IDF and Defense Ministry Unveil Advanced ‘Barak’ Tank with AI and Sensor Technology

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and the Defense Ministry have unveiled their new flagship battle tank, featuring cutting-edge sensors and artificial intelligence capabilities.

Dubbed “Barak,” meaning “Lightning” in Hebrew, the fifth-generation Merkava Mark V is now operational and is gradually being integrated into the Armored Corps.

As per a joint statement from the IDF and the Defense Ministry, each tank’s commander will be equipped with a combat helmet developed by Elbit Systems, akin to those worn by fighter pilots. This advanced system enables a 360-degree scanning capacity, aided by artificial intelligence. Additionally, the tanks feature the WindGuard advanced defense system, crafted by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, designed to counter anti-tank missiles.

Maj. Gen. (res.) Eyal Zamir, the director-general of the Defense Ministry, remarked, “For the past four decades, Merkava tanks have been the backbone of the Armored Corps and ground combat. Today, we are entering a new era on the ground battlefield — the era of the Barak. The Barak tank is the most advanced combat machine of its kind in the world, providing the IDF, the Israeli Ground Forces, and the soldiers of the Armored Corps with firepower capabilities, AI, intelligence, tool connectivity, and active defense, marking a breakthrough on the modern battlefield.”