Israel Approves $1.5B Plan to Expand Merkava, APC Production

Israel has approved a $1.5 billion program to accelerate production of its Merkava Mk. 4 Barak tanks, Namer armored personnel carriers, and Eitan wheeled APCs to reinforce its ground forces after months of intense conflict. The initiative, led by the Merkava and Vehicle Administration, aims to expand production infrastructure nationwide, including peripheral regions, and enhance the supplier network to meet rising demands. These armored vehicles, which have logged over one million kilometers in recent operations, feature advanced technologies such as active protection systems, digital networking, and remote-controlled turrets, playing a critical role in urban combat and cross-border operations. The program will also upgrade industrial facilities and assembly capabilities, signaling Israel’s commitment to maintaining its qualitative military edge amid ongoing security challenges. While the Defense Ministry has approved the plan, final procurement contracts depend on the Knesset's Defense Budget Committee's approval. Defense Minister Israel Katz emphasized the strategic importance of this investment for national security and economic growth.