Israel ramps up tank, APC production
The Merkava 4 Barak was unveiled at the Merkava and Armored Vehicles Directorate in Tel Hashomer in September 2023. (Israeli Ministry of Defense)
Israel's Ministry of Defense (MoD) has approved a USD1.5 billion five-year plan to significantly accelerate and expand the production of its front-line armoured vehicles, the MoD announced on 20 August.
“Under the acceleration programme, the ministry will increase the armoured vehicle inventory while boosting production rates of the Merkava Mk 4 Barak tanks, Namer APCs [armoured personnel carriers], and Eitan wheeled APCs, including those equipped with a turreted 30 mm cannon,” the MoD said.
The statement provided no production numbers, saying only that “dozens” of additional vehicles will be produced under the Armored Vehicle Acceleration Project, which is led by the Merkava and Armored Vehicles Directorate (MANTAK).
The plan will also expand the domestic industrial infrastructure required to build armoured vehicles, strengthening Israel's self-reliance for its core land platforms, according to the MoD statement.
“The decision to acquire additional Israeli-developed tanks and APCs stems directly from the advanced armoured vehicles' combat success and supports a comprehensive initiative to enhance the IDF's manoeuvring capabilities,” it added.
The head of MANTAK, Brigadier General Oren Giber, told Janes the acceleration project is a direct result of the lessons learned during recent operations.
Go beyond the headlines - with direct links to interconnected entities
Get full access to validated equipment, military capabilities, and market insights.
