All Blue and White: After more than five years of development and production, the Merkava and Armored Vehicles Administration at the Ministry of Defense, the Ground Forces, the Armored Corps and the IDF's 401st "Iron Traces" Brigade, are unveiling for the first time the IDF's future tank - the 'Barak' tank.
Historic Event: The IDF's Future Tank Unveiled // Ministry of Defense and IDF Spokesperson
"How symbolic that at a time when we mark the 50th anniversary of the Yom Kippur War, and the heroic battles waged during which the armored fighters defended our country, we receive further proof of the relevance and strength of the tank as a fundamental and decisive factor in the ground maneuver," said Defense Minister Yoav Galant.
One of the most advanced fighting machines in the world
"In the past four decades, Merkava tanks have been the backbone of the Armored Corps and ground combat, today we are entering a new era on the ground battlefield, the Age of Lightning," said Defense Ministry Director General Maj. Gen. Eyal Zamir. "The Barak tank is the most advanced combat machine of its kind in the world, which will bring the IDF, the ground forces and the armored fighters groundbreaking fire, artificial intelligence, intelligence, connectivity between tools and active defense capabilities on the modern battlefield."
"In a year in which we commemorate the heroism of the armored fighters of the 1973 generation, who physically halted the attacks of the Arab armies, demonstrated heroism and a remarkable fighting spirit, this is a historic event."
The Barak, the IDF's first 5th generation battle tank, was developed by the Defense Ministry's DCO, in cooperation with the Ground Forces Weapons Department and the Armored Corps. The tank integrates systems from Elbit Systems, Rafael, IAI's ELTA division and many other defense industries from Kiryat Shmona to Mitzpe Ramon. The first Barak tanks from serial production were absorbed this month by the Habokim Battalion (52) of the Iron Trace Brigade (401) and will become the Armored Corps' main battle tanks and maneuver-decisive weapon systems.
The IDF unveils for the first time the IDF's future tank – the 'Barak' tank, photo: Ministry of Defense and IDF Spokesperson
AI-based front-facing sensing and processing capabilities. The Barak tank, photo: Ministry of Defense and IDF Spokesperson
After more than five years of development and production, the Barak tank was unveiled, photo: Ministry of Defense and IDF Spokesperson
Barak's exposure, operation and processing capabilities will revolutionize the battlefield. The commander will be equipped with a combat helmet developed by Elbit Systems, similar to pilots' helmets, which will display all relevant combat data when anchored on the combat zone.
Historical event
The system will enable 360-degree scanning by moving the head and locating targets in real time with the help of artificial intelligence capabilities. To this will be added an improved tank sight and gunner with advanced observation and night capabilities, with an improved net cross. New capabilities that will enable the tank crew to fight in closed shelves, with better protection throughout the fighting, thanks in part to Rafael's advanced Trophy defense system, whose role is to deal with anti-tank missiles. The tank's fire capabilities have also undergone a significant upgrade.
Barak – The IDF's Future Tank,
The IDF's Future Tank - The Barak Tank, Photo: Ministry of Defense and IDF Spokesperson
After more than five years of development and production: IDF unveils IDF's future tank for the first time, photo: Ministry of Defense and IDF Spokesperson
Chief Armored Officer Brigadier General Hisham Ibrahim said: "A few days before the new year, and in the 50th anniversary of the Yom Kippur War, the Armored Corps is equipping itself with the Barak tank, which is the glory of Israeli industry. A tank that is all blue and white. In my eyes, this is much more than exciting, in a year in which we commemorate the heroism of the armored fighters of the 1973rd generation, who physically halted the attacks of the Arab armies, demonstrated heroism and a remarkable fighting spirit, this is a historic event."
"The Barak tank is based on groundbreaking technologies," he concluded. "Combining these technologies with the quality of our people, the fighters of the Armored Corps, will lead to a tremendous advantage in ground superiority, and in defeating our enemies in future campaigns. I am proud to have the privilege of being at the head of the corps at such a historic moment."
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