Israeli Merkava Main Battle Tank
Entering service in the Israeli Defence Force in 1979 it is now the mainstay of all ground actions. Mk1 & 2 versions mounted the 105mm gun as its main armament, Mk3 & 4 with the 120mm smoothbore. For close support it mounts a 50cal remote operated HMG, 2 roof mounted 7.62mm MGs and a 60mm mortar. It also can carry up to 8 infantry, which is unique for current main battle tanks worldwide. In action in each of Isreal's wars since it entered service, over 1000 have been produced so far.