The Chariot’s design was catalyzed in part by Israel’s need for an advanced armored vehicle, Israel also pursued domestic production due to the Jewish state’s inability to rely on foreign importers. The Merkava battle tank is indigenously-made in Israel, a huge feat for such a small country. What We Know: Designed and Made in Israel Perhaps the mainstay of its armored corps, the Chariot tank deserves more recognition than it currently gets. Without its effective and sophisticated armored corps, the IDF would be vulnerable to ground assaults from every border Israel faces. Since its founding in 1948, Israel’s Defense Forces (IDF) have proven to be a formidable body, successfully defending itself in countless battles with its hostile neighbors.

While the American-made M1 Abrams and Russian-made T-14 main battle tanks may elicit more widespread recognition, the Israeli-designed Merkava is truly unparalleled in its capabilities.

Meet the Merkava: Largely touted as one of the world’s greatest tanks, Israel’s Merkava “Chariot” projects power and strength on the battlefield.

Main battle tank for israel