Merkava - Tank History and Review

The Merkava has been the main battle tank for Israel's Defense Forces since 1979. Though originally lacking in mobility and sheer armor protection, the Merkava has a unique design that greatly enhances the survivability of its crew. In this video, I talk about the events leading up to the Merkava's development, how it was designed, the problems in encountered, and what my overall opinion on it is.
Check the channel "About" section for the link to the creator of my profile picture.
Songs used (in order from first to last):
WH40K Mechanicus - Noosphere
WH40K Mechanicus - Dance of the Cryptek
Halo 3: ODST - Rain (Deference for Darkness)
Second channel: / @spookstoon
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#merkava #tankhistory #tankreview

[@igncom1]

A tank that puts it crew first, then develops great crews, that make the tank even better as a result. Sounds like a good feedback loop.

[@thomasmacdonough288]

The merkava fights outdated shit like the t72, t62, t55 and even t34s. It has no need to be the best against modern equipment when it fights tanks that still use plain APCBC. It's a counter insurgent tank, a defensive weapon and a damn good one.

[@realenew]

@@thomasmacdonough288 dude, t72 is like new at that time

[@thomasmacdonough288]

@@realenew the t72 was 11 years old by that time. Compared to the base export models given to Israel's enemies the Merkava was miles ahead. Plus, those export models are already inferior to their Russian counterparts.

[@realenew]

@@thomasmacdonough288 dude, so did the merkava. they're both 1970s design. Maybe you're talking about later variants merks?

[@YoRHaUnit2Babe]

T-14 Armata: "am i a joke to you?"

[@thearmoredguy3663]

Its quite locigal that they didnt have much tankers, but those few tankers where really good and they wanted to protect them.

[@thearmoredguy3663]

Thanks Spookston!

[@texasdeeslinglead2401]

I think that may be a global issue . Reason being that modern Leo , armata , Abrams crews receive very long ongoing training that is very costly . I suspect it's just simply that the Israeli military feared that it would present a far more troubling issue if such well trained crews were lost in mass .

[@zauniblanke1588]

Was probably the same with the Wehrmacht in ww2. Looking at the very heavy tanks like Tiger 1 and 2 and the Panthers.

[@Colonel_Overkill]

Save a few exceptions the most expensive part of a tank is the crew. This was from several years ago but the Abrams cost was equal to 2.5 crew members, so if you armor valuable components it only makes sense to add crew to that list.

[@AtomicBlastPony]

@@texasdeeslinglead2401 Which is totally why Abrams has a loader in the crew.

[@Aetius_of_Astora]

Although it isn't my favorite tank i have to admit that it is by far one of the coolest looking vehicles out there

[@jasonandriulaitis7885]

I would have to agree, but I do think that the FV4005 is cooler.

[@contonio]

Jason Andriulaitis lmao

[@mhazg6621]

@Chewbacca yeah, the design is a design that no one has ever had an idea about it. Very futuristic. But its a shame if people inside it are part of evil army.

[@wojo44frompl]

@@mhazg6621 During WW2 Porsche created concept for Tiger II with turret in rear section of tank. To think about it it's quite ironic.

[@mhazg6621]

@Chewbacca :)

[@masonyoung2073]

The thing about the armor “not being good enough” is that the engine being in the front won’t save the crew from modern APFSDS projectiles. It really only offers good protection from HEAT weapons. However this isn’t a problem for Israel since they aren’t really facing any tanks, mostly infantry with RPGs and ATGMs.

[@risingsun9595]

@The Killer However, the Kornet most likely uses a shaped-charge warhead, therefore it would be stopped by the engine if shot from the front.

[@jamesharvey3993]

@The Killer In fairness, that's 1200 mm of penetration against RHA. Not only does it have to get through the composite frontal armor, but then having the engine in its way adds a LOT of effective spaced armor, which is extremely good protection against HEAT given the nature of a chemical penetrator warhead.

[@risingsun9595]

@The Killer I think it would have to be tested in combat to really know, as "official" numbers can't be fully trusted. But with modern ATGMs, I do believe that it could be possible.

[@f50koenigg]

Yeah the armor of Mk.IV tank could not stop the Kornet atgm that is why they installed trophy for that purpose.

[@SCComega]

@@f50koenigg Yet we have multiple examples of the composite armor of the MK4 and other tanks using modern IDF add-on armor kits stopping kornet. However, the newer Israeli armor is SLERA, and given the history of suffering multiple hits, trophy was installed to increase survivability against said multiple shaped charge attacks. But the armor can take a first strike from a Kornet atgm.

[@papaainsl3705]

the time , where engineering teams listen to their users

[@abramo7700]

gaijoob take note

[@irobot661]

The Merkava is a tank that fulfils the needs of a nation that lacks a lot if heavy industry, while not breaking the bank. It might not be the best tank ever, but it does a lot with armor technology that could be considered last gen by many major nations.

[@dadbear5316]

Y'all see the scifi future stuff Rafael Industries is making? Israel got crazy tech now.

[@bryanmartinez6600]

@@dadbear5316 surprisingly they make really advanced well layed out Firearms that does break the bank. Not the flashiest or the most precision made but IWI Firearms are really reliable from what I hear. I really want the Tavor 7 as it fires the 7.62 NATO basically a .308 with less pressure.

[@dadbear5316]

@@bryanmartinez6600 conclusion: Israel is pretty great

[@Ie_Shima]

Probably has something to do with the fact that a lot of the best scientists have a tendency to come Jewish backgrounds. It stands to reason that if you concentrate enough of them in one spot you'll end up with a nation with a disproportionate amount of scientific advances compared to its size and age.

[@bigbrain2178]

@@snarkylive n

[@michaelb2257]

I think I saw the Merkava described as "It may not be the best tank in the world, but it is the best tank in the world for Israel." That, I think, sums it up pretty well.

[@KuK137]

More like "garbage vehicle with best PR in the world for Israel". Latest variants of German/Russian/US tanks are vastly better, but they don't have useful idiots like author of this video repeating propaganda pieces like this no IR signature nonsense or claims armour on the engine is any good at all...

[@Stivonim]

@@KuK137 latest variants that never saw combat against actual enemy tanks right? the merkava was not designed to be the best in the world, it was meant to be the best for israel, it's a shame you call someone like spookton "useful idiot" if you would watch his other videos you will see he has a lot of knowledge of tanks and future development of that industry.

[@peterni2234]

KuK137 listen here you narrow minded piece of shit. You are no better than the people described in the video who criticize a tank that they don’t know the purpose of. It does not have to be the best, because it is not fighting the best? These modern tanks your talking about? Israeli ain’t gonna fight them any time soon, just the inferior export models of good tanks Israeli’s enemies have been provided. The tank was destroyed? Oh look a high crew survival rating, IT DID ITS DAM JOB.

[@thomasmacdonough288]

I think Merkava pretty hot imho that's all that matters ;)

[@kevincostello3856]

Very well said

[@ARandomCatOnAKeyboard]

when people bash on a certain tank they don't realise that no tank is perfecet, every single tank has it's own problems.

[@BruhMoment-re8nc]

what do you mean, dont you know (insert ww2 tank here) was perfect in literally every way and could still win modern engagements!

[@ARandomCatOnAKeyboard]

@@BruhMoment-re8nc well according to my (insert random historicly inaccurate memoir here) you are wrong and (inser ww2 tank here) was better than your (insert ww2 tank here) in every way

[@MrJolte]

Oh boi, looks like you havn't seen a M22 Locust in all its glory yet

[@kennethservida6144]

The Bob Semple is the most perfect tank ever made. All your arguments are invalid.

[@MrJolte]

​@@kennethservida6144 We don't count GOD TIER here, i am talking about tanks for mortals

[@lanorothwolf2184]

British were like "Move those chieftains from the border, they're just for testing" Israelis: "No problem, we moved the border"

[@looinrims]

Israel: *Exists* Neighbors: “it’s free real estate!” Conflict Conclusion: *Israel’s border grows exponentially*

[@hklassehutten1476]

@@looinrims 2032 Russia? Yes NATO? Are you aware that Isreal is currently bordering you? Da Do you have anything to do with this? No they keep moving the border

[@Puffin_777]

You weren't supposed to do that...

[@hvhhvvggg8663]

@@hklassehutten1476 realistically the Israeli's would run out of troops before they could get to Russia

[@leviquintero1000]

broooo thats funny asf

[@nil981]

Ah, the kosher battlewagon.

[@merkavamkivm3373]

I can be a partywagon too ;)

[@dovidell]

@@merkavamkivm3373 - I pity those people that can't /won't come here to see the chariot in person

[@thomasmacdonough288]

@@dovidell I had a family friend who served with the reserves, he got to clean and wash merkavas and sho'ts. I'd imagine the Merkava is a pretty menacing tank in person.

[@judasnestotrio]

@@thomasmacdonough288 I'm 6'3". I felt dwarfed by these when I went past them.

[@aVeryAngryMoth]

lol

[@feartheunseenmuch4586]

Some people know this tank as Merkava, but i know this tank simply as "Half-life 2 beta tank".

[@hotdogstockimage]

I see what you did there, nice reference.

[@krizhernandez4154]

Or that one NATO tank in ArmA 3

[@Razeld]

​@@krizhernandez4154 The ArmA 3 one is the actual Merkava which is licensed to NATO in that timeline.

[@jerrypeppler1484]

Wow! So do the Syrians!

[@-prinzeugenchan-1950]

jew boi tank

[@YourePrettyGood]

It seems like any tank that has seen a good amount of combat is "misunderstood" or controversial... Probably because some issues only pop up in combat use?

[@deez420nuts69]

That's when problems start. You never know until the bullets start flying. Or in this case, 100+ lbs tank shells.

[@user-ro9zf9kz1h]

Well its better to identify the problem now than later down the line.

[@bzipoli]

this is true. no simulation can prepare for the real thing and then you fix it

[@SDK2584]

The bit about 10 guys dismounting from a Merkava had me in stitches! I had the dubious pleasure of riding in the back of one along with 3 more soldiers. Not fun at all.

[@shishenliart]

God's Chariot. What a badass name for a tank.

[@PotatoBoy44]

"UuUmM aKsHuAlLy" It means Chariot

[@DeseretBaron]

I don't know that much about foreign tanks so this is a huge help. thanks

[@jakagaber]

Yep

[@turdbird_skitz1458]

absolutely crazy bro i'm so glad you said that!

[@TophatnTea]

Damn a fresh spookston vid... Noice

[@IAmTheAce5]

Crew survival- it's what makes a Merkava, a Merkava

[@goblincleaver_mshm.9751]

Not in the modern battlefield

[@schnitzel0330]

@@goblincleaver_mshm.9751 Still in the modern battlefield

[@paprikaman1124]

@@goblincleaver_mshm.9751 listen dude the crew is more important than the tank since we have a 1000 of those wich means tanks are replacable ppl are not

[@imperialguardsman5929]

@@goblincleaver_mshm.9751 Bro if it wasn't suited for modern battlefield it would already be scrapped lmao dumb af

[@goblincleaver_mshm.9751]

@@imperialguardsman5929 merk can only perform against unarmed Palestinians...it would not perform against anything from the west or the east the engine would probably be eaten by APFSDS

[@FookFish]

polish tank crew: *sees merkava* merkurwa

[@merkavamkivm3373]

XD

[@saarnissim]

Israeli kaboom Polish tank? Yes Rico, kaboom Blow that tank to smithereens. *Polish tank destroyed, ammunition cooked off*

[@paprikaman1124]

@@saarnissim why would we destroy polish tanks we love poland

[@saarnissim]

@@paprikaman1124 ay yo allow it fam for the memes

[@j-lly_4117]

Yes, and the most important aspect of the Merkava... *it looks damn good*

[@PhysicsViolator]

It has A/C 🥶🥴

[@itaybron]

Thought you'd talk about the Windbreaker countermeasure system that was developed specifically for Merkava mk 3/4 and it's APC counterpart.

[@Hollycalvey]

“Windbreaker” is the name of the MkIV model fitted with the APS. The APS itself is called Trophy, and was not specifically built for the Merkava + Namer, and is now used on the latest Abrams variant too

[@Hollycalvey]

the baron I’m aware why the built it and that it was made with the Merkava and Maner in mind, but it was not specifically built for the Merkava/Namer without flexibility for fitting on other systems

[@shlomibenshushan]

@@Hollycalvey windbreaker is the word-by-word translation of the Hebrew name of Trophy system...

[@Hollycalvey]

Shlomi Ben Shushan windbreaker is the IDF’s designation of it, hence the MkIV windbreaker, the system itself is called Trophy

[@itaybron]

@@Hollycalvey huh, the more you know.

[@rebelkommando6166]

A video about an Israeli vehicle? _Oh this comment section is gonna be great._

[@LtCWest]

Its actually pretty civil so far, Im surprised myself. Either Spooks audiance is beyond such petty things like political or cultural disagreements or the armored furry is meticulously moderating his comments. ^^

[@somebody7205]

Give it some time

[@quisqueyanguy120]

Nah, the Merkava is a pretty good tank

[@merkavamkivm3373]

@@quisqueyanguy120 :D

[@maneakihizkiaarvid6132]

Compare to redEffect and his cancerous fan base

[@IAMDRMERVRENBARRON]

So, From one desert to another, Have you thought about covering the vehicles of Homeworld : Deserts of Kharak? Cue the complaints about multi track designs and all that.

[@Spookston]

I just bought it since it was on sale, no idea when you could expect a video on it though

[@vaelophisnyx9873]

@@Spookston If it helps for later, when trying to get a good look at units, look at their concept art first, or ripped models. The game's camera is *extremely* limiting as to how close you can get.

[@nerd1000ify]

The version of the game I got came with an interactive 'manual' with a 3d viewer for all the units.

[@blgames5148]

As a soldier at IDF id say that vid is very accurate and informative, i learnd alot myself. wanted to say that the Merkava focused on not get hit more than armor, for example, the tech inside the Merkava is outstanding and the Trophy system great too

[@risingseniora8672]

But with one shoot from hamas the tank explode

[@Yonatan...]

@@risingseniora8672 nopr

[@bzipoli]

​@@risingseniora8672how are your buddies doing rn?

[@risingseniora8672]

@@bzipoli ha

[@davidds0]

Also , i think the mk3 was the first tank to implement reactive armor, and mk 4 was the first tank to implement active protection effectively and operational. The merkava also has the capability to fire missiles from its smoothbore cannon. I'll be happy to be corrected

[@merkavamkivm3373]

Yes, you are right.

[@angryduck553]

We need a review of the Omnidroid from the incredibles.

[@Horseshoecrabwarrior]

As many of the versions as possible

[@Drhofman11]

I was a infantrymen in the IDF and I served alongside merkva tank crews and I can say that most of this sounds pretty accurate

[@TheUndeadslayer221]

A very "THICC" tank indeed. When every crewmen counts, the Merkava is probably the best choice.

[@merkavamkivm3373]

;)

[@user-dl3nc4jx7k]

only for the conditions of Israel, in another area, it will not go far, it will get stuck in the first swampy ditch

[@merkavamkivm3373]

@@user-dl3nc4jx7k I'M RIGHT HERE >:(

[@leopardcentury4079]

It's absolutely not, the armor isn't good enough to counter modern tank rounds

[@frapadingue7066]

@@leopardcentury4079 nonsence, the IDF have a technological and economic edge over all their probable ennemies, who are massively equiped with T72, without the best amunitions existing for this MBT.

[@TheExoGames]

as a Merkava 2 driver I can tell you, the amount of thought engineers put in to little things and details that make your life easier and safer (as much as possible for a battle tank) is astounding. and it is adjusted for desert terrain in Israel and not any other place. And even though ive driven Merkava 3 and 4, mk 2 always felt like home ( probably cuz ive slept in it for 3 years :)

[@bzipoli]

i envy you tremendously brother

[@phlegyasIV]

I know nothing about tanks but this one sure looks sexy as hell

[@mhazg6621]

Haha, yes. You know whats bad from this tank? The fucking zionist crew inside.

[@merkavamkivm3373]

@@mhazg6621 don't you dare try and insult my crew.

[@mhazg6621]

@@merkavamkivm3373 :)

[@merkavamkivm3373]

@@mhazg6621 ok, they feel prode now....

[@mhazg6621]

@@merkavamkivm3373 :3

[@behnamsaeedi]

I Love Merkeva, I even maded a stylized version of it to feature in my game called Project Toon Tanks

[@zenithx2114]

People may bash on Merkava, but we cant deny its tankers and doctrines are legendary.

[@itzikashemtov6045]

Ahh the blitzkri.. oh wait. But honestly any German general would drop a tear seeing the Israeli armored doctrine in the 60's up to 80's.

[@PerfectJayDread]

Pretty awesome breakdown. Really appreciating these videos, you should consider doing long form content? These shorter videos are great but I just can’t imagine how much I’d learn from like a half hour episode. Either way, keep it up!

[@ja37d-34]

Cool vid. It reminds me of alot of the Swedish stuff that is made for Swedish needs and is great there, but not necessailry everywhere else. People seems to forget that not all nations have the same needs. The Merkava seems great for what it is designed for.

[@23madrabbit]

"There is no truth in flesh, only betrayal." "There is no strength in flesh, only weakness." "There is no constancy in flesh, only decay." "There is no certainty in flesh but death." - Credo Omnissiah

[@richardnixon2445]

For the omnissiah

[@soulreaperiix_x8477]

Praise the Omnissiah, Praise the machine for it is holier than thou

[@coolguyofawesomenful]

"MAKE PEE NIS IN TO ROBOT" - The Dark Mechanicum

[@spartanx9293]

Evenzvho machines breakdown and without flesh to maintain them they die

[@oim8254]

@@spartanx9293 *Self repairing machine enters the chat*

[@andraslibal]

There is a wall in the tank museum at Yad-la-Shiryon on the Jerusalem-Tel-Aviv road next to Latrun. It has the name of all Israeli tankers that died in battle by war ... there is 1948, 1956, 1967 ... and then there is 1973: a very long list. It was shocking for me to see the length of that list even though I know about the history. Of course they think about survivability. Also the fights in the Golan had to have influenced the depression angle and the capability of fighting in mountainous terrain which is a primary concern for Israel. Merkava IVs were engaged in the 2006 war in Lebanon against the Hezbollah with the newest Russian AT-14 'Kornet' missiles they lost some tanks but crew survivability was clearly good even against this unexpected development and in spite of some tactical mistakes they made. The tank also has an IFV version that is basically the same without the turret, makes it easier to produce the IFV (called Namer, meaning leopard). That can hold more soldiers with 3 crew + 9 soldiers. So far not many have been produced yet because of budgetary constraints but the design is there and in the future it will simplify maintenance and logistics. The tank museum in Yad-la-Shiryon has Merkavas of different types and also a Namer. That museum is worth visiting for anyone who likes tanks it has a lot of them from a Stug III and a Pz IV all the way to Merkavas.

[@taan1424]

There are a bunch of Namers in use, actually. It is slowly replacing all the obsolete Israeli IFV and similar vehicles. Source: am in the IDF

[@bzipoli]

Golda has to leave because of how many people were lost in 73, even being a decisive victory for Israel and her party never came back to power since then. (about 2800 soldiers were lost, not considering the wounded)

[@andraslibal]

@@taan1424 thanks for the update on that. I just saw it at that museum when I was there it looked like a good concept.

[@andraslibal]

@@bzipoli yeah it was not allowed to be a decisive victory even though the entire Egyptian 3rd army was trapped in the Sinai. The US wanted to gain Egypt so Israel had to allow a victory for the arabs and give up the Sinai ... which I think was a mistake. 1973 seems to be the turning point in Israel winning its wars ...

[@LordsmellyJr]

Video slaps like always my dude, didn't know about this tank before, glad to know about it now, keep it!

[@Spitflyer]

I"m just impressed by the gameplay in the background lol

[@jensdevos6464]

Using the merkeva in war thunder, ah man of culture as well

[@TheKing-qg3fv]

Love your informative videos, keep up the good work man!

[@zudi8709]

Nice WH40k Mechaicus background tunes ^^ also great vid!

[@SatelliteYL]

“If they ran out of ammo, they could simply buy it from the United States” made me laugh

[@chuckgreenfield4484]

They import alot of ammo for their 120mm tank from Germany. Thanks Germany.

[@ddarkon1223]

@@chuckgreenfield4484 germany literally paid to double israels navy

[@skytheannur6168]

This was really informative. TBH I never knew much about the Merkava, only knew it was the IDF MBT

[@ferdinandstrat]

Thank you for giving my favorite tank such a good review, that while positive, was also constructive and somewhat unbiased

[@nonamesplease6288]

Thanks for this thorough and balanced review. A lot of the criticism I have seen on this tank doesn't take into account that Isreal was using an odd collection of AFV' s. Many of these vehicles had been discarded by their countries of origin or captured in battle, all of which had been upgraded beyond their original design specs. The IDF was mostly victorious with this hodgepodge of vehicles due to the skill of the crews. The Merkava was an enormous upgrade from the bodged together mess they had before.

[@DeliveryTank]

It's definitly one of the best tanks. It can transport infantry, provides excellent protection for its crew, has a great gun, and plently of room for upgrades. What else would you wanna ask for in a tank.

[@GT-og8ol]

it is nice to say "they made it to protract the crew" because we have a say in Israel- "every soul is a world on it own".... and i have to say everything made on this tank feels like this i have been there, nice video at a really good timing thank you !

[@Ali-wb3bw]

Loving this series, keep the great videos coming!

[@pusheenthecat9264]

Great video! Completely changed my opinion about the Merkava.

[@winstonchurchill237]

Hi spook, Would you do a video on the Avatar mechs?

[@Spookston]

Probably as a "James Cameron" special or something, combine it with the Aliens APC

[@winstonchurchill237]

Spookston cool, sounds good!

[@sergeantmarcusstackerM1903]

Do the Mantis if your gonna do another halo vid. That thing has wrong written all over it

[@justjako9145]

@@Spookston what about alien dropship

[@deathtrooper199]

@@Spookston Is it possible you can do the observations at the mechs from Iron Harvest?

[@holyelliw]

The "It's the best tank for Israel" can be attributed to almost any (good) tank made by any nation (see Sherman or T-34).

[@milky3494]

I love hearing about tanks that aren't the Abrams or Leopard for once, keep it up with these lesser known MBT's!

[@Skrenja]

0:31 That's a really cool photo.

[@USA0312]

By far one of the coolest tanks ever made, you're videos are always awesome and I loved your badass gameplay of it!

[@fernandosarachaga9373]

A video about the trophy system would be great

[@user-dl3nc4jx7k]

Trophy system is not a panacea, Russia has developed a counter to this system, it is launching 2 one point two protivotankovy missiles Kornet with a difference of a few fractions of a second, when the system triggered on the first rocket, the second rocket of its speed is not enough, the unit is placed on the armored car tiger topwar.ru/uploads/posts/2014-06/1404156326_be2eac7c7726e35ff6e0671b04d4f107.jpg also on arms of the Russian Federation have ATGM Attack Speed missile: up to 550 m/s , the Trophy system has no time to react to the shot the missile

[@user-dl3nc4jx7k]

@the baron Russia had the opportunity to check and examine the Israeli trophy, so solutions were developed to overcome this protection, because any us ally is an enemy for Russia

[@user-dl3nc4jx7k]

@the baron What do you mean , if the Chinese feel at home digging into the secrets of the Pentagon, you think Russia's intelligence is worse than Chinese hackers, for nothing.In the cold war, the Soviet intelligence service was much stronger than the American one, since then, little has changed, even in the difficult 90s for Russia, the school of intelligence was preserved and supplemented with modern technologies of the present.Russia already has hypersonic weapons in service, and hypersonic missiles for anti-missile defense, as well as missiles for destroying satellites, are currently undergoing the latest tests.In Russia it has always been good with military technologies

[@YoRHaUnit2Babe]

i learnt alot about the Merkava's Origin and the reasons it was produced in one vid well done

[@SpiralingGlaive]

Very informative video! Thanks for covering this tank, as I feel it doesn't really get much attention.

[@sergeantmarcusstackerM1903]

Israel citizens: giggling Spongebob Israel tanks: buff Mickey

[@nicktune1219]

Palestinian rocks: buff Farfour Mouse

[@thebigenchilada678]

Israeli citizens: Mister Krabs

[@foldedx2]

@@thebigenchilada678 i get it

[@merkavamkivm3373]

@@nicktune1219 dude, rocks hurt... :(

[@MikeBison_]

On the topic of Israel, I forget, have you done a vid on the Israeli M50 and M51 Super Shermans?

[@dovidell]

you should visit Latrun some time , and see how many versions we have of the Sherman , centurion and Patton tanks

[@danielbellah3443]

Keep up the good work, Spook

[@andyshirvis5747]

I've got a Hobby Boss Merkava Mk4 and some aftermarket tracks for it, I reckon it's one of the best looking modern tanks. Going to be building it after I finish my Armata.

[@friesingcold]

I love how you've been pumping out content, could you maybe do a video about Japanese Armor Doctrine or tanks of Japan?

[@Spookston]

Yea, I'm not super familiar with the specifics but I know someone that is

[@pierre-mariecaulliez6285]

From what I understood of what I was told, the Merkava was designed to be a defensive tank, whilst most MBTs are designed as linebreakers. therefore it gets a bad rep as MBT...

[@bluntcabbage6042]

Most MBTs are designed to do both.

[@matthewnunya8483]

Most western tank designs have been developed with fighting a defensive war against the USSR in mind. That being said i think the merkava takes the defensive mindset to the next level

[@bluntcabbage6042]

@@matthewnunya8483 Yes but NATO MBTs were also expected to be able to perform offensive maneuvers to cut off Soviet armored units and counterattack to re-secure critical locations.

[@deadwing7051]

The very evolution of the MBT harkens back to the original cavalry, a distinctly non-defensive unit. Making an MBT focused on being "defensive" is as logical as making an interceptor armoured. As in, not at all. The Merkava rightfully gets raked over the coals imo.

[@bluntcabbage6042]

@@deadwing7051 Uh, no. MBTs replaced the heavy and medium tank concepts by merging them both into a vehicle that can fill both roles. Heavy tanks would frequently see fighting on both defensive and offensive terms, mediums would do the same. A tank that's built to be _universal_ will end up engaging in both defensive and offensive encounters. The Merkava is focused on _survivability_, not strictly defense.

[@Belodri]

I'd love it if you did a video on the S-Tank. Another tank that's perfect for it's nation and very specialised at what it does.

[@petesheppard1709]

I'm not a gamer, but still really enjoy your videos for the information. The Yom Kippur War was also a wakeup for the US in emphasizing crew survivability; like the Merkava, the M1 Abrams had crew survivability as a top priority.

[@itaybron]

Pereh missile carrier next?

[@lucasalbl]

Could you maybe make a video on the vehicles from the terran faction in starcraft II? I have the feeling that those can be quite interresting with some mechs and a tank

[@peterni2234]

luCaS, me like Starcraft II :D He would probably say something like, just make the siege tank a full on tank or a full on artillery piece.

[@lucasalbl]

@@peterni2234 I think he'd also critique the four tracks, lack of machine guns and the fact that it uses a double cannon in tank mode, but there's only one way to find out ;)

[@peterni2234]

luCaS my goodness, your right! Where are the dam machine guns!

[@lucasalbl]

@@peterni2234 thanks :)

[@thomasprice2457]

I was debating on selling or consuming the MK.2 coupon I received from whichever event it was a reward for. I’m consuming this beast. Good vid!

[@eliqfor1]

Excellent and ballanced analyses .

[@router9717]

Can't deny this is a really sexy looking tank

[@merkavamkivm3373]

Oh stop it you ;)

[@huskythedinosaur1592]

@@merkavamkivm3373 No

[@merkavamkivm3373]

@@huskythedinosaur1592 what no?

[@dovidell]

she wants YOU to climb all over her !!, so visit Latrun , and she'll let you have your way !! ( then you can climb over her ( older ) sisters as well !! )

[@merkavamkivm3373]

@@dovidell Yes, I invite all ;)

[@cmdrantezscar3368]

7:00 i had the privelege to interview a gunner of the merkava a while ago, she said she wished the exhaust was moved to back of the veichle because it did disrupt her Thermal sight. EDIT: sorry she was a Driver, not a gunner.

[@M50A1]

Cursed

[@benjamine8387]

She? There are no female tankers, there was a trail with female tankers but it was discontinued

[@user-wj7bu9zv7i]

as someone who was a mark 4 commander, i call bullshit

[@mitri5389]

yeah sure bullshit... if solar heat can come into play with thermal sights on rifles than a engine around 40 L or more can as well... let alone its exhaust.

[@user-wj7bu9zv7i]

@@mitri5389 oh i wasn't talking about the affect it has, i was talking about moving the exhaust. you can actually see it in 0:22 of the video. the engine has no affect on the thermal sights.

[@daemon1108]

Per the usual, a good informative video about a tank.

[@Shlomyb30]

to your knowledge, from merkava mk2 to mk3 ,the designers implemented huge improvements especially on the caterpillar and tracks that made a great leapin the tanks mobility,and proved superior on m1a1 during common drills in hard terrain something not referred in this video. in 1995 the idf released the the merkava mk3b with a new ground breaking fire control system named BAZ or falcon, improved range accuracy and lock on feaure on moving targets and while moving. the MK4 is a whole new and finalized fighting machine taking lessons from its predecessors. ex MK3B gunner and commander

[@Rafe_McCawley]

The Merkava for a full national tanks sure did his jobs well for his country, especially considering his conceptions, but the tank do have some limitations due to his components, sure he is powered by a low power engine compared to others tanks, but for how he is used, it's sure he doesn't really need more, but the tanks as a flaw you didn't exposed, the Merkava has a centermass trouble, the tank do unfortunatly flip over cliffs and height really easely, which could turn as a deadly accident, as it did happenned, and that somehow a real irony, considering that his configuration was done for maximum crew survivability. But others than that, the tank do really succeed in for what he was born, especially from the engineers who listen to every appointment from the crew who experienced the vehicle in combat in order to improve his performance. But like the Abrams, the Challenger 2 and the Leopard 2, he should go to the gym in order to lose weight, with actual tank conception, he could see his crew survivability preserved or even improved by losing weight.

[@mhazg6621]

In conclusion, its not a tank that southeast asians would buy

[@Darktemplar99999]

what do you mean underpowered? Merkava 4 has exactly same ammount of horse power as a Leopard 2... The Tank you see here in this video is a Merkava 1 and it predates all of the tanks you mentioned...

[@f50koenigg]

Yeah you took a shot at Red Effect there about the exhaust interfering with targeting system of the tank.

[@Tepid24]

Bit facetious to put it like that. To quote from his original video a year ago: "Some sources even state that, since the engine heats up, it can obscure the thermal vision of the gunner, so in order to see clearly, the gunner needs to turn the turret away from the engine. Keep in mind that in the day channel it wouldn't cause any issues, but I can see it being a problem from the thermal camera, but I wasn't able to find any solid confirmation so take this with a pinch of salt." Literally stating twice within the span of ~30 seconds that this is only supported by some sources and shouldn't be taken at face value.

[@jakobc.2558]

I have played both merkava events and have both of them in WT :) Much good Very tank

[@gideonhorwitz9434]

Props fro using mechanicus music for the background lol

[@henryhamilton4087]

7:07 When your Merk doesn't have blowout ammo stowage racks.

[@guss77]

The Merkava is using instead fire proof canisters (individual canisters in the 120mm models, dual and quad canisters for the 105mm). These have been field proven to prevent cookoff. As far as I know there had been only one instance of ammo going off inside a Merkava tank in the history of the program (I mean main gun ammo. Mortar ammo is mostly stored outside the turret and there have been numerous instances of that going off).

[@indirect-fire-enjoyer]

Nice video! And great timing! Right in our independence day (greeting from Israel!)

[@JenniferYL707]

Great vid spook!

[@blazingmatty123]

Very good video, very informative, this certainly seems in line with the strv's tbh, by far not the best tank going, but the best for their needs

[@MasterChief-sl9ro]

The Merkava is designed for one purpose. The IDF...It's not built for any other region or export..

[@convolutedconcepts]

A tank with a broken engine becomes a pillbox.

[@merkavamkivm3373]

And without a gun, a bunker.

[@vikingsoftomorrow4038]

@@merkavamkivm3373 And without Machine guns, an Observation post

[@merkavamkivm3373]

@@vikingsoftomorrow4038 I'm a mortar implacement actually...

[@demetrasimmons6680]

We need more of these tank history vids

[@razorcrest9363]

Very nice video, and informative of the tanks true role. Also, first.

[@itaybron]

Ah right on Israel's Independence day nice 🇮🇱

[@dmkfwolf2669]

@The Killer What is Palestine?

[@mateusbragarezende725]

@@dmkfwolf2669 death to Israel end the Palestine occupation now

[@dmkfwolf2669]

@@mateusbragarezende725 But what is Palestine?Is it something you eat?

[@deleteduser7132]

DMKF Wolf It’s that place next to Wakanda and Narnia.

[@dmkfwolf2669]

@@deleteduser7132 Oooh i see! so it's like an imaginary place, is there a movie or a fiction book that talk about this fairy land?

[@SudsyMedusa53]

I always thought Bohemia interactives decision to make the merkava the primary main battle tank for NATO forces in Arma 3 a bit... odd.

[@deez420nuts69]

Pretty dumb decision imo. Also, how the NATO fatigues are British MTP with American flags on the side 🤣 makes no sense. Thank the Arma Gods for mods.

[@riesenfliegefly7139]

Ahh yes, finally a good overwiew video for the merkava. How about one of the T-14 next ?

[@GrayderFox]

It's really interesting to see how the circumstances of the nation led to the design that it did...though it does seem like putting the crew first and getting feedback would just be good practices overall. What a neat tank.

[@hazardous458]

Gray All modern mbt put crew lives first.

[@Cowboycomando54]

Arguably, Israeli tankers are some of the best trained tankers in the world.

[@Orangefan77]

Just here to laugh at the comments

[@nicktune1219]

Just here to laugh at your barber.

[@ls200076]

@@nicktune1219 Your family tea sucks ass

[@mhazg6621]

@@nicktune1219 whats your problem?

[@dbenci2071]

it was a well thought out tank in regards to its crew, I would think it to be one of the firs to do that . and it looks kool

[@ANDREALEONE95]

I like your videos, but I would also like to see one where you design your own dream tank upon all techonlogies and MBT designs.

[@shivanshna7618]

What happened to polish stealth tank is it still going?

[@Spookston]

No, it was a concept that never ended up going anywhere

[@profsrlojohn635]

And that my friends, is why the Merkava is my favorite tank.

[@adam632]

very nice video and tank!

[@eddrh3202]

Thank you for clearing up the myth that the exhaust interfers with the thermal vision. Its very nice that you actually asked a crew member of the tank, and did not spew crap because of human logic thats flawed a lot of times!

[@anthony4331]

Get ready for the spicy Palestinians in the comment section

[@Rayan-bj8wn]

ah yes, why would such idiots be angy at the people who invaded them despite being allowed to live in their territory regardless of religious belief, the absolute buffoons, they should just take it easy like any other people would when they are being drove out of their homes for no mistake of their own

[@fishgaming9818]

Rayan you should really learn history the Palestinians were never peaceful and in fact most Palestinians were in Jordan and some in Jerusalem the rest of Israel was a place with very harsh living conditions until the Zionist movement took care of the area

[@Rayan-bj8wn]

@@fishgaming9818 Muslims lived in palestine for 4 centuries under the ottoman empire and were tolerant of people from different religions living with them and still are. That's being peaceful The zionists just wanted to kick out the muslims and take the land that was rightfully palestine's, backed by the british then by the americans. That is not peaceful

[@hasbaratroll5670]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/lXi0dYdvqZefiNU UK Jewish MP- Israel is acting like Nazis

[@fishgaming9818]

Rayan obviously you don’t know anything about this land it was almost empty and the Arab settlers were very violent against Jews when the whole point of Israel was coming the only place livable in Palestine at the time was Jerusalem and it was almost empty

[@calmc]

I love the Merkava i don’t care what they say.

[@merkavamkivm3373]

Thank you :)

[@freshfrozen3035]

Merkava MK IV M lol Iranian chieftain would obliterate a merk

[@merkavamkivm3373]

@@freshfrozen3035 I don't think they even OWN a chieftain tank...

[@yashsingh3126]

Excellent! You very well explained the pros and cons of this tank, otherwise people on internet are keen on criticising the indigenous tank of Israel, btw red effect have pointed out all the flaws of this tank, it would be nice to see you two debating on this topic

[@Darktemplar99999]

Lol RedEffect doesn't know anything about Merkava, I bet neither of them ever operated this tank.

[@nerya9557]

after months and months i whatch and follow your channel i noticed i not subscriber! (i diden use account most of the time to whatch videos but it still surprised me) also surprised me you made a merkava video, i love merkava and the video was perfect to me and its israel birthday! you are a genius!! also i tried to draw your design to perfect tank but it dident work to me very well...