Modernized Merkava Tanks to Receive Advanced Sights from Elbit Systems

Israeli Merkava main battle tanks will receive advanced electro-optical sights from Elbit Systems as part of their modernization.

This upgrade is provided for by agreements signed between the company and the Israeli Ministry of Defense, the company’s press service noted.

The contracts cover other aspects of modernizing Israeli combat vehicles and introducing new technologies.

On November 19, Elbit Systems announced that it had received contracts from the Israeli Ministry of Defense totaling about $210 million to modernize Merkava main battle tanks.

The agreements provide for a large-scale upgrade of the tanks’ electronic components to extend their service life, as well as the modernization and improvement of several onboard systems.

Among other things, the combat vehicles will receive high-performance, lightweight, AI-enhanced electro-optical sights that provide panoramic day and night vision, as well as enhanced target detection and capture and tracking capabilities.

The contracts also include the supply of spare parts and comprehensive maintenance and support services. Elbit Systems will fulfill these agreements for six years.

In May, the Israeli military began installing reactive armor on Merkava Mk.3 tanks that were taken out of storage to participate in the offensive in the Gaza Strip.

The reactive protection units were installed on the turret side, a vulnerable area for attack on unmodernized tanks.