- For PC
- For MAC
- For Linux
- OS: Windows 7 SP1/8/10 (64 bit)
- Processor: Dual-Core 2.2 GHz
- Memory: 4GB
- Video Card: DirectX 10.1 level video card: AMD Radeon 77XX / NVIDIA GeForce GTX 660. The minimum supported resolution for the game is 720p.
- Network: Broadband Internet connection
- Hard Drive: 17 GB
- OS: Windows 10/11 (64 bit)
- Processor: Intel Core i5 or Ryzen 5 3600 and better
- Memory: 16 GB and more
- Video Card: DirectX 11 level video card or higher and drivers: Nvidia GeForce 1060 and higher, Radeon RX 570 and higher
- Network: Broadband Internet connection
- Hard Drive: 95 GB
- OS: Mac OS Big Sur 11.0 or newer
- Processor: Core i5, minimum 2.2GHz (Intel Xeon is not supported)
- Memory: 6 GB
- Video Card: Intel Iris Pro 5200 (Mac), or analog from AMD/Nvidia for Mac. Minimum supported resolution for the game is 720p with Metal support.
- Network: Broadband Internet connection
- Hard Drive: 17 GB
- OS: Mac OS Big Sur 11.0 or newer
- Processor: Core i7 (Intel Xeon is not supported)
- Memory: 8 GB
- Video Card: Radeon Vega II or higher with Metal support.
- Network: Broadband Internet connection
- Hard Drive: 95 GB
- OS: Most modern 64bit Linux distributions
- Processor: Dual-Core 2.4 GHz
- Memory: 4 GB
- Video Card: NVIDIA 660 with latest proprietary drivers (not older than 6 months) / similar AMD with latest proprietary drivers (not older than 6 months; the minimum supported resolution for the game is 720p) with Vulkan support.
- Network: Broadband Internet connection
- Hard Drive: 17 GB
- OS: Ubuntu 20.04 64bit
- Processor: Intel Core i7
- Memory: 16 GB
- Video Card: NVIDIA 1060 with latest proprietary drivers (not older than 6 months) / similar AMD (Radeon RX 570) with latest proprietary drivers (not older than 6 months) with Vulkan support.
- Network: Broadband Internet connection
- Hard Drive: 95 GB
The Merkava Mk.4B is the latest and most advanced variant of the famous Israeli main battle tank, entering production in the early 2000s. Soon, both the Merkava Mk.4B as well as the upgraded Mk.4M version will be arriving to War Thunder as the top vehicles of the upcoming Israeli ground forces tree awaiting tankers in the next major update “Wind of Change''!
Briefly: The most advanced iteration of the Merkava MBT, featuring a novel active protection system, capable of intercepting certain incoming projectiles.
Merkava Mk.4M, main battle tank, Israel, rank VII
Features:
- Strengthened armor
- Improved mobility
- Powerful 120mm cannon
At the start of the 1990s, Israeli engineers began developing the next version of the Merkava MBT. Adopting the modular armor system of the existing Mk.3D and fitting its successor with additional upgrades with the goal of further improving the vehicle’s protection and survivability. Changes included the installation of an electrical turret drive instead of a hydraulic one, the optimization of vehicle shape which also resulted in the removal of the loader’s hatch as well as further upgrades to the tank’s various electronic systems. The first prototypes of the Merkava Mk.4 were tested in 2001, with mass production starting in 2003.
After the Merkava Mk.4B entered service with Israeli units in 2004, another major upgrade package was developed for the vehicle, including the ‘Trophy’ active protection system. Vehicles fitted with this system were designated Merkava Mk.4M, entering production in the late 2000s and being accepted into service in the early 2010s. The Merkava Mk.4 represents the most advanced version of the well-known MBT series and as the spearhead of the Israeli armored force.
In War Thunder, the Merkava Mk.4B will mirror its real-life counterpart by becoming the top vehicle available to tankers in the upcoming Israeli ground forces tree, arriving as part of the next major update “Wind of Change''. Joining the fight in both its base model as well as in the upgraded Mk.4M variant, tankers in War Thunder may look forward to the arrival of a highly capable Israeli MBT to top ranked battles!
Veteran tankers in War Thunder are well familiarized with the Merkava series of MBTs as they are a common appearance in high ranked battles. Known for their exceptional survivability and respectable offensive capabilities, the new Merkava Mk.4B continues building upon these basic design principles established with the very first vehicle of the series. As a result, the Merkava Mk.4B inherits its predecessor's MG253 120mm smoothbore cannon along with access to highly potent kinetic and chemical ammunition choices. Furthermore, the vehicle also retains its signature comprehensive machine gun arsenal as found on previous models, albeit reduced by turret-mounted one rifle-caliber MG.
While the Merkava Mk.4B retains its lethal firepower, the changes it received to its protection are far more significant. For starters, the vehicle retains the strong modular composite armor found on the Merkava Mk.3D. However, the shape has been optimized to increase its effectiveness even further. As a result, the turret of the Merkava has become more rounded, particularly at the front section, thus virtually eliminating certain weak points found on previous variants.
Furthermore, the Merkava Mk.4M is equipped with the novel ‘Trophy’ active protection system with so-called ‘hard-kill’ ability. This means that the system is able to detect slow incoming projectiles, such as missiles, and launch a tight spread of small projectiles in its direction in an effort to destroy the incoming threat before it makes contact with the vehicle.
As the changes implemented on the Merkava Mk.4B also increased its mass once again, engineers fitted the vehicle with a more powerful 1,500 horsepower diesel engine, bringing it roughly on par with most other nations’ MBTs found in the game. As a result, not only does the Merkava Mk.4B compensate for its increased mass, but it’s also able to attain a higher top speed, going up to 64 km/h on paved roads.
The Merkava Mk.4B and Mk.4M will await all tankers at the top rank of the upcoming Israeli ground forces tree, arriving to War Thunder as part of the next major update “Wind of Change''. In the meantime, keep a weather eye on the news as we continue showcasing more exciting new additions and features awaiting you in the upcoming update. Until then, happy hunting tankers!
Israeli Ground Forces CBT Early Access Packs!
- M-51 (Rank 4, Israel);
- 1000 Golden Eagles;
- Access to the CBT of the Israeli Ground Tech Tree
- Premium account for 7 days.
- Merkava Mk.2D (Rank 6, Israel);
- 2000 Golden Eagles;
- Access to the CBT of the Israeli Ground Tech Tree
- Premium account for 15 days.
Since the Israeli army was formed after the end of World War II, research for Israeli ground vehicles will begin immediately from rank IV. All owners of early access packs will be able to take part in closed testing of the Israeli ground forces immediately after the “Wind of Change” update is live. Terms of access for all other players will be published later.
After the end of closed testing, to start researching the Israeli ground forces, the player will need at least one purchased ground vehicle of rank IV (or higher) in any of the following playable nations: USA, USSR, Great Britain, France or Israel.
In the “Wind of Change” major update we will begin the closed beta testing of the Israeli ground forces! Each Early Access Pack guarantees early access to beta testing, and until it starts you will be able to master your crews in all vehicle slots. Early Access Pack vehicles will have 3 free respawns in Arcade and Realistic battles in War Thunder before the “Wind of Change” update is released.
