JERUSALEM, Sept. 19 (Xinhua) -- Israel unveiled the next generation of its Merkava battle tank on Tuesday, saying that the vehicle has incorporated artificial intelligence (AI) technologies and electronically controlled weapons.
Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said the Barak tank, meaning "lightning" in Hebrew, represents "an exceptional leap forward" and showcases the military's "technological capabilities, once again ensuring its qualitative advantage."
The tank, also known as the Merkava Mark 5 tank, is expected to become operational by the end of 2023 and will gradually replace the Merkava Mark 4, which currently forms the backbone of the Israeli armored corps, according to a separate statement from the military.
The new tank is equipped with AI systems for image processing and enhanced observation and scanning capabilities for the crew inside, the statement added.
It will also have a combat helmet worn by commanders that will allow them to access combat data during operational activities, enabling them to perform a 360-degree scan of the environment outside the tank by simply moving their heads.
The army said it would facilitate the real-time location of targets without the need to expose the crew. Additionally, the tank is equipped with multi-touch screens and AI sensors for rapid information collection.
The Barak tank will also be equipped with a Trophy anti-missile tank protection system, giving it "superiority" on the battlefield, according to the military. ■
