As a reminder, the Barak is planned to enter service in 2021, which is 3 years from now.
As I have written in the past in this blog: The Barak is a comprehensive upgrade to the Merkava 4M and will include anything from new logistically oriented technologies to reduce maintenance times and improve operation times, to brand new types of sensors and improved fire control systems. It is an upgrade that handles practically every aspect of the tank, but intentionally not too radical to avoid cost overruns.
Here is the full text from the IDF's website:
In order to improve the Armored Corps’ operational capabilities on the modern battlefield, the corps developed the Merkava Mark (Mk.) 4 Barak. This new addition will advance the Armored Corps’ operational capabilities and serve as an innovative weapon, changing the face of the battlefield. The tank’s new elements include artificial intelligence, updated sensors, and VR capabilities.The Merkava Mk. 4 Barak will be the first tank to have a smart mission computer that will manage the tanks’ tasks. This advanced artificial intelligence will reduce the team members’ workload and help them more accurately locate and strike targets.
"The advanced defense capabilities and the use of electronic means will prepare the combat soldiers to carry out missions according to the level of urgency," said a senior official from the Armored Corps. "Along with all this, additional logistical improvements will also be introduced that will enable the tank to carry out missions that are up to 30% longer than current ones."Perhaps the most incredible advancement is that soldiers can learn how to use the tank via virtual reality (VR) simulation. As a part of The VR sessions will allow for soldiers to partake in real exercises at all times. This means that when soldiers need to use the Merkava Mk. 4 Barak they will be more prepared than ever before."The helmet is called Iron View, and it will allow the combat soldiers to see the outside environment from inside the combat vehicle,” said a senior official from the Armored Corps. “The sensors will allow the combat soldiers to operate the tank in a simple and advanced way, and will contribute to its defense - both physically and technologically.”
In 2018 alone, the Armored Corps struck approximately 30 different pieces of terror infrastructure in the Gaza Strip. The Armored Corps has played a significant and decisive role in every war that Israel has fought. Soldiers in the corps serve in a wide range of positions from those inside the tank to outside, accompanying tanks into battle. While their responsibilities may differ, the many of the corps’ soldiers work with the Merkava, which was developed in Israel in the 1970s. Since then, there have been many changes to the tank, including the recent addition of the Barak system, which will propel Israel’s ground capabilities into the future.
The new information we got in this article is that the operation time is prolonged by 30%. I don't know what exactly they are referring to here - More fuel, more efficient engine, or better batteries.
A hint can be found here. Li-ion batteries were said to be tested on the Merkava, but without any schedule. However the silent operation time was claimed to be 3 times as high as the current one, not 30% higher.
It is also told that the Barak will have drastically improved commander and gunner's sights.
