The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Armored Corps positioned along the Gaza Strip were recently equipped with IMI’s new High Explosive Multi-Purpose (HE-MP) M339 tank round (in Hebrew: Kalanit).
The advanced tank round has been developed by IMI as a response to an urgent request of the IDF Armored Corps based on lessons learned in the 2006 Second Lebanon War and the 2008 Cast Lead Operation.
The unique, state-of-the-art tank round is designed for the Merkava Mk3 and Mk4 and worldwide Main Battle Tanks (MBTs) equipped with 120mm smooth bore guns.
The sophisticated round is based on the knowledge, experience and successful implementation of IMI’s 105mm APAM-MP-T M117/1 tank round which has been in use and combat proven by the IDF in recent years.
The newly developed tank round is based on the perception of using one kind of round against a wide range of targets and scenarios in the modern battlefield, ultimately decreasing the different kinds of tank rounds used before.
The fuse of the tank round is programmable after it is loaded in the chamber, enabling the crewmen increased capability in both handling and in accomplishing their goals in all fighting scenarios- against fortifications, urban structures, Light Armored Vehicles (LAVs), as well as, anti-tank and ambush infantry squads.
When used against fortified structures or bunkers, the round effectively penetrates the obstacle before detonating, scattering thousands of deadly fragments inside.
The M339, which is referred to by the IDF as the “Kalanit”, has recently undergone successful field trials and has proven to be an important advantage for the Armored Corps in fulfilling their missions in the protection of the Israeli settlements around Gaza as it provides efficient and accurate hit capabilities, while significantly minimizing collateral damage.
The “Kalanit” tank round sheds light on IMI’s capability to supply the Israeli Defense Forces with advanced solutions, meant to fully respond to specific and urgent needs.
