Israeli Ground Force

Creation of a new 155-mm self-propelled howitzer for the Israeli army

The new ACS will be completely autonomous and automatic. Caliber 155 mm, barrel length 52 caliber, range up to 40 km. Theoretically, the ACS can control one person, in practice the calculation will be 3-6 people, in contrast to 10 on the M109 "Doher" (on the ACS plus on the ammunition conveyor M548 Alfa).

The AOI has not yet decided whether a new ACS will be on a wheeled or tracked chassis, it is possible to adopt two versions: one and the same turret with gun, automatic loader and various systems will be installed on two different chassis.

http://bmpd.livejournal.com/2616130.html

Modern armored vehicles of the IDF

The site "Maariv" published a brief overview of the most modern models of the BTT AOI, as well as machines "Granite" field reconnaissance troops. Each review is written by another author, and we are talking about officers and ensigns of IDF, who operate this equipment. Although most of the above is not new and even well known, several details attract attention.

"Namer" - "Nagmash ha-Merkava ha-handasi" - heavy armored personnel carrier of engineering troops

I recently wrote about "Namer" in my blog, see the article "New variants of the BAM 'Namera'?". There is nothing new about this issue.



"Namer" is a heavy armored personnel carrier of the brigade "Golani"

"Namer" began to enter the armament of the infantry brigade "Golani" in 2008, replacing the heavy armored personnel carrier "Akhzarit." Widely used in the operation "Tsuk Eitan" ("Mighty cliff") in the Gaza Strip in the summer of 2014. "Golani" is making efforts to improve the work with "Namer", about a year ago in the brigade was created department ("Mador"), responsible For all issues related to "NAMER", including training and various briefings.



The Merkava-4 tank, the armored forces

"Merkava-4" is in service with the 7th and 401th regular brigades, as well as in reserve brigades (it is said in the plural, it was previously known only about the 4th reserve brigade "Kiriati", using "Merkava-4" with 2009). I will add from myself that the 460th Brigade "Utsvat Bnei Or" of the tank school also has Merkava-4 (about 2/3 of the brigade).

"Merkava-4" entered service in 2003. The length of the tank with the gun forward 9.04 m, width 3.92 m, height 2.66 m. The ammunition includes 44 shots to the gun. The top speed is 65 km / h. The tank is equipped with the KAZ "Meil Ruach".



SAU "Doheron" of artillery troops

Regular divisions of the barrel artillery of the IDF are armed with the Doheron SAU. I note that this is the first time I see this name. Up to now, it has been known about two upgrades M109A1 ("Rohiv") - Doher and Dores. And although the "Dores" appeared later "Doher", regular divisions used to be "Doher", and "Dores" was in reserve (see article "SAU M109 in the IDF"). The suffix "he" in Hebrew has a diminishing value and is often used to denote various modifications of weapons, i.e. "Doheron" is a kind of modification of "Doher". What are the differences are not specified.

In the artillery troops, the IDF SAU work in the same team as the M548 ammunition conveyor (Alfa). Calculation of "Doheron" and "Alpha" includes 7 people: the commander, the driver of the automatic control system, the gunner, the charging, the driver of the M548 and two ammunition pushers ("Anshay ha-Hutz").



"Akhzarit" - heavy armored personnel carrier of the brigade "Givati"

The heavy armored personnel carriers "Akhzarit" (based on the T-55) entered the arsenal of the infantry brigade "Givati" in 2005. These were the same armored personnel carriers previously used by Golani, and Givati ​​received them as Golani moved to " He's here. "



"Granit" is a machine of field reconnaissance troops

"Granite" is a reconnaissance vehicle of field reconnaissance troops. I already described it in the article "The exhibition in Latrun on the Independence Day of 2017":

The RAM5500 pickup in the reconnaissance version: the module of the IAI Elta production with a sliding mast is placed on the body, and there is a reconnaissance radar for ground targets and a system of day and night vision; In the back cab of the pick-up the operators' seats are equipped; Earlier the IDF used similar machines based on the HMMWV jeep (Rakun), based on the Land Rover Defender jeep, and a surveillance machine based on the Plasan Sand Cat (Granite) was also developed, but I saw the pickup truck for the first time.

It turns out that Granite is a variant on the RAM5500 pickup, in contrast to what was said in Wikipedia (ie whether the Sand Cat version was a prototype, or whether the same system is used on different platforms). In the article "Maariv" it is said that "Granit" is the most modern machine of its kind in the field intelligence forces, it was put into service in the summer of 2016. The machine has a control and monitoring system "Masua", i.e. It is integrated into the TsAYAD ("Zva Yabash Digitala", ie "Digital Army"). Due to the "Masua" and the latest software, the time of the fire cycle (ie the time from the moment of detection of the target and to the moment of its destruction by various fire weapons) has sharply decreased.



http://bmpd.livejournal.com/2756318.html

In Israel, a heavy armored personnel carrier Namer with a turret and cannon armament was demonstrated

The directorate of the Merkava tank and the BTT in the MO (Mantak), in cooperation with the ground forces of the IDF, completed the development of the version of the heavy armored personnel carrier "Namer" with a tower (the word "Zrihon" is used, ie "turret" - diminutive from "Tsaryakh" ") And a 30 mm cannon. According to the plan, in the future the same tower will be used on the wheeled BTR "Eitan". The tower is remotely controlled by the delivered armament system (that is, there are no crew members inside the tower and there are no subbasic systems inside the BTR hull), thus the possibilities of "NAMER" for the transport of infantry troops do not decrease.



The 30mm cannon used in the tower is apparently the Mk44 Bushmaster II. On Fresh it is reported that the tower was created on the basis of the UT30 turret "Elbit Maarahot". To the right of the gun is a coupled machine gun (a characteristic slot is visible). In the front left part of the tower you can see something resembling a 60 mm mortar, as it is mounted on the Merkava tanks (starting from Mk2). However, since the tower is not inhabited, it is not clear how the recharge is done (a revolver mechanism for 5-6 min ?; access to the tower from the shell specifically for shooting from a mortar, ie manual reloading?).

Other information about the new machine:

• KAZ "Meil Ruach" system is mounted on the tower, as it is done on the "Merkava" tank. At the same time, since the tower is uninhabited, recharging KAZ under fire is problematic.

• The driver's hatch "NAMER" is replaced with the hatch used on the BTR "Eitan". The new hatch provides a good view ("head out"), while the driver is completely protected from the fire of small arms and debris.

• In addition to smoke grenade launchers on the hull, smoke grenade launchers were added to the right side of the tower, above the hatch of the commander of the car. This allows you to recharge grenade launchers, minimally protruding from the APC.

• The gun has a significant (approaching to 90 degrees) angle of vertical fire, the sight and the observation device on the tower also have a large upward turn angle. This provides the ability to detect and defeat targets located on the hills (mountains, upper floors of buildings during battles in the city).

http://bmpd.livejournal.com/2762304.html

Deliveries of weapons and equipment to the IDF in 2017

07.01.18 the official site of the IDF published statistics on the terror and development of the IDF in 2017. The data on losses have already been published by me earlier, there is nothing new. The data on terror are placed as a supplement to the article "Statistics of Terror in the Outgoing Year".

For the first time, the figures for procurement of weapons for the military are indicated. Later I will translate the entire article, while the most interesting:


Engineering and weapons:

30 tanks Merkava-4;
30 BTR "Namer";
32 systems "Keshet" (120-mm self-propelled mortars);
7 Adir aircraft (F-35);
150 tactical trucks;
180 multicopters;
40 bulldozers-loaders;
400 parachutes "Agur" (American T-11);
21,000 sights;
120 cars "Savana" (presumably a speech about the Ven GMC Savana);
257 commander's jeeps.

Logistics and Symbols:

30,000 recruits received a gift card ("Kartis Kohavim") for the purchase of equipment before the call;
15.00 soldiers received a new set of equipment, called "Sal Emceiwei Sioua a-Lehima"; set includes a lantern, a drinking bag ("Camel Back"), a helmet with a sheath;
issued 280,000 pairs of uniforms and 73,000 pairs of shoes;
2 new beret colors were introduced: battalions of light infantry of border protection and the Main Communications and Cyber ​​Defense Department;
34 new types of badges were introduced ("Sikot").

https://bmpd.livejournal.com/3039535.html

The Israeli government approved the purchase of Eitan armored personnel carriers and the development of a new SPG

In the evening on Sunday, March 11, 1818, the military-political cabinet of the government of Israel unanimously approved the plan of the MoD to strengthen the IDF SA. We are talking about two main projects, laid down in the framework of the multi-year development program of the IDE Gedeon: the purchase of hundreds of ETR wheeled vehicles (the exact number is not called) and the development of a new SPGfor artillery troops.




Creation of BTR "Eitan" is engaged in the Department for the development of the tank "Merkava" and BTT at the MO (Mantak). The APC should go to the series from 2020 to partially replace the M113 armored personnel carrier. The MoD states that Eitan will be the most advanced and most protected wheeled armored personnel carrier in the world. He will have a KAZ similar to the "Namer" BTR and the Merkava-4 tank, as well as other special protection systems. The cost of "Eitan" will be approximately half of the value of "Namera", which will make "Eitan" in large quantities and at a higher rate. The BTR is built on the principle of open architecture, which allows us to simply integrate new systems and armaments from Eitan in the future.

The Office of R & D (IAFAT) is engaged in the creation of a new automated control system. The gun should begin to be used in the next decade to replace the MU9A.

Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman said (further cited newsru): "The procurement project was approved unanimously, and now it can be announced that in the course of a decade, significant improvements will be made in the IDF ground forces. For the first time, we will provide the IDF with hundreds of wheeled armored personnel carriers with an active defense system and other advanced capabilities. A real revolution will also take place in the artillery troops. There was approved a project to develop a new generation of tools. In ten years, the ground forces will look absolutely different. More effective, faster, more technological. In addition, these solutions will be a real help to the local industry, from Kiryat Shmona to the settlements on the border with the Gaza Strip, which will participate in the development and production of products, for a total of billions of shekels over ten years. "

https://bmpd.livejournal.com/3119560.html

Upgraded Israeli tank Merkava Mk 4 Barak

About Merkava-4 Barak was first published in March 2017. Today, 19.07.18, the website of the IDF published a number of new details about this tank, the adoption of which is expected in 3 years, i.е. approximately in the middle of 2021.



https://bmpd.livejournal.com/3276262.html

New Israeli armored repair evacuation vehicles based on Namer

Prospects for a tank park of the Israel Defense Forces

   The decision to re-equip the 847th brigade (the 275th, 293rd and 294th armored battalions) was made in 2013, practical work began in the second half of 2016. The 275th battalion was the first to re-equip. At the same time, 30% of the battalion personnel retrained at the Merkava-4, and 70% were tank crews demobilized after regular service in the 7th and 401st brigades between August 2016 and August 2017. The rearmament of the battalion lasted almost a year and a half and was completed in October 2017, after the full-fledged battalion exercises (“Imun ha-ha-kakam”). Apparently, the brigade received the Merkava-4 tanks (without the KAZ Meil ​​Ruach) from the 460th brigade, and that, respectively, received the Merkava-4 Mem (ie from the KAZ Meil ​​Ruach) . The rearmament of the other battalions of the brigade continues.

   The formation of the 847th Brigade began in August 1978 and ended in January 1980. The brigade was armed with Shot Cal Dalet tanks (Centurion modernized in Israel, the most modern version of these tanks in the IDF). Fought in the 1982 First Lebanon War as part of the 91st division. In 1988-1989 was reequipped on the Merkava-2, and then on the Merkava-2 Bet. She participated in the Second Lebanon War of 2006, also as part of the 91st division. In 2014, the brigade was reassigned to the 340th division of the Central Military District. Parts of the brigade participated in Operation Mighty Cliff of 2014. In addition to the armored forces, the brigade includes the 710th engineering battalion (until 2014, the 8173rd engineering battalion).

And in February 2019, the following information was published on the development of armor for the armored forces:

the development of the Merkava-4 Barak continues;

rearmament of the 847th brigade continues;

The 401st Brigade receives a new version of the Merkava-4 Mem with a modernized MSA;

It was decided that the 188th brigade will be the first to receive the Merkava-4 Barak.

   The last point is particularly interesting (previously, the Merkava-4 Barak was intended for the 401st brigade). The Merkava-4 Barak should be put into service in 2020. Thus, for about 3 years (2021-2024), the 188th brigade will replace its Merkava-3 Baz with the Merkava-4 Barak Merkava-3 of the 460th Brigade was also replaced, from this point on, the entire regular fleet of the AOI will consist of Merkava-4 tanks. The released Merkava-3 will allow rearming of the 10th brigade, the last reserve brigade of the Merkava-2 tanks.


Appendix: an overview of the Israeli tank park

   During the first 35 years of its history, the AOI armored fleet grew both qualitatively and quantitatively. For the last point, this is reflected in the following figures:

   the end of 1948 - 42 tanks, of which only 4 are combat ready (the rest are disassembled, captured and purchased as scrap metal, that is, requiring reconditioning);
   1956 - 434 tanks, incl. 224 combat ready;
   1967 - 1,301 tanks, incl. 1,093 combat ready;
   1973 - 2,009 tanks;
   the end of 1977 - 3,736 tanks.

   Further, there are no official figures, but apparently in the early 80s. the tank fleet approached 4,000 tanks. Further reductions began. Peace with Egypt (1979), economic difficulties of the 1980s, the defeat of Iraq in 1991 and the disappearance of the threat of the "Eastern Front", peace with Jordan (1994), the repeated defeat of Iraq (2003) and civil the war in Syria (since 2011), and on the other hand the growth of the role and capabilities of the ATGM, all this contributed to the gradual reduction of the IDF tank fleet.

   In 2003, the 500th Armored Brigade was disbanded (Magah-7 tanks — deeply modernized M60 tanks). This led to the reduction of regular military troops to 4 brigades (7th, 188th, 401st and 460th training). For comparison, in the early 80s there were 8 such brigades (including 2 training).

   In 2003-2004 The 401st Brigade changed its "Magah-6 Bet Gal" (upgraded M60A1) to "Merkava-4". From this point on, the regular tank fleet consisted only of Merkava-2/3/4 tanks.

   2014 - the last wave of reductions in the reserve of armored troops. 6 brigades, 4 Magah-6/7 tanks (11th, 600th, 130th and 14th) and 2 Merkava-1 (263rd and 27th) are closed at once. Thus, the reserve consists entirely of tanks "Merkava-2/3/4."


Current situation for regular teams:

The 7th — in 2014, began and in July 2016 completed the rearmament from Merkava-2 Bet and Merkava-2 Dalet to Merkava-4 Mem;
188th - in the early 90s received Merkava-3 RAMAH, in 1995 - Merkava-3 Baz, from the late 90s - Merkava-3 Baz Dalet;
401st - in 2003-2004 reequipped from Magah-6 to Merkava-4, in 2010-2011. on the Merkava-4 Mem;
The 460th training - for 2/3 is equipped with "Merkava-4" and for 1/3 - "Merkava-3".

According to Wikipedia and other sources for 2015, the situation with reserve brigades was as follows:

4th - Merkava-4 (since 2009);
8th - Merkava-3 RAMAH;
10th - Merkava-2 Beth;
14th - Merkava-2 Beth (in essence, the 278th Brigade, renamed in 2014;
37th - Merkava-3 and Merkava-3 Dalet;
205th — Merkava-2 Bet, perhaps the 1st battalion Merkava-3;
434th - Merkava-3 RAMAH (the first reserve brigade Merkava-3);
847th - Merkava-2 Beth.

As of May 2019, Wikipedia gives this picture of reserve brigades:

4th - Merkava-4;
8th - Merkava-3 RAMAH;
10th - Merkava-2;
14th - Merkava-3;
37th - Merkava-3 Baz;
205th - Merkava-3 Baz;
434th — Merkava-3 Baz;
847th - "Merkava-2" (in the stage of rearmament on the "Merkava-4").

https://bmpd.livejournal.com/3649418.html

The first prototypes of the promising Israeli war machine "Carmel"

The weapon system "Zrikhon" (30-mm cannon, coaxial 7.62-mm machine gun, ATGM "Gil")

Development of an unmanned turret with cannon armament for the Eitan wheeled armored personnel carrier and the Namer tracked armored personnel carrier. In Hebrew, this development is called "Zrikhon" ("Turret").

The Zrikhon was created not only for the wheeled APC Eitan, but also for the tracked APC Namer.
Another interesting detail is the installation speed of the Zrikhon on Eitan and Namer. The tower is designed in such a way that its installation on an already launched armored personnel carrier takes only one day of work.

Not all Eitan and Namer armored personnel carriers will receive the Zrikhon. Some will be with him, some will remain with the Katlanit turret already in service with a 12.7 mm machine gun. The proportions between the two weapons are not reported.

https://bmpd.livejournal.com/3828963.html

The new reconnaissance and strike unit in the Israeli army

01/01/20 AOI [Israel Defense Forces] website published that a new type of unit was created in the army, the so-called “Multidimensional unit” (“ha-Yechida ha-Rav-Meimadit”). The decision to create it within the framework of the new multi-year AOI development program (TARASH - “Tokhnit Rav-Shnatit”) of “Tnufa” (2020-2024) was made by the OGS of the AOI, Lieutenant General Aviv Kokhavi a year ago, immediately after taking office ( 01/15/19). Kohavi's goal is to reform the AOI and prepare it for the battlefield of the future.


Very little is known about the new unit. There is no name, symbolism, number is not published. It is known that the unit is subordinate to the 98th paratrooper division, and Lieutenant Colonel A. is at the head (i.e., the unit corresponds to the battalion, at least at the initial stage, which means several hundred soldiers). Earlier, A. was the commander of the special unit “Duvdevan” (and his advance was delayed for a year and a half after the incident of the death of 03/20/18 fighter “Duvdevan”, senior sergeant Shahar Strog, from an accidental shot of his fellow unit).

The core of the headquarters and management of the unit (“Garin ha-Mate ve-ha-Mefkada”) was created a few months ago, and on 01.01.20 the unit received the first fighters. The unit consists of fighters of various reconnaissance battalions (paratroopers, Golani and SHOULDER), reconnaissance armored forces, a special unit of engineering troops of the YaALOM, dog training unit Okets, a unit of Duvdevan, pilots (apparently in the positions of air guides), staff officers Air Force, intelligence and communications officers, specialists in electronic warfare and cyber warfare. There are no representatives of the Navy in the unit at this stage.

It is also indicated that at the initial stage of the creation of the unit, the head of the creation directorate (“Minhelet ha-hakama”) was a colonel from the Air Force. It is emphasized that the unit will receive its own UAVs and will operate in close cooperation with the Air Force. At least in the first year of its existence, the unit will receive already trained fighters from other units, then it is possible to replenish it with recruits immediately after the call (which will require the creation of their own training system).

The division has no analogues in AOI (and according to some sources, in the world, although the AOI website itself does not say this), and its creation does not rely on any previously tested model. Unit personnel must be able to act on any theater of operations and in any dimension, and its purpose is to detect, attack and destroy enemy forces. Another value is educational. The accumulation of knowledge that will affect the staff and organization of both the unit itself and other units of the IDF. For 2020, the main organizational processes and the first exercises of the unit’s fighters are planned, in order to achieve the operational level corresponding to its tasks.

Unlike conventional units of the IDF, where a uniform composition at the level of battalions and even brigades is adopted, and only during the exercises and combat operations, mixed battalion and brigade combat groups are formed, the new unit will be initially fully integrated. The unity of the unit will take place gradually, taking into account the multidimensionality and integration of representatives of different branches of the armed forces and types of armed forces. The structure and staff of the unit have no analogues in the IDF. Armament is partially already existing in other parts, but there will also be special development systems for the needs of the unit.

The NHS has 10 tasks within the framework of TNUF, which he oversees personally. One of them is the creation of this unit, as a locomotive of innovation throughout the AOI. The unit will work in parallel within the framework of several other programs created or being created within the framework of TNUF, including SHILOAH Office and the General Purpose Directorate. Shiloh, among other things, is developing new interspecific tactics of warfare, using techniques adopted by the academy and industry. For example, a unit can test in practice in the field, as part of training and exercises, a certain theoretical idea put forward by Shiloh.

The unit will have certain capabilities that exist today at the division level. In addition, she will have micro-tactical capabilities, based on the tactics and knowledge available in the IDF in special forces.


An additional comment is on LJ of David in the article “With the Armed Eye”.

https://bmpd.livejournal.com/3895803.html

Serial production of new Israeli Eitan wheeled armored personnel carrier launched

The development of the Eitan wheeled armored personnel carrier was started by the BTT Directorate in the MoD [Israeli Ministry of Defense] (MANTAK - Minhelet ha-REKEM) 5 years ago, according to the findings of Operation Tsuk Eitan (08.07-26.08.14) in the Gaza Strip. And yesterday, 02/09/20, it was officially announced: the serial production of Eitan began, the first armored personnel carriers will go to the IDF at the end of 2021. By the “start of mass production” they usually understand the ceremony of cutting the first sheet of steel for this production.

It is noted that during the development of the Eitan, many technologies that had already been developed on the Merkava tank and the heavy Namer armored personnel carrier were widely used. The Eitan assembly will also be based on the same lines at the Repair and Restoration Center (MASHA-7000 in Tel-a-Shomer) of the AOI, where Merkava and Namer are produced. At the same time, the Kalkalist website writes about a new line and about hiring dozens of new workers at MASHA. Thus, the production of Eitan will not reduce the pace of production of Merkava and Namer.

More than 60 companies from Israel and the USA will be engaged in production. But Germany is also involved: 750-hp is selected for the APC. MTU diesel (competitors were American Caterpillar). Hundreds of millions of shekels were invested in the development of the armored personnel carrier, the cost of 1 production car is $ 3 million. It is likely that 50% of the details will be produced in the United States in order to receive the possibility of partial financing of production from the means of American military assistance, however, this was reported back in 2016. At the first stage, the share of Israeli production will be larger, but then part of it will be transferred to the USA the above reason.

At MASHA less than 10% of BTR elements will be manufactured. The remaining 90+ will be supplied by civilian manufacturers. The developers tried to make maximum use of the systems available on the market, primarily in relation to the Eitan wheel drive. For example, the transmission will be manufactured by Allison Transmission.

The following details are reported:

- An armored personnel carrier consists of approximately 1 million parts;
- more than 20 tons of steel, about 30 km of welding wire, 6 km of electrical wiring and communication cables, 70 liters of paint are consumed per 1 armored personnel carrier;
- The BTR has 10 day and night vision cameras to provide all-round visibility;
- BTR systems are controlled by 34 computers and processors;
- in the fighting compartment there are 5 touch screens.

I already wrote about the TTX "Eitan." In addition to the already known information on the replacement of the KAZ Meil ​​Ruach (Trophy) with Iron Fist, almost nothing new has been published. Unless it is said that the APC will carry 13 people (3 crew members and 10 paratroopers), and not 12, as previously reported. In addition, photos and videos have been published that show all 3 Eitan prototypes at the same time: B / N 741999 (first), B / N 741998 (second) and B / N 741997 (third, it is the first with a tower).





https://bmpd.livejournal.com/3929490.html

Israeli Tank Development Plans for the "Tnufa" Program

The original was taken from an oleggranovsky colleague in Changes in the AOI tank fleet as part of the TNUF program

The published details of the long-term development program of the IDF [Israel Defense Forces] (TARASH - “Tokhnit Rav-Shnatit”) of “Tnufa” contain a number of specific figures and explanations on the tank fleet and the composition of the armored forces of the IDF. I’ll leave aside the issue of strengthening armored brigades (reconnaissance battalion, engineering battalion, Sufa team), the discussion below will focus on the following:

the purchase of approximately 150 Merkava-4 tanks to replace the Merkava-3 tanks in 5 years (2020-2024);

the closure of 1 armored brigade;

reduction in the number of tanks in brigades intended for defense.


Let me remind you of articles related to the development of the armored corps published by me over the past year:

Changes in the AOI tank fleet (05/20/19);
Volumes of production of the Merkava tank (05/30/19);
The 188th brigade began the process of re-equipping the Merkava-4 Mem tanks (09.21.19);
New information on the transition of the 188th brigade to Merkava-4 (12/29/19).

So, according to new data. First about production. In the statistics for 2017, the AOI first published the number of Merkava-4 tanks produced during the year: 30 units (as well as 30 Namer armored personnel carriers). In similar statistics for 2018 and 2019. production data were not published. New data on Tnufa, 150 tanks in 5 years, means maintaining the pace of production at 30 tanks per year. This almost certainly means that in 2018-2019. 30 tanks were produced per year.

In July 2016, the 7th BRT completed re-equipment from the Merkava-2 Bet tank to the Merkava-4 Mem tank. From that moment, “Merkava-2” did not remain in the regular army and the tank fleet of regular forces looked as follows: two-thirds of the “Merkava-4 Mem” (401th and 7th brigades) and a third of the “Merkava-3 Baz” (188 1st brigade). The 460th training brigade has the same Merkava-4 and Merkava-3 ratios for training other regular brigades. In reserve were 8 armored brigades, including two with Merkava-2 (10th and 847th), one with Merkava-4 (4th) and five with Merkava-3 (8th, 14th, 37th, 205th and 434th).

Further, it is worth recalling that regular brigades, among other things, are a forge of personnel for reserve units. In about 4 years, enough tankers for 1 reserve brigade will be demobilized from 1 regular brigade. Taking into account the duration of service in the reserve of combat soldiers and officers (41-42 years), 1 brigade provides personnel for 5 reserve brigades. But taking into account various circumstances (deterioration of health, reservation at the place of work, departure from Israel, etc.) - no more than 4. But if you recall the staff of instructors of the 460th brigade - there will be even 5. This is how the required number of tankers was supported -reservists for 5 brigades "Merkava-3", although there were cases of retraining from tanks of other types. Nevertheless, it is desirable to have an appropriate ratio of regular and reserve units (1: 4) and to avoid retraining - the latter is worse than full-time military service on a certain type of tank and then continuing to serve in reserve on your own tank.

Two teams "Merkava-2" from 2016 stopped receiving new reservists, but taking into account the pace of production of "Merkava-4" - until 2023-2024. their tank fleet would have changed anyway, and the Merkava-2 would not be left in reserve. So the rearmament of the 7th brigade was correct and quite timely. Moreover, the process of rearmament of the reserve has already begun, the first was the 847th brigade (275th, 293rd and 294th tank battalions), work began in the second half of 2016 and by October 2017 the 275th was rearmament battalion.

But in 2019, this process was interrupted. It was decided that the 188th regular brigade (53rd, 71st and 74th battalions) would switch to the Merkava-4 Mem. Accordingly, at the beginning (in the same 2019), the rearmament of the 460th brigade began (to train personnel for the 188th), and then the 188th brigade itself. Upon completion of this process, the AOI regular staff will have only one type of tank (Merkava-4), and this will require retraining of demobilized tankers from Merkava-4 to Merkava-3. Moreover, apparently, there are no plans for modernizing the Merkava-3, which was previously outlined for the tanks of the 188th brigade (installation of the KAZ Meil ​​Ruach, new combat control systems). The freed up tanks of the Merkava-3 Baz of the 188th and 460th brigades are likely to go for the rearmament of the 8th, with the older Merkava-3 RAMA (or the 14th brigade having the Merkava-3 , exact modification is not indicated).

I return to the 847th brigade. She received her first “Merkava-4” in early 2017. in 3 years (2017-2019) it would receive 90 tanks and by the middle of the current 2020 would complete re-equipment. But, as mentioned above, in 2019 the decision was changed and Merkava-4 went to the 460th and 188th brigades. There is no data on the fate of the 275th battalion of the 847th brigade, who managed to switch to Merkava-4. Were they seized in favor of the 188th and 460th? What generally happens to this brigade until the rearmament of the 188th and 460th is completed (i.e., until about 2022)? Some sources write about the "withdrawal of 6‘ Merkava-2 ’” tanks from armament, which should imply the presence in the 847th brigade of all 3 tank battalions on the “Merkava-2”.

As mentioned above, the IDF announced the closure of one reserve tank brigade, apparently talking about the 10th Harel armed with Merkava-2 and did not start the process of re-equipping with more modern tanks. To save money, the disbandment of the brigade is likely to occur immediately after the final approval of Tnufa. As for the tank battalions of the 847th brigade, most likely they will not conduct training on tanks (again, to save money), but whether they will be disbanded immediately is not clear. By the way, within the framework of the policy of preserving historical numbers and names, it is quite possible that the number and name of the 10th brigade (in existence since 1948) will go over the 847th (created in 1978-1980).

Another point is the "reduction of tanks in units intended for defense." What this means is not clear. Perhaps we are talking about the transfer of the reserve to the new state (102 tanks in the brigade instead of 111), as has already been done in the regular units (for details about the new state, see the article from 2018 on LJ David).


Bottom line: by the end of the “TnufaF” validity period, enough “Merkava-4” will be released not only to rearm the 188th and 460th brigades, but also to complete the rearmament of the 847th brigade (240 tanks in 2017-2024 inclusive) . "Merkava-2" will finally leave the IDF in the near future, then the "Merkava-3" will begin to be decommissioned (by 2020, the oldest tanks of this model reached the age of 30 years). By 2024, the IDF will have 4 regular Merkava-4 brigades and 7 reserve brigades, two with Merkava-4 and five with Merkava-3. With a staff of 102 tanks in the brigade, this will yield 1,122 tanks.

https://bmpd.livejournal.com/3938698.html

Israel Defense Ministry's R&D Department (MAFAT) has developed a new modern personal and group masking system for IDF [Israel Defense Forces] soldiers. In the near future, this camouflage should enter service with mobile infantry brigades. The system got the name "Erka 300" ("Set 300"), in honor of the famous 300 Spartans