Biblical sources cite Solomon having as many as 1,400 chariots, with special centers being constructed to house them.
Since its adoption, it has become the backbone of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) armored forces.
A major concern for the Israeli government was its reliance on Western hardware.
Merkava IV tanks on the move. These tanks are part of the 7th Armored Brigade of the Israel Defense Forces. Image: IDF
The IDF responded quickly, opting to produce its own tank.
An initial prototype was completed in 1974, but the IDFs modern chariot wasnt publicly disclosed until 1977.
Two years later, it entered service with the IDFs armored forces.
An Israeli M4 Sherman tank in the Golan Heights circa 1973. Image: Dan Hadani Collection, The Pritzker Family National Photography Collection, The National Library of Israel
That really shouldnt be seen as a design flaw, however.
All tanks are the result of a compromise between firepower, protection and mobility.
That resulted in a small cross-section, which made it less of a target.
This British Centurion tank was upgraded by Israel for use in the IDF. Image: Dan Hadani Collection, The Pritzker Family National Photography Collection, The National Library of Israel
This was meant to counter HEAT (high explosive anti-tank) rounds should any strike the turret.
The round would detonate on hitting the chains instead of the turret ring.
The Mk IIA was the first updated model, entering service in April 1983.
The Israel Defense Forces operating a Merkava MK I tank in the Golan Heights. Image: Dan Hadani Collection, The Pritzker Family National Photography Collection, The National Library of Israel
It featured minor adjustments, including increased armor, yet employing the same 105mm gun and 60mm mortar.
It was followed by the Mk IIB, which offered thermal optics and enhancements to the fire control system.
The turret was also redesigned to allow for easier movement for the crew.
One of the first Israeli-made Merkava tanks in action on the Golan Heights. Image: Dan Hadani Collection, The Pritzker Family National Photography Collection, The National Library of Israel
Two years later, the first Mk IV battalion became fully operational.
With its introduction, the IDF began to retire its older U.S.-made M60A1 series tanks.
That provided the Merkava a bit more pep.
An IDF Merkava tank regiment at Jab Jenin area, Lebanon in 1983. Image: Dan Hadani Collection, The Pritzker Family National Photography Collection, The National Library of Israel
Once an incoming projectile was detected, the Trophy system fired a shotgun-jot down blast to neutralize the threat.
However, as Israel hasnt widely exported its armored chariots, only a few are now in museums.
This is the Merkava Mk 4M Israeli main battle tank equipped with the Trophy “Windbreaker” active protection system. Image: IDF
Shown here is a Merkava tank in a Desert Reconnaissance Battalion of the Israel Defense Forces. Image: Barak Chen/IDF
A decommissioned Merkava Mk III at Yad La-Shiryon, The Armored Corps Memorial Site and Museum at Latrun. Image:270862/CC BY-ND 2.0
Yad La-Shiryon is a tank museum and memorial for Israeli tank crews located at Latrun. Shown is a decommissioned Merkava Mk III tank. Image:270862/CC BY-ND 2.0
A Merkava tank fires its main gun during a training day held in the Golan Heights for the 188th Armored Brigade. Image: Neil Cohen/IDF
A tank team from the 401 Armored Corps sit on their Merkava IV tank near the Gaza border. The tanks have fought on every front during its history. Image: Alexi Rosenfeld/IDF
Israel Defense Force Merkava tanks in Gaza during Operation Protective Edge. Thanks in part to the Trophy Active Protection system, no tanks were lost during the operation. Image: IDF
A Merkava tank attached to the IDF Commando Egoz Unit trains in various types of terrain in order to maintain their readiness for any enemy threat. Image: IDF
Soldiers of the new light infantry battalion, Lion of the Valley, trained alongside tanks of the 7th Armored Brigade in their first joint exercise. Image: Cpl. Eden Briand/IDF
In 1988, these soldiers sitting on a Merkava were some of the first women to become IDF armored warfare instructors. Image: Pritzker Family National Photography Collection, The National Library of Israel
A Merkava Mk III if the 188th Armored Brigade maneuvers into a defensive position. Image: Cpl. Roei Fux/IDF
