Modern Israeli Tanks and Infantry Carriers 1985-2004 (New Vanguard): Marsh Gelbart

Description

Product Description:
Over the last two decades, the Israel Defence Force (IDF) has introduced a variety of new AFVs. Old models such as the M48 and M60 have been improved beyond recognition, in the form of the Magach 7. The performance of Israel's indigenous Merkava tank has been similarly enhanced with new variants and the new Merkava 4 MBT has recently entered service. Israeli infantry have also received machines such as the Achzarit assault carrier, the Puma combat engineer vehicle and the Nagmachon and Nakpadon (tank-based carriers intended for low intensity conflicts). This book examines the design, modification and combat history of these formidable fighting machines.

Review:
This is a good overview of some recent Israeli tanks, APCs and IFVs. One thing to be aware of, though, is that it only covers the most recent developments in the Merkava tank, not a thorough overview of that important tank series. Apparently, you have to buy Osprey Publishing's earlier book, "Merkava Main Battle Tank MKs I, II & III," to get a fuller view of the Merkava program (but, irritatingly, you still have to buy this newer book to get details on the current Merkava IV!). Otherwise, I have very few complaints about this volume. Like most Osprey books, it's brief and thus a bit thin, but informative and well-illustrated. Another quibble: the cutaway views are only from one angle, when some of the details clearly need to be shown from at least two different angles to make much sense.

Review:
Unfortunately, Israel has spent its entire existence in war of greater or lesser intensity, and as a result has developed a reputation for excellence in both the technical and operational aspects of armored warfare. At this point, we have a good understanding of Israeli armor in the first half of its existence, including the critical battles of 1967 and 1973. Although Israel emerged victorious in 1973, the cost was very high and the decisive arms of the IDF (armor and air force) were savaged. Much of Israeli developments since then can be seen as a result of the damage inflicted by the Arabs in October 1973.

This book covers the last twenty years, which have been covered only sketchily. During this period, Israel has remained prepared for conventional ground combat, while using armor in low-intensity combat in Lebanon and against the Palestinians. During this period, we have continued to see the characteristic pattern of a few home-grown Israeli systems and the more numerous modernization of foreign vehicles, often beyond recognition.

The book starts with a brief background and then starts with infantry carriers. First the variety of Israeli M113 variants, then all sorts of heavy infantry and engineer vehicles which are a distinctive Israeli specialty. Then the book proceeds to the many variations of the Patton (Magach) and the more recent variants of the Merkava, including the Merkava 4. The information is detailed, considering security considerations.

The layout is excellent, the text is well written and edited, the photographs are good and the color plates by Tony Bryan are outstanding. This book is a winner and a must-buy for anybody interested in the topic.

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