Before the Merkava was designed, Israel had no expertise in making massive armored autos. However, it did attempt to create a tank that match its particular wants as a small nation that wanted to maintain its troopers as protected as attainable. Because of this, the Merkava battle tank was designed with safety because the precedence. 

For this cause, the Merkava employed a singular design whereby its engine and transmission have been positioned in entrance of the automobile, performing as a defend for the tank’s inhabitants. Aside from this, it additionally saved ammo in protecting containers and had fast-reacting fireplace suppression mechanisms to keep away from explosions. However, these similar adjustments additionally launched distinctive points to the Merkava, particularly with dangers of frontal assaults damaging the engine shortly.

Despite this, the Merkava retained these traits throughout its varied iterations. Since 2004, the IDF started utilizing its fourth model, the Merkava IV, as its predominant battle tank. It may maintain eight infantry troopers, had an all-electric turret, and a safety suite that used electromagnetic risk identification. The Merkava IV is fitted with the Trophy Active Protection System (APS),  which supplies protection for threats whereas launching countermeasures.

According to Army Technology, the Merkava IV’s engine elements are manufactured by German firm MTU and USA-based General Dynamics Land Systems manufactures its GD 883 engine beneath licensed manufacturing. However, the Jerusalem Post claims that 90% of the elements within the Merkava IV are domestically produced.