Uzi, Galil, Desert Eagle, F21 kfir. Familiar house hold names from Israel. But the Merkava is the weapon that scares the nuts and bolts of tankers around the world. The latest model M4 would make any advance ATGM (anti tank guided missile) deflect like a rock if its passes the Rafael defense system that acts like a mini IronDome.
Its Arab neighbor still have a field day from previous defeats. Egypt, Jordan and Saudi have a non-aggressive posture with Tel Aviv but Syria and Iran pose a threat to the existence of Zion.
Israel have the best tank gunnery in the world repelling massive attack by Syria and Egypt armor in wars of 1967 and 1973. When the world deny them of buying weapons, they made their own. The Merkava born from the success of British tank Chieftain. Its debut fight Lebanon, 1982 against Russian tanks. Rounds from T62 won’t penetrate its thick armor. If its not knocking other tanks, it doubles as an armored carrier. Definitely, a general’s wonder weapon.
But it did meet its match when Hezbollah guerrillas were armed with the Russian Kornet ATGM but that did not slow the tank down.
Under President Duterte, the Philippines is seeking Israel weapons, I hope the Merkava would be a top priority list. The tank is very roomy, it could also transport wounded soldiers on the battlefield. Its armored troop carrier version is the Namer is also an excellent choice.
I do hope this time, the Philippine AFP modernization would materialize. Its 30 years late (since the power grab People Power of 1986) but better late than never.
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