[DemforBush]

If memory serves, the Israelis rejected the original version of the Bradley as well, for similar reasons.

I would imagine a Merkava-based APC/IFV would have fairly high maintenance cost (all that heavy tank armor and the damage-prone engine/tranny set up). But the crews should be able to survive a frontal hit from just about any RPG/ATGM out there.

Sounds like another example of Israeli ingenuity and common sense in defense matters.

[Tallguy]

Sounds like another example of Israeli ingenuity and common sense in defense matters.

Agreed. If I'm going into an urban streetfight, I'd rather be in a Merkava.

But then again, the Israelis don't have to worry about getting their armored force halfway round the world to fight. They pretty much drive into combat.

[JSteff]

"Sounds like another example of Israeli ingenuity and common sense in defense matters."

If only we got the same life & usage out of all our military equipment. I know we do get it out of some but probably not as many as we could.

[eno_]

Sounds like another example of Israeli ingenuity and common sense

Yeah, it's called a performance threshold. Something that fails against known IED/mine threats is as worthless as riding around in a canvas-sided cart.