Merkava: Encyclopedia II - Merkava - General remarks

Merkava - General remarks

Like any other tank, the Merkava is vulnerable to command-detonated landmines. During the Al-Aqsa Intifada, three Merkava Tanks were destroyed by Palestinian fighters in the Gaza Strip, on February 14, 2002, March 14, 2002 and February 16, 2003. A total of 10 Israeli soldiers, who were inside the tanks, were killed in those incidents. A number of Merkava tanks were also damaged at various extents, including an incident, on March 19, 2004, in which a tank overturned after being hit by a landmine, injuring 2 soldiers.

Overall, the Merkava project is considered a great success, both in its military aspects and economical aspects.

As of 2005, some 5000 workers are directly employed in Merkava production, with another 5000 employed indirectly, in 220 Israeli firms. In 2005, exports of Merkava-related sub-systems amounted to US $200 million (the Merkava tank itself was not exported). The Israel Manufacturers Association expects that by 2007 the number of Merkava production employees will increase by 2000 and the exports will amount to US $400 million.

Adapted from the Wikipedia article "General remarks", under the G.N U Free Docmentation License. Please also see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki