#israel
The Magach 1 was one of the first, modern, US-made main battle tanks to enter into the Israeli armored corps during the second half of the 1960s. Despite not taking part directly in the conflicts that occurred in those years, the Magach 1 was instrumental in bolstering the numbers and effectiveness of the IDF (Israeli Defense Force). This article aims to offer the reader a brief overview of its history before its retirement and conversion to the Magach 3.
The Netz (נץ, or Hawk) is the dedicated Israeli export version of the feared F-16A Block 10 single-seat fighter aircraft. With its large plethora of both air-to-air and air-to-ground ordnance options ranging from the mighty Python to the AGM-65B, it has a loadout for most situations you will come across at this BR. Additionally, its 20 mm M61A1 Vulcan autocannon is a force to be reckoned with, being able to shred any air target it faces with ease. Thanks to its agility and strong thrust-to-weight ratio, the Netz also shines in dogfights, able to hold energy well and out-turn many opponents.
The Sholef (שולף= “draw, scoot out” in Hebrew) was an Israeli experimental self-propelled artillery developed in the 1980s by Israel Military Industries (IMI) and Soltam. Considered one of the most advanced self-propelled artillery systems of its time, it never entered production and only 2 prototypes were ever created.
The F-4E is an American 3rd generation fighter jet built to address the significant flaws found in the earlier F-4C, most notably its lack of a built-in cannon armament and countermeasures. The upgrades it received gave the F-4E a very wide appeal with export customers and made it the baseline for the vast majority of export variants to the air forces of Western-aligned nations. While many of these exports, like those to Germany and Japan, would receive downgraded avionics, a lack of radar-guided missiles, or reduced flight performance, Israel’s F-4E “Kurnass” fighters are almost identical to their American counterparts, excluding the switch to AIM-9D/G Sidewinder missiles used by the United States Navy. Regardless, American and Israeli players can benefit from the F-4E’s very user-friendly playstyle, with a very high skill ceiling that provides all the tools necessary for success when flying it.
The SPYDER AIO is an Israeli air defense system manufactured by Rafael. Unlike other anti-air units such as the IRIS-T SLM and CLAWS which utilize separate radar and missile-launching vehicles, the SPYDER AIO integrates a radar and launcher on a single 8×8 truck. Its sole armaments are the Python 5 and I-DERBY-SR missiles, which can be used to combat all types of aircraft. While it does have less offensive capability than other air defense systems due to its somewhat short-ranged missiles, the SPYDER AIO is an excellent addition to Israel’s toptier ranks and a worthy successor to the antiquated Drakon.
The Merkava Mk.4M "Meil Ru'ach" is an Israeli indigenous MBT, designed and manufactured by Mantak and the IDF Ordinance Corps. Prioritizing crew protection and survivability over all other aspects, the tank has a frontally mounted engine to shield the crew and a well-balanced armor layout. When compared to the preceding Merkava Mk.4B/LIC, the Merkava Mk.4M is upgraded to use the venerable Trophy APS to protect the tank from ATGMs and other guided munitions. The Merkava has the potential to be a formidable weapon in the hands of a skilled player, but it demands more expertise from players to achieve success compared to other MBTs, primarily due to its weak armor.
The AH-60 Battlehawk is an Israeli development of the famed Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk utility helicopter, adapted for combat operations. With an exceptional air-to-ground armament in the form of 16 fire-and-forget SPIKE-ER missiles, the Battlehawk excels in ground engagements where it can devastate targets and overwhelm SPAAs with its SPIKEs while having the ability to dip behind cover to avoid any return fire.
The F-15I Ra’am is an Israeli-modified F-15E Strike Eagle with indigenous avionics and additional modifications to fit Israeli requirements. With two Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-229 engines, the F-15I is capable of producing immense amounts of thrust and is the fastest plane in War Thunder. The F-15I excels at attacking ground targets and performing CAS duties with its large suite of GBUs, GNSS bombs, and AGMs. It also performs very well in medium to long range air-to-air combat, being able to launch its AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles at extraordinarily high speeds and is well suited to the medium to long range BVR gameplay of toptier air battles.
