Merkava MK IV Down: The IDF Has Lost One of Its Most Advanced Tanks: The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has lost one of its Merkava Mk IV Barak main battle tanks (MBTs) in Gaza.
According to online reports, the advanced MBT was destroyed by a massive improvised explosive device (IED), which killed the commander, gunner, and loader. Only the driver, who was seated ahead of the other three crewmembers and next to the main engine compartment, survived.
Considered among the absolute best MBTs in the world, the Mk IV Barak variants first entered service in 2023. As this recent loss in combat serves to remind us, even the best can be taken down.
"First confirmed Merkava MK4 loss I've seen since the invasion of Gaza. This Merkava happens to be the brand new variant, the MK4 Barak. It was hit by a super massive IED & only the driver survived. There comes a point where no tank can survive a certain amount of explosives," the social media account Tank Posting shared on X........