A little thing on ATGMs based on a past conflict. So, in 2006 the Israeli Defence Forces deployed Merkavas to Lebanon as part of Operation 'Change of Direction'. There, they were subjected to a very high number of ATGM attacks by Hizbullah. 
The key points (if you don't fancy reading further) are that modern MBTs can have high levels of survivability against HEAT missiles even when penetrated. And, that small packets of armour are not a good thing to use against dispersed infantry - but you already knew that right?
In total, 50 Merkavas were successfully hit by ATGM/RPGs, which included Kornet-E, Metis-M, RPG-29, Konkurs and the good old Fagot. The Merkavas included the Mk 2, 3, and 4 in service from 83, 90 and 2001 respectively.
21 were penetrated, 11 of the incidents resulted in no fatalities while 10 incidents resulted in 23 crew casualties. Compare this with 73, when 60% of hits with Sagger missiles resulted in penetration, and often the death of all four crew members.
Sure - I know - they were older tanks, but they were older missiles too. The issue, according to IDF sources, was things like oil-based gun control systems, and unprotected ammo. This led to vehicle fires and things that generally aren't good for a tank crew.
In 1982, the penetration of the OG Merkava 1 stood at around 45%, casualties were lower than 72, but higher than 06 (don't have figures - sorry), indicating the improvements that came with Merkava's additional armour and survivability enhancements.
What changed? Well, Merkavas from Mk 3 use an electric gun control system and ammunition storage that can prevent cook-off for 45 mins, even when internal tank temperatures reach 1,000 C. There's also a whole bunch of other clever stuff going on with the fuel lines etc.
It was this 2006 operation that spurred the IDF on to procuring Trophy, having previously deferred its procurement. Some claimed that Trophy would have saved a lot of IDF lives in 2006.
Next up is tactics. While Hizbullah anti-tank teams appeared well-trained and familiar with the MBTs weak spots, some of their successful hits were attributed to the tactics employed by the IDF in the first weeks of the fighting.
"Most of the armoured units were deployed on rescue and covering missions, rather than leading a wide offensive," said retired brigadier general Avigdor Klein, "This is contradictory to the IDF armour doctrine and unnecessarily exposed the tanks to the missiles."
These allegations had been levelled at the IDF before, as it had deployed the beasts in stationary positions allowing plenty of time for the missiles - which can take 17 seconds to reach a target at full range - to be deployed.
The IDF is known to have used tactics to mitigate against this. Known as the ‘Sagger Watch’ procedure tanks would use the auto‐track facility of the Merkava's fire‐control system to detect Hizbollah tank‐killers before or during missile launch and respond by direct point fire.
To conclude, the important thing to remember with ATGMs is that penetration doesn't necessarily mean defeat. The crew might be shaken, wounded or dead, but if the vehicle is well-designed it may fight on. And, that tactics are very important for survivability.
• • •
Missing some Tweet in this thread? You can try to
force a refresh
