A senior IDF source confirmed to "Globes" that the IDF plans to reduce procurement of the Merkava Mk.4 tank. The source revealed that procurement of the tank, the most advanced ever developed in Israel, totaled tens of millions of shekels in 2002.
The source called the Merkava Mk.4 project "a not negligible budget expense". He added that the IDF Plans and Policy Directorate held that the IDF should continue deploying the Merkava Mk.4 despite the elimination of the Eastern Front following the Iraq War and the absence of large-scale military procurements by hostile Arab states.
"I haven’t heard of any concrete Ministry of Finance initiative to halt Merkava procurements," said the source. "It is the cheapest advanced main battle tank in the world. It costs less than all of its counterparts, which cost $7-8 million each. The Merkava is much cheaper.
"In addition to its low price, this tank is precisely suited to our needs. It has unique technology, and its contribution to the creation of Israel's defense industries cannot be ignored either."
The source added that armor will play a decisive role on future battlefields. "The procurement of helicopters has enabled us to change the mix of armored forces and reduce the number of tanks, but aircraft cannot capture ground."
The source said a Merkava Mk.5 was not being designed, so there was no need to cancel the project.
The Ministry of Finance is now preparing its final proposals to cut the 2004 defense budget, which will be submitted to Prime Minister Ariel Sharon in a few days. The Ministry of Finance wants to cut the defense budget by up to NIS 30 billion over the next five years.
The Ministry of Defense said in response, "The defense establishment views the Merkava project as an important national project that contributes to security and economic strength. There are no plans to cancel it, since it provide the best answer for the IDF's needs."
Published by Globes [online] - www.globes.co.il - on September 2, 2003