rotation. The inaugural Mk 3 prototype was then delivered to the 188th Armored Brigade in the spring of 1989. In the upgrade, the basic chassis was extended by 457 mm, with the inclusion of additional fuel cells. At the rear of the hull. The primary turret casting saw an extension of 230 mm, with an overall turret design revamp that transformed the crew into a modular design. Which facilitates future modifications and upgrades.

arming

The Mk 3 is armed with a 120mm smoothbore gun Israeli military industries Includes heatsink. The ballistic characteristics of the gun are similar to those of the 120 mm smoothbore gun installed on the American M1A1 and M1A2 tanks. In addition to the German Leopard 2 tanks. The tank holds 48 rounds of ready-to-use 120 mm ammunition, stored in a cylinder. on the floor of the tower compartment, ensuring similar levels of protection as individual enclosures.

As a secondary form of armament, the Merkava Mk 3 is equipped with a 7.62 mm coaxial machine gun, in addition to two machine guns. 7.62 mm caliber on the surface. The tank also features a 60mm mortar, fully operational from inside the turret, capable of firing HE bombs. on the counter teams tank Lighting shells. On both sides of the turret, the tank has the IMI CL-3030 instant self-sorting system proven for combat vehicle use.

The Merkava 3 armor adopts a unique modular design that covers both the turret and the hull, providing a greatly improved level of protection. compared to the Merkava Mk 1 and 2. This modular armor can be replaced in the field, with newer systems replacing older packages as they become available.

Merkava 3 engine

he engine General Dynamics Land Systems (formerly Teledyne Continental Motors) AVDS-1790-9AR V-12 diesel. Air-cooled, it generates 1,200 horsepower and is mated to a new Ashot transmission. The suspension, provided by Ashot Ashkelon, is also a new design and consists of 12 independently mounted road wheels (six on each side). on back arms.

They are spread by pairs of concentric coil springs. The first and last two stops are equipped for road wheels on both sides. With rotary hydraulic damper developed by SHL. And can for the tank It can reach a maximum road speed of 60 km/h and a maximum cruising range of 500 km.

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