The new Israeli main battle tank, Merkava 4, rolled out in June 2002 and will be in service with the Israel Defence Forces by 2004.The new fire control system has advanced features including the capability to acquire and lock onto moving targets, even airborne helicopters, while the tank itself is on the move.Improvements include a new compressed gas recoil system and thermal sleeve, which allow the firing of higher power munitions including new 120mm high penetration projectiles and guided shells.
