The U.S. Secretary of State has approved a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Israel of 120mm M830A1 High Explosive Anti-Tank Multi-Purpose with Tracer (MPAT) tank cartridges and related equipment for an estimated cost of $106.5 million. The M830A1, successor to the M830, stands as a testament to this progression, offering a significant leap in lethality, versatility, and adaptability for the M1A1 and M1A2 Main Battle Tanks. The Government of Israel has requested to buy thirteen thousand nine hundred eighty-one (13,981) 120mm M830A1 High Explosive Anti-Tank Multi-Purpose with Tracer (MPAT) tank cartridges.The Secretary of State determined and provided detailed justification to Congress that an emergency exists that requires the immediate sale to the Government of Israel of the above defense articles and services in the national security interests of the United States, thereby waiving the Congressional review requirements under Section 36(b) of the Arms Export Control Act, as amended.
The M830A1 distinguishes itself by augmenting the tactical arsenal of the US inventory since the ’80s. Its enhancements are multifaceted, heralding an era of improved combat potential through a higher initial velocity and a sophisticated multi-purpose fuse. This fin-stabilized round, equipped with a discarding sabot and tactical service tracer, redefines the landscape of anti-armor capabilities. The M830 HEAT-MP-T, 120-mm cartridge is a direct translation of the German DM12A1 round with the exception that a United States design fuze system and explosive (Composition A3, Type 11) is used. At its core lies a meticulously designed propulsion system, integrating a metal case base, combustible cartridge case, case adapter, and nineteen perforated hexagonal JA2 propellant, akin to the technology employed in the esteemed M829A1. The conical nose of the projectile features the FISA, a critical element linked to the warhead body, and the M74 Proximity Switch, constituting a secondary switch mechanism.
Noteworthy is the innovative functionality of the M74 Proximity Switch, housing two parallel “switches” pivotal in completing the M774 firing circuit. One switch activates upon direct impact, while the other, an electronic transistor, responds to the proximity of an air target. This ingenious design ensures adaptability in engaging diverse targets, facilitated by a flexible electrical cable path within the system. The M830A1’s transformative features also lie in its weight and dimensions, with a black cartridge adorned with yellow markings weighing 49.2 lb (22.3 kg). The projectile itself accounts for 25.1 lb (11.4 kg), boasting a length of 38.74 inches (98.4 cm). Its versatility is further underscored by the ability to engage helicopters, attributed to the dual-purpose fuze offering impact or proximity modes—a groundbreaking capability unprecedented in Main Battle Tanks upon its initial fielding in 1994.
The Merkava (chariot) is a series of main battle tanks used by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and the backbone of the IDF’s Armored Corps. Current iterations of this tank are considered broadly equivalent to the capabilities of the M1 Abrams, Leopard 2 and the Challenger 2. The Merkava Mk.3 is fitted with a fully-stabilized 120 mm smoothbore gun, locally developed by Israel Military Industries. This gun can fire all standard NATO 120 mm munitions. It can also fire gun-launched LAHAT anti-tank guided missiles in the same manner as ordinary projectiles. The Mark 3, Mark 3 Dor Dalet BAZ kassag, and the Mark 4 are armed with an IMI 120 mm smoothbore gun which can fire almost all versions of Western 120 mm smooth bore tank ammunition, as well as the LAHAT anti-tank guided missile.
